Jun 26, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released the third installment of its 2018How to Grow Attendance report series.  The four-part research report series is based on phone interviews and in-depth surveys conducted with executives responsible for final decision-making for attendee marketing for North American business-to-business (B2B) exhibitions.  Titled “Messaging that Resonates and Delivers,” the report identifies the three primary ingredients of marketing messaging that help drive attendee growth as well as the most effective elements that all B2B event marketers… more
Jun 21, 2018
The Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) has joined forces with Emerald Expositions (EEX) in a partnership intended to strengthen the presentation of Italian jewelry manufacturers in the U.S. market at EEX events, including COUTURE and the soon-to-be-launched PREMIER. Both events are set to place during Jewelry Market Week, which runs late May through early June in Las Vegas. The agreement is part of IEG’s long-term strategy to broaden its foothold in the U.S., which represents more than 43 percent of the world’s total trade show market.  “For the Italian Exhibition Group, this new partnership… more
Jun 21, 2018
PSAV, a global leader in event experiences, entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by private equity and real estate funds affiliated with Blackstone from affiliates of Goldman Sachs and Olympus Partners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. “We are very excited to partner with Blackstone, one of the world’s preeminent investors in the hotel, tradeshow, travel and leisure, and business services sectors, to support the next phase of PSAV’s growth,” said Mike McIlwain, president and CEO of PSAV. He added, “Blackstone is an ideal partner who is highly supportive of our… more
Jun 21, 2018
Oklahoma City is gearing up to welcome a brand new convention center. On June 15, officials from the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau (OKC CVB), local civic leaders and other dignitaries gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for the $288 million Oklahoma City Convention Center, which will open debt-free in 2020. “This is a great day for Oklahoma City,” said Mike Carrier, OKC CVB president. “This totally new convention center marks a significant milestone in OKC’s commitment to the meetings and convention industry.” Designed by the architecture and design firms of Populous… more
Jun 20, 2018
It’s been a busy year so far for Marketplace Events, which been actively acquiring even more home and garden shows to add to its already extensive consumer event portfolio, including its most recent purchase of the Minnesota Home & Patio Show from Cenaiko Productions. The four-day show, which celebrates its 40thanniversary in 2019, runs annually in February at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minn.   Marketplace Events already operates four other shows in the Minneapolis/St. Paul market including two holiday shows and two other home shows. “Of the 32 markets in which we operate… more
Jun 19, 2018
The 2019 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) appears to already be breaking its own showfloor records eight months prior to the event.  The annual feed, meat, egg and poultry trade show, which is scheduled for Feb. 12-14 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, has already surpassed 560,000 square feet of exhibit space while securing more than 1,100 exhibitors booking up 92 percent of the expo floor. The 2018 edition of IPPE attracted 30,678 attendees and 1,218 exhibitors spanning more than 521,000 square feet of expo space.  “We are pleased that our decision to… more
Jun 14, 2018
This week, we found out who will host the world’s largest and most passion-inducing event, For the Events Industry, it re-emphasizes a vital truth about our work, one we occasionally fail to put into practice.  The extravaganza in the spotlight is the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, and its venues will be North American. Canada, Mexico, and the USA will provide a diverse setting for 48 national teams and over 100 stadium-filling matches. Now, you may not follow soccer or think much about sports in general, but “The United Bid”, as it is called, is a massive win for the three nation’s economies… more
Jun 14, 2018
Community Brands, provider of cloud-based software solutions for associations, nonprofits, schools and faith-based groups, has acquired global event technology and service company, Expo Logic. The addition of Expo Logic strengthens the Community Brands event management suite, which already includes event registration, mobile event fundraising and conference content video capture. “Meetings and events play an integral role in enhancing our customers’ organizational performance and our national economy,” explained Jean-Paul Guilbault, president and CEO of Community Brands.  He continued, “As… more
Jun 14, 2018
In this era of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, women across a wide range of industries are speaking up and pushing back against the patriarchal status quo, and the events industry is no exception.  But, in a field where women are chronically underrepresented in leadership positions, what’s it going to take to empower more female event professionals to reach their career goals free from the impediments of institutionalized sexism and gender inequality?  As a former political activist and organizer who has worked tirelessly to inspire progressive change, Emilie Aries is a passionate… more
Jun 13, 2018
Global B2B event organizer, UBM, has expanded its healthcare event portfolio with the acquisition of ExpoMed from LIVEMED in Mexico and Live Healthcare in Brazil from founders Dr. Vitor Assentuno and Dr. Raphael Gordilho. Through these new acquisitions, UBM continues to grow its portfolio of healthcare events and further expands its position as a leading organizer in the Latin America healthcare sector. “Healthcare is a strategic vertical for UBM Americas, particularly in Mexico and Brazil, where public and private healthcare spending and service markets are growing rapidly,” explained… 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.