Aug 07, 2013
The theme for the 2013 Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) meeting is “No Boundaries”. This year’s show focused on how technology makes the travel industry a truly global market player.  And that theme was certainly present with more than 50 countries represented in the 7,000 attendees at the conference. This year’s show, held Aug. 4-7 at the San Diego Convention Center, provided a solid platform for the industry to meet, learn and share.  “There were more than 400 exhibitors covering about 130,000 square feet of exhibit space and representing… more
Aug 06, 2013
Have you ever wondered where you could go to see a ton of different videos and other content related to not only your work, but also your career and life? bxb Online recently launched BOB.tv – Best of Business, an online learning destination for business professionals, at a press conference held Aug. 5 at the American Society of Association Executives Annual Meeting & Exposition in Atlanta. Tony Lorenz, founder of bxb Online, said the plan to develop BOB.tv was first announced at the Professional Convention Management Association’s Convening Leaders annual meeting 18 months… more
Aug 05, 2013
The 24th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair drew more than 980,000 visitors, setting an all-time attendance record for the week-long event, according to the organizer, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). “The Hong Kong Book Fair is a significant cultural event in the Asia-Pacific region,” said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau. He added, “The nearly 10 percent increase in visitor attendance this year can be attributed to the Art Gallery and the sumptuous line-up of fascinating cultural events, which added traffic, and drew tourists to Hong Kong.” The… more
Aug 05, 2013
U.K.-based Reed Exhibitions and China-based CPIT Shanghai recently signed a memorandum of understanding that will enable them to work more closely together on projects.  The MOU was endorsed after successful talks between Wang Lie, vice chairman of the Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai (CPIT Shanghai), and Nat Wong, president of Reed Exhibitions Greater China. As part of the agreement, Reed and CPIT Shanghai will establish mechanisms through which critical experience and information are disseminated, long-term projects are investigated and opinions on key… more
Aug 05, 2013
Six months after Cygnus Business Media put its agriculture-related portfolio up for sale, the American Farm Bureau Federation, a nonprofit that supports farmers and is based in Washington, D.C., bought it for an undisclosed sum. The purchase included five trade shows: Minnesota Farmfest, Dakotafest, Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show, Northern Illinois Farm Show and the IDEAg-branded Interconnectivity Conference. In addition to the events, the buy also encompassed FEED & GRAIN magazine and Case IH Farm Forum magazine, as well as associated digital content properties. The events and… more
Aug 05, 2013
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), in collaboration with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands (CCPI), recently signed a memorandum of understanding to further improve and expand trade promotion and MICE industries between the two countries. Speaking at the MOU Signing Ceremony on behalf of an official Thai counterpart,Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, TCEB’s President said, "... Thailand's MICE sector has been growing strongly in recent years. In 2012 we welcomed 895,224 MICE visitors,exceeding our… more
Aug 04, 2013
Atlanta pulled out all the stops to show off the city to more than 5,000 association executives, suppliers, spouses and guests at the 2013 American Society of Association Executives’ Annual Meeting & Exposition Aug. 4-6. The number of association executives grew this year, with nearly 3,000 attending, the second highest amount since 3,124 attended in 2008 in San Diego. John Graham, president and CEO of ASAE, said cities often make a lot of promises when they bid on the meeting. “Atlanta lived up to and exceeded the promises and commitments (they) made,” he added.… more
Aug 04, 2013
The summer months haven’t slowed down the busy hiring pace by show management and supplier companies, with two new leaders being named at CVBs and a host of other people news in the past month. Milton Segarra was named the new president and CEO of the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau. Segarra previously was executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and served as Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce. He also has held various sales, marketing and C-level management positions with some of Puerto Rico’s top international hotel brands, including… more
Aug 01, 2013
The city of Louisville, Ky., has reason to celebrate, with the booking of the world’s largest helicopter show – HELI-EXPO - March 1-3, 2016, at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The show, owned by the Helicopter Association International, attracts more than 20,000 exhibitors and attendees from around the world, including helicopter manufacturers, owners and operators, government agencies and helicopter industry products. “We know from experience that the people who attend HELI-EXPO stay for multiple nights, so it’s important for us that the host city has the room… more
Aug 01, 2013
Less than a day after members of Local Eight of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, who work at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, went on strike and threatened a 10,000-attendee medical meeting set to come into the center, the crisis was averted. Union officials for all six unions that work in the building and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, which oversees it, signed one year collective bargaining agreement extensions. “I am very optimistic about the dialogue between the center, SMG, and the Labor Unions that emerged during… 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.