Dec 13, 2021
Talk to Chef Mike Mantia about how he found his way into the culinary world and he’ll tell you the story of a young teen who loved the hustle and bustle of a kitchen so much, he never looked back once he fell into the profession.
Born in the U.S. to Sicilian parents, Mantia’s culinary training started early at his grandmother’s side, learning to roll meatballs at the ripe old age of five. His burgeoning passion for food became further cemented once he discovered the wonder of cultivating herbs, greens, vegetables and fruit in grandfather’s garden, an experience that instilled in him a… more
Nov 30, 2021
Across the events spectrum, new hires and promotions are continuing to happen at a record pace as the trade show industry gears up for a busy new year ahead. Check out who’s jumping on or climbing up the industry ladder.
Exhibit Concepts, Inc.
Exhibit Concepts, Inc. (ECI) recently promoted Dominic Conti to vice president of production and Masten Worley to vice president of sales and account management.
In his new role, Conti will be responsible for fabrication, graphic production, prep, warehouse operations, installation, field supervision, traffic and shipping in both Dayton and Chicago… more
Nov 17, 2021
The flurry of new hires in the events industry continues unabated, particularly at destination marketing organizations and industry associations. Check out who’s landing new career opportunities or moving up the ladder:
Arlington CVB
Following a nationwide search, the Arlington CVB (ACVB) has tapped Brent DeRaad, current president and CEO of Visit Tucson, as its new president and CEO, effective Dec. 6. He is replacing Ron Price, who has served as the ACVB’s president and CEO since 2013. Price resigned in May to head up Visit Phoenix.
DeRaad brings more than 20 years of hospitality… more
Nov 10, 2021
Now that meetings and conventions are trickling back to an in-person format again, the question of what event food and beverage is going to look like for the foreseeable future is likely occupying the mind of many a pandemic-weary event planner these days. To find out how the last 20 months have influenced the kinds of menus events are opting to serve or forgo, we turned to the experts—in this case, 20-year culinary veteran Jen Bargisen, senior executive chef with Sodexo Live!—to find out which F&B trends are hot and which are not in this ever-evolving health and safety landscape.
What… more
Nov 05, 2021
Ask Carina Bauer about how she got into the events industry, and she’ll tell you that while she was “born into it” thanks to her father, Ray Bloom, a serial entrepreneur in the hospitality and meetings industry who founded IMEX Group in 2002, that doesn’t mean her fate was necessarily sealed.
“I actually started my career in catering, running a chain of coffee shops and later joined IMEX by accident when I stepped in to help when one of the team fell ill a year before our first IMEX in Frankfurt,” Bauer explains.
That happy accident resulted in a complete immersion into the business… more
Oct 26, 2021
The influx of new hires and promotions continues unabated at event-related organizations far and wide as the industry prepares itself for a busier 2022. Take a look!
Skyline Displays
Skyline Displays, a leading provider of displays, exhibits and related services for trade shows and corporate events, has tapped Anthony Floreano as its new CEO. He succeeds Bill Dierberger, who is retiring after serving as president and CEO for 11 years but will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors.
Floreano brings a strong background in the event space to his leadership role, having spent… more
Oct 24, 2021
The 2021 TSNN Awards, on tap Dec. 1-2 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., will honor an incredible group of people and trade shows for leadership, innovation, courage and stepping out of the box during challenging times.
Diversified Communications’ President Mary Larkin and Mad Event Management President/Founder Martha Donato have both made extraordinary efforts to not only raise the profile of, but also support women in the trade show and events industry.
As a result, TSNN is excited to announce that they will both receive the 2021 Women’s Leadership Award.
“Alongside Martha, we… more
Oct 19, 2021
Like many of her colleagues in the industry, Michelle Mason “stumbled” into the associations field more than 20 years ago via a temporary staff assistant role at the Chemical Manufacturers Association (now the American Chemistry Council).
“I really didn’t know much about the industry but as I began to learn on the job, I realized that this is a very diverse sector, it focuses on community and serving people, and associations really have a huge societal impact and improve our quality of life,” she said. “That’s when I knew I was destined to be a life-long association professional.”
Fast-… more
Oct 18, 2021
Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky and Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie will be celebrated for their incredible advocacy, support and achievements in the trade show industry at the 2021 TSNN Awards Dec. 1-2 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
Sedky has been named the 2021 TSNN Awards Industry Icon Award honoree, given to an individual in the trade show industry who has displayed exemplary leadership.
Emslie will be celebrated at the awards with the inaugural Humanitarian Award for the incredible effort he put forth during a fundraiser he spearheaded to raise more than $42,000 for… more
Oct 13, 2021
Taffy Event Strategies, a female-owned, full-service trade show and event planning firm based in Arlington, Va., appointed well-known industry veteran Jennifer Heinold to the newly created position of chief operating officer.
In collaboration with Taffy President Jennifer Hoff, Heinold will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company and ensure that the needs and expectations of current and future clients are met and exceeded by building growth strategies for shows and leading new product development.
Heinold brings a wealth of experience in serving diverse communities; connecting… 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.