News
Oct 04, 2021
More new hires and promotions seem to be occurring at record pace as the trade show and destination marketing industries continue to forge ahead. Check out who’s moving in and up at event-related organizations throughout the U.S. and across the globe.
ConvExx
Las Vegas-based independent trade show and event management company ConvExx recently awarded several team members with new titles.
Jennifer Carr has been promoted to vice president, trade show and event operations, in which she will be responsible for service contractor relationships, graphics and show décor, and assisting with… more
Oct 01, 2021
Amid a growing trend to put strict health and safety protocols in place at events, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has implemented a COVID-19 vaccine requirement, among other safety measures, for all in-person attendees and exhibitors of the hybrid Expo! Expo! IAEE Annual Meeting and Exhibition 2021. The event is scheduled for Dec. 7-9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) in Philadelphia.
IAEE officials said the organization is committed to providing the safest event experience possible at Expo! Expo! and is working closely with its show partners on… more
Oct 01, 2021
It’s no secret that waste is a leading sustainability issue plaguing the entire global hospitality industry. In the U.S. alone, nearly 40% of food waste is generated from consumer-facing businesses including restaurants and hotels, according to leading conservation organization World Wildlife Fund (WWF). But while hotels have made important strides in waste prevention and diversion over the last several years, industry-wide waste reduction has presented a significant challenge due to the absence of a common approach in collecting data and measuring and reporting waste. In other words, hotels… more
Sep 29, 2021
NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organization and CVB for New York City’s five boroughs, is aiming to get event professionals in a New York state of mind. The organization recently unveiled “It’s Time to Make It NYC,” a marketing and sales initiative designed to highlight the city’s vibrant comeback and major new developments and invite event professionals to choose the destination for in-person gatherings.
“This new campaign is a signal to planners and [organizers] everywhere that it’s time to return to NYC for face-to-face meetings, conventions, trade shows and events… more
Sep 28, 2021
MGM Resorts International has entered into a definitive agreement with New York-based private equity behemoth Blackstone Group to acquire the casino and hotel operating rights of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for just over $1.6 billion.
Announced Sept. 27, the deal coincides with Blackstone’s sale of the 3,032-room Strip resort to a group of buyers for about $5.6 billion, nearly tripling its investment in the Strip property seven years after acquiring it from Deutsche Bank for just over $1.7 billion and spending $500 million on capital improvements.
According to Blackstone officials, a… more
Sep 28, 2021
As the trade show industry continues its pointed focus on recovery, event organizations are once again making acquisitions, establishing new partnerships and extending existing agreements in preparation for a robust return to face-to-face events. Here’s just a sampling of some of the new business deals that have been happening across the industry since the start of the summer.
HMP Global Acquires Executive Senior Living Conference & Expo
HMP Global, the world’s largest healthcare event and education company, has acquired the Senior Living Executive Conference & Expo from Argentum,… more
Sep 27, 2021
Last week, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released its 2021 CEIR Index Report, which analyzes the 2020 U.S. B2B exhibition industry’s performance and provides an economic and exhibition industry forecast for the next three years. Released annually, the report is a powerful tool designed to help organizers, service providers and the financial community understand the economics of trade shows, providing the context and insights needed to help inform strategic business decisions.
Due to the pandemic, CEIR did not produce an Index Report in 2020.
As an objective measure of… more
Sep 23, 2021
Guests attending or exhibiting at trade shows held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) are going to notice a futuristic presence in their midst: a 5G smart robot combining 5G network and artificial intelligence technologies designed to enhance security and operational efficiency at the massive facility.
Deployed during the Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival, held Aug. 20-23, “Captain C” is equipped with a 360-degree 4K high-definition surveillance camera, an infrared detection camera and a sensor system for detecting smoke and fire.
According to HKCEC (… more
Sep 22, 2021
Officials throughout the tourism, exhibitions, conferences and events sectors overwhelmingly applauded the Biden Administration’s announcement this week that U.S. travel restrictions for vaccinated international visitors will be eased in November. The move reopens the country to millions of people and paves the way for a massive boost to the industry’s recovery.
Starting in early November, travelers from anywhere in the world will be able to fly directly into the U.S. if they show proof of full vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding their U.S.-bound flight. No quarantine… more
Sep 21, 2021
London-based Tarsus Group entered into a partnership with the Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association (HKPCA) to be a supporting organization, and together with other organisers, will jointly produce the world's leading printed circuit board event, the International Electronics Circuit Exhibition Shenzhen (The IECES Show), from 2022 onwards.
This is a significant move for Tarsus, which has an established history of partnering with associations on several of its leading events, including the Labelexpo Global Series, A4M and Hometex, as well as working with event partners to bolster operations… more
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.