News
Dec 18, 2011
If someone told show management at the Radiological Society of North America that there was an economic downturn happening worldwide, they likely would say “What recession?”
At the association’s recent 97th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, held Nov. 27-Dec. 2 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, there were so many positive statistics that the event was a resounding success as a result.
Based on audited numbers, the RSNA member attendance was 11,970, more than 4-percent higher than in 2010, and radiologist attendance was 16,272 - a record in the meeting's… more
Dec 18, 2011
The International Medical Meeting Professional Association named its 2011-2012 officers and directors, who were selected in June at IMMPA’s “Engage, Enlighten, and Educate” Annual Meeting and Conference at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers.
Scott Graham, president of Excellent Meetings in Chillicothe, Ohio, was inducted as president, succeeding Lisa Keilty, President of The Keilty Group.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with some of the top leaders in the medical meetings industry,” Graham said.
He added, “With such excellent… more
Dec 18, 2011
Germany-based Messe Duesseldorf, along with PT Wahana Kemalaniaga Makmur (WAKENI), will launch the indometal 2013, International Metal & Steel Trade Fair Feb. 20-23 at the Jakarta International Expo in Indonesia.
The event will be organized through Messe Duesseldorf’s Asia division and is designed as a platform for metal and steel businesses to tap into Indonesia’s markets.
“We are proud to announce that we are further expanding our presence in Southeast Asia, offering our customers and partners even more opportunities to widen and strengthen their presence in… more
Dec 15, 2011
December may be a slower month for trade shows, but the executive shuffle was in overdrive, with several companies announcing promotions and new hires.
John P. Gallagher will take the reins as as president and CEO of Germany-based Messe Frankfurt's U.S. subsidiary Feb. 1. He will replace outgoing president and CEO David Audrain in the Atlanta office.
Gallagher previously was senior vice president at E.J. Krause & Associates, where he oversaw events such as plastimagen in Mexico (plastics), Pap for Russia (paper and pulp) and China Paper.
In his new role at Messe Frankfurt, he… more
Dec 14, 2011
U.K.-based Tarsus Group’s biennial Labelexpo Asia broke all previous records and had its largest show ever when it ran Nov. 29–Dec. 2 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
The four-day event attracted 18,019 visitors, a 9-percent increase, compared with the 2009 event, as well as 270 exhibitors, up 20 percent, compared with 2009.
“We would like to thank everyone involved with Labelexpo Asia for their support and contribution in making 2011’s show the greatest yet,” said Roger Pellow, Labelexpo managing director.
He added, “Not only has the… more
Dec 13, 2011
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is off to a positive start, raising $1 million for its public relations campaign to increase awareness about the long-term benefits of face-to-face exhibitions and events.
The goal of the PR campaign is to tell the industry’s story, as well as give support to continue to bolster the trade show industry’s reputation as the No. 1 place to bring buyers and sellers together to conduct business.
“I am thrilled by the support from hundreds of our colleagues and their organizations,” said Vinnie Polito, IAEE… more
Dec 13, 2011
Team San Jose - the city’s convention and visitors bureau that also oversees the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, along with other arts and entertainment venues – received a unanimous vote of confidence Dec. 13 from the city council and San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed to drop the RFP process to find another entity for CVB and venue management responsibilities.
“This is a great signal to our customers and the community that Team San Jose is here to serve their needs,” said Bill Sherry, CEO of Team San Jose.
He added, “(The) vote of confidence is a positive move… more
Dec 12, 2011
The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute’s Expo Pack Mexico is getting a major vote of confidence from companies interested in the show, with 90 percent of the exhibit space being booked seven months out.
The event will be held June 26-29 at Centro Banamex, Mexico City, and the high demand for the space several months before the show opens “clearly demonstrates exhibitor confidence in the market,” said José Martínez, Latin American office director for show owner and producer PMMI.
“We are very pleased with the interest generated again by Expo… more
Dec 12, 2011
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Industries Association, providing additional global opportunities for IAEE and SCEIA members to connect to develop new exhibitions and face-to-face events.
"We are very enthusiastic about entering into this agreement with our friends and colleagues at SCEIA, and offer a new benefit and community for IAEE members,” said IAEE President Steven Hacker.
He added, “We are looking forward to collaborating and extending the available… more
Dec 12, 2011
While most of the rest of the world still is grappling with the long-lasting economic downturn, Germany-based Messe Frankfurt had good news to celebrate with the recent release of the group’s preliminary figures for 2011.
The numbers indicate that not only will sales reach a new high of $598 million (€457 million) this year, beating forecasts, but also group sales are predicted to top $654 million (€500 million) for the first time ever in 2012.
