News
Oct 24, 2019
Many associations do not have a strategic plan for their events, according to a survey of more than 100 association leaders and decision-makers conducted by general service contracting company T3 Expo. This finding and more were revealed and discussed at length at the company’s 2ndAnnual Executive Leadership Forum, held Oct. 10 at the W Washington D.C. hotel in Washington, D.C.
The annual survey focuses on critical issues necessary for trade show success, growth and increasing revenue. Conducted along with Heidrick & Struggles, an executive recruitment and placement firm, and Professor… more
Oct 23, 2019
This fall has been a busy one for companies in the meetings and trade show business. Take a look.
GES announced two major leadership changes this week. Jay Alitzer, who joined the company in May 2018, has been named global president, and Ian Dunhill, formerly CFO of Gold’s Gym International, joins the company in the newly created position of executive vice president of finance.
Freeman has promoted Michelle Johnson, previously senior vice president and chief information officer, to executive vice president of the company. She has been with Freeman since 2009.
Joyce LevestonPhiladelphia-… more
Oct 23, 2019
More than half of exhibiting companies don’t provide training for their exhibit staff, and as many as 86 percent of staffers have never received even one hour of training, according to trade show industry studies conducted by CEIRand Exhibit Surveys Inc., respectively.
To address this disconnect, trade show marketing expert and author Marlys Arnold has launched Exhibit Marketers Academy, an online library of comprehensive trade show training classes. Designed specifically for exhibitors, these courses can be accessed anytime and anywhere from one’s tablet, smartphone or computer. … more
Oct 22, 2019
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveiled this year’s recipients of its awards program, which recognizes outstanding contributions by IAEE members and member companies.
Along with the Woman of Achievement and International Excellence award winners, which were announced earlier this year, these award recipients will be honored at the Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Presentation during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Dec. 3-5 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The 2019 IAEE Award Winners were selected after careful consideration… more
Oct 21, 2019
Exhibitors trying to minimize their trade show exhibiting expenses might want to get their hands on “Demystifying Electrical Services for the Exhibitor,” the newest Industry Insights Series Report released by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research.
A must-read for new exhibitors in particular, the report details a step-by-step process for determining how much electrical power is needed for an expo booth; how to clearly layout where to install power, and other tips and tricks for minimizing cost and time, and ensuring a smooth installation.
“The logistics of planning an exhibit booth… more
Oct 17, 2019
The focus on sustainability in the world of corporate events will only continue to increase, according to CWT Meetings & Events. In the new M&E Future Trends Report bonus feature, The Future of Sustainable Events, CWT provides insights into the state of the industry and offers tips on how organizations can embed responsible business practices into meetings and events.
“Having a responsible business approach and company culture is ever more important as employees and consumers want to be associated with a brand that reflects their values,” said Ian Cummings, vice president EMEA, CWT… more
Oct 16, 2019
The Freeman Company has completed its previously announced sale of Encore Event Technologies, a global provider of event technology, staging and production services, to PSAV. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Known to event planners as the in-house or preferred audio-visual provider at many venues across the United States, PSAV has a presence in nearly 1,600 locations within 10 different countries. In August 2018, the company was acquired by investment firm Blackstone and becomes even larger with the Encore acquisition.
Like PSAV, Encore also operates as an in-house partner to… more
Oct 16, 2019
The Expo Group unveiled the top four honorees of The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Awards.
These awards are run independently of any industry associations with a judging panel of trade show professionals to honor unsung heroes of events and trade shows.
“This program is a way for us to give back to our profession by drawing attention to the people who impress everyone with their commitment, innovation and excellence,” said President and COO of The Expo Group Randy Pekowski.
He added, “By presenting these awards and making donations to the award winners’ choice of charities,… more
Oct 16, 2019
Event and trade show organizers looking for an overview of how industry giant Informa makes a difference through sustainability — and how they can follow suit — can turn to Informa’s “2018 Sustainability Report: The Role We Play” as a resource.
Released in conjunction with the company’s annual report earlier this year, the document provides examples of how Informa’s brands and content support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, stories of the purposeful partnerships that Informa teams have formed with community groups, and insightful infographics that demonstrate how the business… more
Oct 15, 2019
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) will host the largest global meeting of the exhibition industry, the 86th UFI Global Congress, taking place from 6-9 November 2019 in Bangkok. The event is a testament to the MICE industry's strong private and public sector cooperation in support of the Thai government's 4.0 initiative.TCEB joined forces with multiple partners including Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thai Exhibition Association (TEA), Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Thai Hotels Association (THA) and Bangkok River Partners to welcome about 500… 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.