Association Show News

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Jan 31, 2012
When the National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show opens Jan. 22.24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center next year, it will run one day shorter, from four to three, than it has in the past. In addition, the Produce Marketing Association’s three-day show will be one day less when that event runs Oct. 27-28 at the Anaheim Convention Center. This year’s show, on tap Feb. 8-11 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, is expected to draw 50,000 attendees and 800 suppliers. The show is down from a high a few years ago of more than 67,000… more
Jan 31, 2012
Two big shows just named power keynotes: President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation, will address attendees at the 2012 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, and the National Association of Broadcasters has chosen Marina Gorbis, executive director of the Institute for the Future, to address NAB Show attendees. The NRA Show is on tap May 5-8 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, and NAB Show is scheduled April 14-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “President Clinton has a unique perspective on our nation and the world,”… more
Jan 17, 2012
Both Philadelphia and Atlanta wrapped up 2011 on a high note and are looking forward to strong bookings going into 2012 and the future. Atlanta’s 2011 fourth quarter was marked by eight large shows that accounted for 111,599 additional hotel rooms bookings and brought estimated 54,000 people to the city. “We finished the year on a high note on the sales side and Atlanta is positioned for another strong year in 2012,” said William Pate, president and CEO of Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. Atlanta’s calendar also looks bright into the future, with the… more
Jan 02, 2012
Trade shows aren’t the greenest of environments in the world, but the Consumer Electronic Association’s International CES, Jan. 10-13 at several venues around Las Vegas, is making an effort to be as sustainable as possible. “Our green and recycling efforts at the 2012 International CES are unprecedented for the largest annual event in the western hemisphere, covering more than 1.8 million square feet and welcoming more than 140,000 attendees,” said Gary Shapiro, CEA’s president and CEO. He added, “We’ve worked hard to ensure that we are using… more
Jan 02, 2012
AIPC - the International Association of Congress Centres, in conjunction with the IMEX Group, has chosen five aspiring convention center managers to receive a scholarship to participate in the 2012 AIPC Academy. "AIPC sees professional development as a key part of our association mandate, and the investment we have made in creating the AIPC Academy as one of the most highly regarded educational programs in the industry is evidence of this,” said AIPC President Edgar Hirt. He added, "However, we recognize that in these financially challenging times, not all centers are in… more
Jan 02, 2012
Eleven destination marketing organizations have achieved accreditation from Destination Marketing Association International‘s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). The accreditation program is designed to recognize DMOs that meet or exceed industry standards. "Congratulations to these eleven destinations for receiving their DMAP accreditation," said James T. Wood, chair of DMAP and president and CEO of the Louisville CVB. He added, "The DMAP process is a comprehensive review of a DMO's business procedures and accountability. These DMOs have shown… more
Jan 02, 2012
When the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual meeting kicks off Jan. 8-11 at the San Diego Convention Center, there’s plenty in store – from The Learning Lounge to the collocated Virtual Edge Summit to innovative keynotes, educations sessions and networking opportunities. This year, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting is working with PCMA once again to organize part of the 2012 Convening Leaders Learning Lounge. There will be more than 100-plus education opportunities from Big Ideas TED-style presentations to “How To” iPad sessions to “Bring… more
Dec 13, 2011
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is off to a positive start, raising $1 million for its public relations campaign to increase awareness about the long-term benefits of face-to-face exhibitions and events. The goal of the PR campaign is to tell the industry’s story, as well as give support to continue to bolster the trade show industry’s reputation as the No. 1 place to bring buyers and sellers together to conduct business. “I am thrilled by the support from hundreds of our colleagues and their organizations,” said Vinnie Polito, IAEE… more
Dec 12, 2011
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Industries Association, providing additional global opportunities for IAEE and SCEIA members to connect to develop new exhibitions and face-to-face events. "We are very enthusiastic about entering into this agreement with our friends and colleagues at SCEIA, and offer a new benefit and community for IAEE members,” said IAEE President Steven Hacker. He added, “We are looking forward to collaborating and extending the available… more
Dec 12, 2011
The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute’s Expo Pack Mexico is getting a major vote of confidence from companies interested in the show, with 90 percent of the exhibit space being booked seven months out. The event will be held June 26-29 at Centro Banamex, Mexico City, and the high demand for the space several months before the show opens “clearly demonstrates exhibitor confidence in the market,” said José Martínez, Latin American office director for show owner and producer PMMI. “We are very pleased with the interest generated again by Expo… 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.