Sep 05, 2023
U.K.-based Cuil Bay Capital (CBC), a new investment vehicle led by exhibition industry entrepreneur Doug Emslie, former CEO of Tarsus Group, announces its inaugural investment, the acquisition of a majority stake in the dynamic U.K.-based Raccoon Media Group (Raccoon). Founded in 2016, Raccoon achieved acclaim with the launch of the multi-award-winning National Running Show. Since then, the company launched several more events in the U.K. and U.S. and experienced fast growth, transforming into a high-growth media business dedicated to promoting healthy and active lifestyles. Raccoon… more
Aug 30, 2023
While leisure travel rebounded at a much faster pace coming out of COVID, business travel has picked up momentum in 2023, according to the 9th CWT Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Travel Price Forecast 2024.  The report helps businesses understand market pricing for airfares, hotel room rates, ground transport and meetings and events. The forecast also explores where prices are heading, as well as the drivers of change. “For business travelers as well as for the travel industry, 2023 and 2024 will present a dynamic environment characterized by economic uncertainty and heightened… more
Aug 29, 2023
About 18 months ago, Nicole Leinbach, founder of Retail Minded and co-founder Independent Retailers & Sellers Conference (IRSC), decided to launch her first trade show, aiming to fill a void in the retail and wholesale sexual wellness space that she saw and wanted to support.  The sexual wellness market in the U.S. was valued at $11 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $20 billion by 2030, according to a report by statista.  On July 24 and 25, STIMULATE: A B2B Sexual Wellness Trade Show debuted in Nashville with about 200 attendees and more than 40 vendors. While this was her first… more
Aug 22, 2023
As Las Vegas Fashion Week got underway on Aug. 7, two trade shows announced they will be co-locating under one roof for their next editions in 2024.  Womenswear in Nevada (WWIN), produced by Clarion Events Inc. and Las Vegas Apparel and operated by ANDMORE (formerly International Market Centers), will run concurrently at The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas Feb. 13-15, 2024 — just days after the 2024 Super Bowl, which will be played at Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11.  Together, the two buying events are expected to feature more than 500 brands.  Relocating from Caesars Palace, WWIN… more
Aug 21, 2023
Clarion Events North America, the U.S. division of UK-based Clarion Events, has tapped event industry veteran Liz Irving as its first president. Bringing a wealth of experience and a proven successful track record in the events industry, Irving has played an integral role in building and leading the Clarion Events North American strategy while supporting the global Clarion Events strategy alongside her international colleagues. This makes her the ideal choice to lead Clarion Events North America into the future, according to Clarion officials. “I have complete confidence in Liz’s ability to… more
Aug 21, 2023
The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) applauds the introduction of the Visa Processing Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that was introduced on July 27 by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS). The legislation addresses the long visitor visa appointment wait times that are impacting the business events sector. The Visa Processing Improvement Act proposes to improve visa processing within the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs in four ways: Increasing consular office flexibility and capacity Improving transparency and accountability… more
Aug 17, 2023
Business events, exhibitions and conferences producer CloserStill Media has agreed to acquire UK-based UKi Media & Events, an events and media business specializing in the transportation sector. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The strategic move significantly expands CloserStill’s reach in North America, Europe and Asia, as well as lays the foundation for the company’s newly launched Future Transport and Infrastructure Group, representing an entirely new market segment for the company. “We are very excited to welcome UKi Media & Events into the CloserStill Group,” said Yancy… more
Aug 16, 2023
The devastating wildfires that tore through western Maui and destroyed much of the historic town of Lahaina has been named the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a 100 years, and one of the top 10 deadliest wildfires since 1871, according to research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  Starting in the early morning hours of Aug. 8, the deadly blaze was the result of a perfect storm of drought conditions and strong winds from Hurricane Dora as it passed south of the islands. More than 100 people have died, up to 1,000 people are still unaccounted for, approximately 2,200… more
Aug 15, 2023
The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) Foundation has established the No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Advisory Council as part of its No Room for Trafficking program, which works to prevent human trafficking and support survivors. NRFT Advisory Council efforts include the development and oversight of the NRFT Survivor Fund, which provides community-based organizations with the resources they need to engage and support the survivors of human trafficking. Council members will help champion and shape the hotel industry’s unified efforts to support human trafficking survivors with… more
Aug 14, 2023
Two of ANDMORE’s leading home, gift and décor markets pulled off successful summer editions in Las Vegas and Atlanta recently. Las Vegas Market A combination of new product introductions, expansive programming and advanced at-market technology helped to deliver a positive market experience for buyers and sellers at the summer 2023 Las Vegas Market, held July 30-Aug. 3 at World Market Center Las Vegas. Buyers from all 50 states and around the globe converged at the annual event to discover the latest trends in furniture, home décor and gifts showcased by more than 1,000 suppliers.  “Las… more
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started. Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind. “Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for." What’s New – AT&T Discovery District Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall. Hotels Coming Soon Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond. JW Marriott This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar. InterContinental Dallas  Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.   Hotel Swexan Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.