News

May 01, 2013
April continued the trend as a busy hiring month with some companies, such as Hanley Wood Exhibitions, announcing several key promotions and The Expo Group upping a few executives and hiring two others. Two long-time Hanley Wood team members – Tom Cindric, who ran the World of Concrete portfolio and Dana Teague, who formally ran SURFACES | StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas – both were promoted to vice president positions. Both still will have P&L responsibilities over their events. Cindric joined Hanley Wood Exhibitions in April 2001. Working on World of Concrete the entire time,… more
May 01, 2013
Released last month, the Digital Event Benchmark Report, conducted by Virtual Edge Institute (VEI) and commissioned by Freeman, gives insight into how some organizations are using online events to reach their audiences. The study included a cross-section of the event industry with representation from associations, corporate event planners, trade show organizers, conference producers and agencies, with more than 200 survey participants. Just under 80 percent of survey participants produce physical events, with 70 percent of those respondents also producing online events. More than half of… more
May 01, 2013
Released last month, the Digital Event Benchmark Report, conducted by Virtual Edge Institute (VEI) and commissioned by Freeman, gives insight into how some organizations are using online events to reach their audiences. The study included a cross-section of the event industry with representation from associations, corporate event planners, trade show organizers, conference producers and agencies, with more than 200 survey participants. Just under 80 percent of survey participants produce physical events, with 70 percent of those respondents also producing online events. More than half of… more
Apr 30, 2013
In early April, 13,000 attendees from the United States and 70 other countries attended the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) 2013 Conference and Expo in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand hotel and conference center. The conference and expo, which is run by Nielsen Expositions and was held April 7-14, reports it is the largest show in the world for wedding and portrait photographers. "WPPI 2013 had something for everyone! With so many options and opportunities for learning, choosing which Platform, Master and Plus classes to take was challenging and exciting for our… more
Apr 29, 2013
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers is setting it sites on the growing Latin American market with the planned launch of CONEXPO Latin America in 2015 in Santiago, Chile. Plans for CONEXPO Latin America were unveiled during an AEM press conference April 18 at the bauma trade fair in Munich, Germany. AEMhas signed a letter of intent with the Chilean Chamber of Construction to collocate CONEXPO Latin America with the Chamber’s Edifica exposition to be held October 2015. “We value our longstanding relationship with the Chamber, and this collocation complements our mutual… more
Apr 29, 2013
If the activity on the showfloor at LIGHTFAIR International (LFI) is any indication of the health of the trade show industry, expos are back in business. Not only were the aisles and booths crowded, but also what really stood out was the amount of people walking around with a smile on their face and a jaunt in their step. While some of this positivity could be attributed to the foosball and table tennis in one showfloor lounge, it certainly cannot take all the credit. LFI, which ran April 23-25 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, had in excess of 233,000 net square feet… more
Apr 29, 2013
PMMI, the owner and producer of the PACK EXPO trade shows, will launch a new event, PACK EXPO East, which will be held Feb. 2-4, 2015, in Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Convention Center. “There’s a real need in the market for first-class events that are a bit closer to home,” says Rick Fox Jr., president, Fox IV Technologies, who chairs PMMI’s Board of Directors. He added, “About 18 months ago, PMMI commissioned Westat, a leading research firm, to reach out to customers about the need for a regional event, and if they would support one. The results were… more
Apr 29, 2013
Cleveland-based I-X Center’s decision to buy the Cleveland AUTO-RAMA show and combine it with its existing I-X Piston Power Show for the first time this year paid off, with 35,000 attendees getting the opportunity to check out more than 1,000 piston-powered vehicles during the three-day event. The newly named show - Summit Racing Equipment I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama – was held March 15-17 and covered 1 million square feet at the I-X Center. “Tens of thousands of enthusiasts came to the show, including many fathers and sons, mothers and daughters and grandchildren,… more
Apr 29, 2013
The American Society of Association Executives recently introduced the first Diversity + Inclusion (D+I) tool for associations called the Association Inclusion Index. It is an online, diagnostic tool that evaluates D+I policies, philosophies and practices against community standards. The tool offers strategies and solutions for expanding an organization’s reach, relevance and reputation through practicing inclusive excellence. “It’s critical for organizations to understand how diversity and inclusion plays a practical role in staffing, recruiting, retaining, and engaging… more
Apr 28, 2013
a2z's Quarterly Tradeshow Industry Index report, which analyzes data through the first three months of the calendar year 2013 (Q1 of CY 2013) has just been released for Q1. The Index reflects a stronger-than-expected 3.1 percent quarter-over-quarter growth in net square footage in Q1 of CY 2013. This is a stronger gain than was predicted at the end Q4 of 2012. The Index also forecasts NSF growth to come in at a significantly higher rate of 5.9 percent for Q2 of FY 2013. This is good news for the tradeshow industry, given the fact that the U.S. economy is projected to grow at a more… 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.