Apr 21, 2013
Two medical meetings - one of which was about to start moving in last week just a few blocks from the twin bombings that occurred during the marathon in Boston - went on as scheduled, despite the week-long search for the suspects that eventually ended April 19. Another event that was meant to begin April 20-21, Boston Comic Con, was postponed at the John B. Hynes Convention Center. James Rooney, executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, sent regular updates to the trade show industry keeping them apprised of the fluid situation that included a “shelter in… more
Apr 17, 2013
From large screens to small, the future of broadcast and digital media was in the spotlight at the National Association of Broadcasters’ NAB Show 2013 that took place April 6-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. NAB reported exhibit space grew nearly 10 percent, compared with 2012. The event had 1,600 exhibitors spanning 900,000 net square feet of exhibit space, up from 815,000 net sq. ft. in 2012. Attendance was also up at 92,414, compared with 91,565 last year. “It’s shaping up to be our best show since the last peak in 2008,” said Chris Brown, NAB executive… more
Apr 16, 2013
Tarsus Group’s Trade Show News Network (TSNN) is pleased to announce the release of the 2012 TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows in the United States. Culled from show management and data supplied to TSNN, this year's list, which is exclusively sponsored by MarketArt, represents the top 250 trade shows held last year in the U.S. ranked by net square footage. The full, searchable list can be found HERE. The Consumer Electronic Association’s massive International CES show held in January in Las Vegas topped the 2012 list with impressive growth, jumping another 200,000 net square feet… more
Apr 15, 2013
To our neighbors in Boston and to the many victims and their families, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority extends its sympathies. To the first responders, including members of our own public safety team, we offer our gratitude for your brave and professional response and for the actions you are taking to insure justice and provide a sense of security in our community. Yesterday was a horrific day in Boston, and we are slowly coming back. In light of this tragedy, we are reaching out to update you on how our facilities and our events have been impacted, as well as enhanced security… more
Apr 15, 2013
Reed Exhibitions’ decision to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines at its Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, which eventually led to the show’s cancellation earlier this year, has continued to have ramifications with the facility where the show was held opting to replace it in the schedule. The National Rifle Association’s Great American Outdoor Show now will run in that time slot, Feb 1-9 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, Penn. “The NRA's deep-rooted heritage in the outdoor lifestyle makes this partnership a perfect… more
Apr 15, 2013
Four of Professional Convention Management Association’s members will be inducted into the Convention Industry Council Hall of Leaders this October. The 2013 class includes two members of the PCMA Education Foundation Board of Trustees - Liz Erikson, executive director, Meetings & Incentives, Fairmont-Raffles-Swissotel and Eduardo Chaillo, consultant, Global Meetings and Tourism Specialists - and two longstanding PCMA members - Peggy Daidakis, executive director, Baltimore Convention Center and Stephen Powell, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales, Intercontinental Hotels Group… more
Apr 15, 2013
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events and the International Association of Venue Managers have formed a strategic alliance that will include cross-marketing each other’s educational programs and networking events and other products developed for their memberships. IAEE has approximately 1,300 member organizations and more than 8,000 individual member representatives, of which more than 50 percent are directly involved in the planning, management and production of exhibitions and buyer-seller events. "When our staffs met to discuss an alliance, several areas were… more
Apr 15, 2013
Clarion Events North America has signed a collaboration agreement with Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) to be a part of Clarion’s annual ExpoProducción event in Mexico City.  The collaboration will include an IFAI Pavilion and Conference to be held within the show, beginning with the February 2014 edition. “IFAI is a world-renowned organization with a long history of producing successful events,” said David Audrain, president and CEO of Clarion Events North America. “We are extremely pleased to have them partner with us in the expansion… more
Apr 14, 2013
After more than a decade of small and large businesses being scammed out of millions of dollars when were offered what they thought were free listings in a Fair Guide, the Federal Trade Commission has temporarily halted operations of the Slovakian-based guide’s publisher – Construct Data. "The sweetest justice is justice delayed," said Past-IAEE President Steven Hacker. "This has taken far too long allowing these thugs to terrorize exhibitors and take their money. The industry is a better place today." The International Association of Exhibitions and Events… more
Apr 14, 2013
For the very first time May 30 in Washington, D.C., the International Association of Exhibitions and Events will host the Women’s Leadership Forum at the Fairmont Hotel in Georgetown. Cathy Breden, IAEE’s COO, said the decision to launch the event had been in the works for the past few years and was moved forward when IAEE Past-chair Doreen Biela appointed a task force to explore the feasibility of a program geared toward female professionals in the industry. A survey was sent out to IAEE’s female members in September last year, and “the response clearly indicated… 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.