Aug 18, 2013
Even before “Superstorm Sandy” struck the Eastern seaboard of the United States, officials in the conventions and meetings business in Atlantic City had been brainstorming about a way to bring more events into their town. The hurricane brought a tremendous amount of damage in its wake, but, according to Gary Musich, Atlantic City CVA’s vice president of convention development, much of the city was spared. “There was no damage to any of the hotels or the convention center,” he added, “There was some flooding, but that’s it. There also was no damage… more
Aug 18, 2013
As part of the final piece of the Sunshine Act that went fully into effect Aug. 1, all pharmaceutical, medical device, biological, and medical supply manufacturers have to report to the Health and Human Services (HHS) any "payment or other transfer of value" to physicians, including any giveaways at medical and pharmaceutical trade shows and meetings. These requirements apply if a manufacturer sells or distributes at least one covered drug, device, biologic or medical supply. For organizers, it just adds one more layer of data collection, but fortunately, technology company… more
Aug 14, 2013
Atlanta-based Urban Expositions has further expanded into the restaurant and foodservice industries by scooping up three shows from Reed Exhibitions and one more from the New York State Restaurant Association. The Reed shows are the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and Expo Comida Latina, as well as the association’s International Restaurant & Foodservice Show, which was managed by Reed. "We have been searching for strategic opportunities to grow our retail/hospitality sector and these shows perfectly reflect the profile and… more
Aug 13, 2013
Trade Show News Network is pleased to announce that Henry S. Givray, president and CEO of SmithBucklin, has not only been named the TSNN Awards Industry Icon honoree, but also he will be speaking on leadership at the awards’ weekend executive conference. Givray leads the world’s largest association management and professional services company, providing full-service management and high-impact specialized services to more than 420 trade and professional associations, corporations and government institutes. “Being named the TSNN Industry Icon Award recipient for 2013 is a… more
Aug 13, 2013
After a 15-year run as the telecom provider for the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, which oversees the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Cashman Center, Smart City Networks lost the lucrative contract to Cox Nevada Telcom, following a 14-1 vote by the LVCVA board on Aug. 13. Smart City came in second, followed by A&T. According to LVCVA board meeting notes, Cox Nevada Telcom was awarded a seven-year contract, with the option of a three-year extension, and will subcontract with showNets to provide on-site services to show management, exhibitors and attendees. “The… more
Aug 12, 2013
Nineteen destination marketing organizations (DMOs) have recently been accredited under Destination Marketing Association International's (DMAI) Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). "Congratulations to these nineteen destinations for receiving their DMAP accreditation," commented Shelly Green, Chair of DMAP and president and CEO of the Durham (N.C.) CVB. She added, "The DMAP process is a comprehensive review of a DMO's business procedures and accountability. These DMOs have shown their dedication to continually providing customers with superior service… more
Aug 12, 2013
The packaging industry just keeps growing and, as a result, so does one of the big shows that represent it - PMMI’s biennial PACK EXPO Las Vegas - which is trending to be its largest ever. Scheduled Sept. 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Pack Expo Las Vegas show organizers have needed to expand the showfloor once again because of the demand for space. “With just two months before show time, PACK EXPO is still growing,” said PMMI President and CEO Charles D. Yuska. “After expanding the show floor to accommodate supplier demand, we plan to add yet more exhibit… more
Aug 11, 2013
The German messes are launching more and more shows in North America, with the latest being the Residential Construction and Remodeling Expo, owned by NürnbergMesse North America. The show will be held Oct. 7-9 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta and geared toward suppliers wanting to reach home builders, architects, designers and remodelers on the East Coast of the U.S., according to show organizers. “We are bringing together the very best talent in all areas of show management, residential building, remodeling and education serving this industry,” said Dirk… more
Aug 11, 2013
Less than a week after New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced the annual Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show not only signed a new contract at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City through 2019, but also was being switched to a mid- to late-January timeframe, which will displace several other trade shows, Lew Shomer, executive director for the Society of Independent Show Organizers, sent a letter to the governor rebuking the decision. “For a government official to interfere with such policies is unconventional and sets a terrible precedent that effectively… more
Aug 08, 2013
Emerald Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer Summer Market continues to defy the odds of being seemingly maxed out for space in Salt Lake City, Utah, and managed to still grow the show to its largest ever. With the Salt Palace Convention Center completely filled, the show had a total of 516,000 net square feet (92,000 in three, temporary pavilion structures), which is 2.5-percent larger than 2012. With stricter attendance qualifications, especially for drive-in and non-exhibitor attendees, approximately 27,000 visitors checked out all of the products displayed by 1,300 exhibitors, which was… 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.