Aug 04, 2023
Oak View Group (OVG), which takes over venue management for Chicago’s McCormick Place on Oct. 1, named veteran convention and hospitality executive Samuel Thomas Jr. as senior vice president and general manager of the campus, which includes McCormick Place, featuring 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space, the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena and the 4,249-seat Arie Crown Theater.
Thomas, who will relocate to Chicago from Washington, D.C., where he was executive vice president and chief operating officer of Events DC, will begin his new role the first week of September.
McCormick Place… more
Aug 03, 2023
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) is thrilled to unveil the 2023 TSNN Awards top honoree for the Industry Support Award.
All of the award honorees will be celebrated Oct. 27-29 at the 2023 TSNN Awards at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The two-day event will kick off with an opening party at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort and Casino sponsored by Discover Puerto Rico, followed the next day by an education conference at the Puerto Rico Convention Center and an awards gala at the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico and after-party at the Sheraton.
Industry Support Award… more
Jul 31, 2023
The Specialty Food Association's (SFA) 67th Summer Fancy Food Show, held June 25-27 at the Javits Center in New York, drew more than 30,000 professionals from the specialty food and beverage industry. The sold-out event marked a 20% increase in registration compared to 2022, with significant growth in all key buyer categories, including a 21% rise in retailers, a 20% surge in food service professionals, and a 12% jump in distributors.
Recognized as one of the largest specialty food industry gatherings in North America, the Summer Fancy Food Show drew more than 2,200 companies covering… more
Jul 27, 2023
Following an extensive and competitive RFP process, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) has selected global sports and live entertainment company Oak View Group (OVG) as the new private management and food service partner for Chicago’s McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena and Arie Crown Theater.
Beginning Oct. 1 and running through Sept. 2028, the management and F&B contracts were awarded to OVG360 and OVG Hospitality, respectively, following a unanimous vote by the MPEA Board.
“I am thrilled to welcome OVG360 and OVG Hospitality to our campus,” said Larita Clark, CEO of… more
Jul 27, 2023
Informa PLC announced that its revenue and profit in the first half of 2023 shot up following a strong return to live events, in addition to plans for continued growth through an “exclusivity to acquire” HIMSS Global Health Exhibition/Conference and an investment in Talahuf, its Saudi Arabia trade show business.
In its half-year that ended June 30, the London-based public company (which owns TSNN) reported that revenue increased 53% to GBP1.52 billion, up from GBP993.5 million in H1 2022. Pretax profit surged to GBP314.6 million, up from GPB41.5 million year over year. During an earnings… more
Jul 26, 2023
Fast Forward Events has expanded its portfolio of events in the adult alcohol beverage industry with acquisition of the Craft Beverage Expo & Distribution Conference (CBE), the Craft Beverage Experience and the Women in Craft Symposium. CBE Co-Founder Kellie Shevlin joins Fast Forward as vice president, sales and marketing.
Created by Shevlin and industry veteran Vincent Polito, CBE has connected professionals and enthusiasts across the craft alcohol beverage space for the past decade. The event is focused on small-batch beverages including beer, wine, spirits, mead and cider and the… more
Jul 25, 2023
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) is thrilled to unveil the 2023 TSNN Awards top honorees for the Industry Icon Award, Sustainability Award and DEI Leadership Award.
All of the award honorees will be celebrated Oct. 27-29 at the 2023 TSNN Awards at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The two-day event will kick off with an opening party at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort and Casino sponsored by Discover Puerto Rico, followed the next day by an education conference at the Puerto Rico Convention Center and an awards gala at the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico and after-party… more
Jul 24, 2023
New Business Deals: Hyve Group, Skyline Exhibits and More Consolidate Business, Launch New Platforms
As the summer season heats up, trade show-related companies and suppliers in the U.S. and abroad have been busily inking new contracts, fine-tuning and expanding their offerings and scooping up new clients. Take a look!
Hyve Group
Hyve Group’s recently launched Fintech Meetup, the second largest U.S. fintech event focused on fintech, banking, lending and payments, has made an agreement with Fintech Nexus, an independent digital media company dedicated to the financial services industry. Announced in late June, the deal will see Fintech Nexus shift its focus to its content publishing… more
Jul 22, 2023
Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has become a vital aspect of organizing events – from hiring speakers to creating event content to securing sponsors and more. But what about designing the food and beverage offerings at events?
We checked in with Tracy Stuckrath, founder and president of thrive! meetings & events and host of the Eating at a Meeting podcast, who offered some keen insights on the importance of DEI in event catering.
Inclusivity is what inspired Stuckrath to start her business in 2010, when a personal health journey changed the course of her career.
“I… more
Jul 19, 2023
The exhibition industry has made a significant recovery in 2023 and has reached pre-pandemic levels in many parts of the world, according to UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s 2023 Global Exhibition Barometer, a biannual research report offering comprehensive insights into the current state of the exhibition industry, including its post-pandemic recovery and emerging trends and challenges.
In 2023, the exhibition industry revenues are expected to reach 97% of the 2019 levels on average globally, according to the report. In the first half of 2023, 79% of companies… 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.