IAEE's Annual Meeting Sees Uptick in Attendees, Showfloor Size in Las Vegas
December 6, 2011
As the nation’s leading trade show destination, it’s no secret that Las Vegas can be a magical place when it comes to increasing trade show participation. This was no exception for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Annual Meeting & Exhibition, held Dec. 6-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The energetic event kicked off Tuesday night with a lively opening party at the Venetian Casino Hotel & Resort, where fire breathers and Cirque du Soleil-style performers entertained a jovial crowd that appeared more than ready to blow off some steam. With a host of after parties and networking opportunities to follow, the first night of Expo! Expo! started the event off in good spirits.
At Wednesday’s Expo! Expo! trade show, approximately 245 exhibitors and a steady flow of attendees mingled on a 39,000 square foot showfloor interspersed with comfortable and stylish lounge areas at which people schmoozed and enjoyed a delicious lunch buffet at the back of the hall.
Stephen Hacker, IAEE’s outgoing president, said of the event’s approximate 2,300 attendees, there were 300 more show organizers in attendance, compared with the year before, when the event drew 1,750 attendees and 245 exhibitors to a 36,000 sq. ft. showfloor in New Orleans.
The increases in size and attendance could be attributed to a number of factors, he added, including an increase in industry optimism recently backed by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Third Quarter Index report demonstrating the fifth consecutive quarter of exhibition industry growth.
“Anecdotally, throughout the year, we’ve been getting reports about attendance pick ups and record attendance here and there, and the CEIR data confirms that,” Hacker said. “Our show numbers are up because of a combination of things: the improving economy, the improving outlook in the industry, more confidence and the destination – Las Vegas is magic.”
Many show participants said a lot of the show’s magic also had to do with its cutting-edge educational offerings, with 60 sessions covering hot topics, including digital marketing and marketing metrics, enhancing the attendee experience with social media and a new international track focused on global marketplace opportunities.
In his remaining nine months at IAEE’s helm, Hacker says he’ll be focusing intently on sharpening the event’s educational programming, as well as revamping the show’s schedule to promote more quality learning time for participants.
“It’s time to step back, start with a blank slate and achieve our objectives: maximize learning opportunities, maximize ROI for exhibitors in Expo! Expo! and reduce (scheduling) conflict wherever possible … to focus the event on the trade show, learning and networking,” he added. “That’s part of my obligation to the organization … to go out flying with fists and feet and leave my successor with a lot less to deal with.”
First-time Attendee Tonia Miller, CEO of Veer Right Management Group, said education and staying on top of the newest industry trends were the main reasons she had made the trip to Expo! Expo!
“I’m looking at new technology, especially in registration, tracking and QR codes to see what’s new and how they’re applicable,” Miller said. “It’s important with the economy to stay in more touch with what’s happening in our industry. I can’t wait to hear the sessions tomorrow, and if there’s something new I’m going to learn.”
Long-time exhibitor Phil Louis, president of Map Your Show, said that he was pleased with the traffic and the fact that the industry was showing signs of recovery and the event remained one of his company’s key events.
“It’s one of our premier events we participate in because a lot of the key decision makers in the industry come to this show … it’s had that reputation for some time, and it continues to show through that way,” Louis said.
He added, “I always come and try to take back a vibe or a sense of the pulse of what the needs are in the industry right now and what people want you to focus on. It’s one of those shows you have to be at.”
The next Expo! Expo! is set to take place Dec. 4-6at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
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.
Add new comment