News
Aug 20, 2021
The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards, has joined The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct (The Code), a multi-stakeholder initiative to prevent the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children in travel and tourism throughout the world.
As a voluntary set of six criteria to keep children safe that its members commit to, The Code provides awareness, tools and support to the travel and tourism industry to protect children against sexual exploitation. As the world’s first and… more
Aug 19, 2021
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., has become the first facility of its kind to receive GBAC STAR Facility Re-accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association.
The OCCC was one of the first convention centers to receive initial GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation when the program was launched in 2020, and the re-accreditation comes following one year of successfully hosting events amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our GBAC STAR re-accreditation on outbreak prevention, response and recovery is… more
Aug 18, 2021
After 16 years as an extraordinary leading advocate for all segments of the travel industry, including meetings and events, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow recently announced his plan to retire in July 2022.
U.S. Travel’s board of directors extended Dow’s contract after he agreed to stay for one more year, continuing to advocate for the industry as it recovers from the financial devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The board is very grateful to Roger for his steadfast leadership and profound influence on this industry and for strengthening U.S. Travel as a key… more
Aug 17, 2021
CES 2022, the world’s most influential technology trade show, will require in-person attendees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to participate in the live event, set for Jan. 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For those unable to travel to Las Vegas, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), which owns and produces the show, will once again create a digital event that will run in parallel with the in-person program.
“Based on today’s science, we understand vaccines offer us the best hope for stopping the spread of COVID-19,” said Gary Shapiro, CTA president and CEO in a… more
Aug 17, 2021
Global cloud-based, technology-enabled services leader Intrado has acquired Hubb, a leading provider of hybrid event management technology. Finalized Aug. 13, the acquisition opens the door for Intrado Digital Media to expand its leadership position as the world’s largest technology platform built for the omnichannel event marketplace.
According to Intrado officials, the combined capabilities of Intrado Digital Media and Hubb will offer event planners a single source for unified on-site and online events, providing data and analytics across the entire event portfolio that offers valuable… more
Aug 16, 2021
As the trade show industry continues to forge ahead with health and safety still very much top-of-mind, major shows across the U.S. have been pulling off successful in-person iterations. Here are two significant events that happened in Chicago and Orlando recently.
ASI Show
As the first trade show to take place at McCormick Place since Chicago’s shutdown, the ASI Show was also the first large, in-person show for the $20.7 billion promotional products industry in more than 15 months.
Held July 14-15 and hosted by the Advertising Specialty Institute, the show’s attendance exceeded… more
Aug 13, 2021
As the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry dusts itself off and emerges from the pandemic, the need to continue envisioning innovative ways of doing business has never been greater. To help event organizers rethink their offerings and operations, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, teamed up to launch a white paper titled “Reimagining Business Events—Through COVID-19 and Beyond.”
“The pandemic has emphasized the need to innovate and be nimble in the business events… more
Aug 12, 2021
Gamification is like events on steroids. It gives attendees a sense of achievement, triggers strong emotions of happiness and excitement, and gives your event the much-needed engagement muscle.
Want your virtual events and conferences to feel more like fun and less like work? Here are 5 gamification examples to ease your attendees into an immersive experience.
Have an engagement leaderboard: Leaderboards at virtual events are a reflection of attendee engagement with the platform, event, and other attendees. Introducing such a leaderboard to your virtual event is a great way of promoting… more
Aug 12, 2021
After 23 years as president of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Dennis J. Slater will retire Dec. 31 and AEM Senior Vice President, Construction and Utility Sector Megan Tanel will become the first woman to take the helm in the association’s 127-year history, effective Jan. 1, 2022.
Slater has been with AEM since 1982, when he joined the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association (CIMA), AEM’s predecessor. He became president of CIMA in 1998 and president of the newly formed AEM in 2002, following a merger between CIMA and Equipment Manufacturers Institute (EMI).… more
Aug 12, 2021
At the start of her career, Informa President Nancy Walsh recalls working in Manhattan in inside sales for a software company when the idea of transitioning into the trade show world basically fell into her lap.
“The guy I worked for went to Reed (Exhibitions) and tried to recruit me there,” Walsh said. “What sold me was the focus on relationship-building. I loved the idea that we connected buyers and sellers and built communities. I joined the industry and never looked back!”
To this day, Walsh says she still loves the industry’s focus on building relationships and connections. Walsh… 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.