“Independent of event cycles, we are increasing our sales every year and remaining consistently profitable,” said… more
Partner Voices
Less than six months ago, Lisa Messina joined the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) as the first-ever chief sales officer after leading the sales team at Caesars Entertainment. A 12-year Las Vegas resident, Messina is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and serves on MPI International’s board of directors.
TSNN had a chance to catch up with this dynamic leader and talk to her about her vision for the new role, current shifts in the trade show industry, creating more diversity and equity within the organization, and advice to future female leaders.
Lisa Messina, Chief Sales Officer, LVCVA
With Las Vegas becoming The Greatest Arena on EarthTM, what are some of the things you’re most excited about in your role?
Our team was at The Big Game’s handoff ceremony earlier this month, and I couldn’t help but think, “We’re going to crush it next year!”
These high-profile events and venues not only drive excitement, but also provide unmatched opportunities for event planners. Allegiant Stadium hosts events from 10 to 65,000 people and offers on-field experiences. Formula 1 Grand Prix will take place in Las Vegas in November, after the year-one F1 race, the four-story paddock building will be available for buyouts and will also offer daily ride-along experiences that will be available for groups. And, of course, the MSG Sphere officially announced that it will open in September, ahead of schedule, with a U2 residency. It’s going to be the most technologically advanced venue as far as lighting, sound, feel, and even scent, and it will be available for buyouts and next-level sponsorships inside and outside. There’s no ceiling to what you can do when you’re doing events in Las Vegas.
Allegiant Stadium
As the trade show and convention business returns to the pre-pandemic levels, what shifts are you noticing and how do you think they will impact the industry going forward?
Our trade show organizers are very focused on driving customer experience. Most of our organizers are reporting stronger exhibitor numbers and increased numbers of new exhibitors, with trade shows proving to be almost or above 2019 levels. Now our organizers are really doubling down on driving attendance and focusing on the data to provide that individualized, customized experience to help attendees meet their goals and get the best value. Some companies continue to be cautiously optimistic with their organizational spend when it comes to sending attendees, but I think it will continue to improve. As the U.S. Travel Association makes more progress on the U.S. visa situation, we also expect a growing influx of international attendees.
What are some innovative ways the LVCVA helps trade show and convention organizers deliver the most value for their events?
We focus on customer experience in the same way that trade show organizers are thinking about it. We got rave reviews with the West Hall Expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), so over the next two years, we will be renovating the North and the Central halls, which will include not just the same look and feel, but also the digital experiences that can be leveraged for branding and sponsorship opportunities.
Vegas Loop, the underground transportation system designed by The Boring Company, is also a way we have enhanced the customer experience. Vegas Loop at the LVCC has transported more than 900,000 convention attendees across the campus since its 2021 launch. Last summer, Resorts World and The Boring Company opened the first resort stop at the Resorts World Las Vegas , with plans to expand throughout the resort corridor, including downtown Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium and Harry Reid International Airport. The LVCVA also purchased the Las Vegas Monorail in 2020, the 3.9-mile-long elevated transportation system that connects eight resorts directly to the convention center campus. This is the only rail system in the world that integrates fares directly into show badges and registration. For trade show organizers, these transportation options mean saving time, money and effort when it comes to moving groups from the hotels to LVCC and around the city.
Also, the more we can focus on building the infrastructure around the convention center, the more it supports the customer experience and ultimately supports our trade show organizers. Scheduled to debut in Q4, Fontainebleau Las Vegas will offer 3,700 hotel rooms and 550,000 square feet of meeting and convention space next to LVCC.
What are some of the plans for advancing DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) within your organization?
We’re currently partnering with instead of working with a leading consulting firm, to lay the foundation and create a solid DEI plan and be the leader when it comes to DEI initiatives. The heart of that journey with the consulting firm is also talking to our customers about their strategic approaches to DEI and driving innovation in this space.
What are your favorite ways to recharge?
My husband and I have an RV and we’re outdoorsy people. So, while we have over 150,000 world-class hotel rooms and renowned restaurants right outside our doorstep, one of my favorite things to do is get out to Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire, and Lake Mead. Five of the top national parks are within a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, so there’s a lot you can do. We love balancing the energy of Las Vegas with nature, and we’re noticing that a lot of attendees add activities off the Strip when they come here.
Valley of Fire
What advice would you give to women following leadership paths in destination marketing?
I think it’s about being laser-focused on what you want to accomplish; building a team around you that lifts you and helps you achieve your goals; and being humble and realizing that you do it as a group. No one gets this done alone. Thankfully, there are a lot of women in leadership in this organization, in our customers’ organizations, and in this city that we can be really proud of. We’re a formidable force that is making things happen.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
This article is exclusively sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. For more information, visit HERE.