Association Show News

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Sep 30, 2012
After a grueling time trying to get labor reforms passed at Chicago’s McCormick Place, those days are in the past and there are plenty of reasons to celebrate with two big shows – the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and the International Manufacturing Technology Show - both renewing their contracts to stay in the Windy City. The National Restaurant Association will remain in Chicago through 2021, which is a five-year extension on the organization’s current contract. After a thorough review of options, the agreement was signed with the… more
Sep 30, 2012
Whether its natural products, surf gear, bikes or anything and everything having to do with pets, all four industries are thriving, with their recent shows scoring impressive increases in several metrics. New Hope Natural Media’s Natural Products Expo East, held Sept. 19-22 at the Baltimore Convention Center, had upticks across the board, including a 9-percent increase in not only attendees to 21,590 and exhibitors, which scored another 8-percent increase to 1,195, but also a bigger showfloor from 145,180 net square feet last year to 154,520 net sq. ft. this year. “A lot of it… more
Sep 25, 2012
Just as the giant haul trucks and excavators the size of a three-story building, MINExpo International 2012 was impressive with its sheer size and was billed as a largest collection of mining equipment ever gathered. Produced by the National Mining Association, the premier quadrennial event for the mining industry spanned 860,000 square feet, up 40 percent from its previous show in 2008. The show featured a total of 1,890 exhibitors, also up nearly 45 percent, and attracted more than 58,359 attendees, an increase of more than 45 percent. MINExpo was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center… more
Sep 17, 2012
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) decided collocating their shows under one roof next year was a good move for both trade groups.   From July 10-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, ASA’s International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, and AFFTA’s International Fly Tackle Dealer Show, known as IFTD, will be together for the first time. "By joining forces with ICAST and ASA to bring IFTD to Las Vegas in 2013, we are collectively creating what will truly be the largest… more
Sep 17, 2012
Liza Mundy, award-winning reporter and New York Times best-selling author of three books including, “The Richer Sex and the Rise of Women’s Economic Power", will be the luncheon speaker at the 2012 In Honor of Women (IHOW) event, which celebrates women who have made an impact in the association industry through their leadership and contributions. The full-day educational program and awards luncheon is Oct. 31 at the Capitol Hilton in Washington, DC.  Mundy will discuss her newest book, “The Richer Sex and the Rise of Women’s Economic Power”, which… more
Sep 16, 2012
The Penn Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (PANTS) will make a big move in 2013 from its current home at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa., to the newly expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia. The move is part of an effort to give PANTS more visibility, according to show officials. “We want to put the sizzle back in this show and make it an event that no one in the green trades will want to miss,” said MAC Events partner Kevin McLaughlin. He added, “Attendees who come to PANTS will not only find new ideas, products and educational… more
Sep 04, 2012
The National Association of Black Journalists and the National Society of Black Engineers both signed contracts with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority to bring their events to Boston in 2014 and 2016. “Over the last several years, the MCCA and city leaders have made a concerted effort to recruit minority events to come to Boston, allowing people from across the country and around the world to see our city in a new light,” said James Rooney, executive director of the MCCA. He added, “And it’s working. After the National Urban League and Blacks in… more
Sep 03, 2012
Twenty young professionals under the age of 30 will have the opportunity to take part in the International Association of Exhibitions & Events’ Expo! Expo! through a sponsorship by the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau and Austin Convention Center. The professionals, who may not have had the financial resources to attend otherwise, will be invited to attend the event Dec. 4-6 in Orlando. IAEE's 20 under 30 program provides industry education for professional growth in the exhibitions and events industry and helps participants establish a stronger career path and become… more
Sep 03, 2012
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, named Amsterdam RAI the winner of its debut competition on the theme “Best Sustainable Development Strategies“. Amsterdam RAI was selected as the winner from among six short listed finalists: Artexis Group, Cape Town International Convention Centre, Messe Frankfurt, Palexpo and UBM Live Amsterdam. The jury also decided to award an honorable mention to UBM Live Amsterdam for their systems management approach to sustainable development. Each finalist was invited to present its case study at the UFI Focus Meeting on… more
Sep 03, 2012
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012, which takes place Nov. 12-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., will offer more than 85 educational seminars, luncheons, roundtable discussions, behind-the-scenes tours, daylong institutes and half-day symposiums designed to keep attractions industry professionals up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in attractions management. Owned by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the event attracts supervisors, managers, senior executives, and CEO’s, who will all benefit from participating in the… 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.