Feb 16, 2015
USITT 2015, which is run by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, is on tap in Cincinnati and now boasts a record 280 exhibitors – including 60 new ones. USITT Stage Expo Manager Ron Procopio says he is excited to welcome so many companies new or returning after years away to the 55th Annual Conference & Stage Expo. The event will fill some 45,000 square feet of Cincinnati’s Duke Energy Convention Center March 19-21. “As the industry and economy changes, so does USITT’s Stage Expo floor,” Procopio said. “So, besides our huge showing of big industry names, we’re attracting… more
Feb 13, 2015
Cybersecurity is a topic affecting every business that utilizes the Internet, including meetings, conferences, and trade shows where business intelligence and private information is exchanged and communicated regularly over wired and wireless networks. While it only takes ONE major incident to compromise the integrity of an organization, most trade show planners are oblivious to the risks and remedies available to them. In this TSNN webinar, event-technology journalist Michelle Bruno speaks with cyber-security expert Michael Robinson about what to look for, how to prepare, and who… more
Feb 12, 2015
This month on Interview with a Trade Show Exec, part of an ongoing TSNN series conducted by Traci Browne, we’ll be getting to know a bit more about another one of our industry’s rock stars. While it may not have the Gothic setting of an Anne Rice novel, I think these main characters are just as complicated and deep as were Lestat de Lioncourt and Louis de Pointe du Lac, but without all that brooding undead thing going on. Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr. Vice Chairman, president & COO AMC Inc. AmericasMart shows and markets and LIGHTFAIR 29 years in the trade show industry Traci Browne: Where… more
Feb 11, 2015
The Kentucky International Convention Center, located in Downtown Louisville, is set to begin an expansion and renovation project in August 2016 with an early completion date of summer 2018. Kentucky State Fair Board President and CEO Rip Rippetoe said that the accelerated construction schedule will “keep this renovation on time and within budget which is certainly a top priority.” The Fair Board oversees the center. The renovation of the convention center is projected to cost $180 million. The investment will increase contiguous exhibit space by more than a third, from 146,000 square feet to… more
Feb 10, 2015
World of Concrete 2015 that took place Feb. 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center showed the strongest results in six years. Attendance was up 20 percent, at 55,779, compared with last year’s numbers. Exhibitor count reached 1,400, a jump of 17 percent. Square footage also has grown by close to 20 percent to almost 700,000 square feet. “We’ve had a phenomenal show,” said Tom Cindric, vice president of World of Concrete, Informa Exhibitions U.S., Construction and Real Estate. “The economy is getting better on the commercial construction side.” The show also saw a boost in conference… more
Feb 10, 2015
UBM Asia has entered into a strategic partnership with Interexpo (M) Sdn Bhd to organise Interexpo’s annual Beauty Expo in Malaysia starting from the 2015 event. Beauty Expo is the biggest and longest-running beauty trade show in Malaysia and the largest such trade platform in Southeast Asia serving the beauty and wellness industry. The partnership is a significant addition to UBM’s portfolio of beauty, cosmetics and wellness events in Asia. UBM organises beauty exhibitions, namely PhilBeauty in the Philippines, ASEANBeauty in Thailand, Diet & Beauty in Japan and is a joint organiser of… more
Feb 10, 2015
With the establishment of Guangzhou Li Tong Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd., Messe Frankfurt has further increased its presence in China. The new subsidiary is a joint venture between Messe Frankfurt’s Hong Kong subsidiary Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. and the Chinese industry association Guangdong Toy Association (GDTA). Messe Frankfurt holds a 55 percent majority stake in the joint venture company.  The managing director of the new company is Wendy Wen, who has been with Messe Frankfurt for many years, holding managerial positions since 2003. Since November 2012, Wen has been senior general… more
Feb 10, 2015
A total of 434 exhibitors, compared with 431 last year, with 656 brands presented their products from the Outdoor, Action Sports, Ski, Sportstyle and Fabrics & Fibres segments on about 40,000 square meters of exhibit space. Nearly 30,000 visitors attended the fully booked exhibition center, which reflected another slight increase in the number of visitors. Klaus Dittrich, chairman of the management of Messe München GmbH, said of the show, “The four trade show days once again showed that the sporting goods industry continues to grow in China. This is also evident in the increasing number… more
Feb 10, 2015
More than 4,500 consumer technology professionals from 80 countries have registered for the inaugural International CES Asia™ since the launch of registration three weeks ago. CES Asia will run May 25-27 in Shanghai at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) and will draw global businesses to showcase the latest products and technologies entering the Asian marketplace.   “This strong response underscores the importance of and demand for CES Asia to showcase the full breadth and depth of the innovation value-chain in the Asian marketplace,” said Gary… more
Feb 09, 2015
The  Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle Systems Association, The Tesla Foundation and E.J. Krause & Associates will team up to produce the 2nd annual International Drone Expo (LA Drone Expo) Dec. 11-12 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The 2014 International Drone Expo assembled the largest ever global gathering of the commercial drone community, according to organizers. The two-day event featured exhibitors from around the world and attracted more than 3,000 buyers.  Industry leaders including DJI, 3DR, Drone Deploy, Aerial Media Pros, as well as many others, displayed their… more
Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.