Jun 19, 2015
The Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) voted to appoint Fred Peterson as its interim executive director, replacing the current director, James E. Rooney, who will be leaving the authority at the end of the month to become the next president and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Peterson will assume the Interim role, effective July 1. “On behalf of the entire board, we are pleased to have a candidate with Fred’s qualifications take the lead as our Interim Executive Director,” said John McDonnell, board chair of the MCCA and managing… more
Jun 18, 2015
When the recent United Fresh 2015 annual convention and expo wrapped up at Chicago’s McCormick Place, United Fresh donated 39,019 lbs. of produce and 207 lbs. of assorted dry food to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Volunteers helped collect donations from the convention floor, which is filled with fresh produce companies, to benefit those in need serviced by Greater Chicago Food Depository partner agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchen, and other emergency feeding centers. "United Fresh and exhibitors at the show are proud to support the Feeding America network of food banks," said… more
Jun 18, 2015
Global Gaming Expo 2015, for the casino gaming industry, is broadening its scope by launching the “Integrated Resort Experience at G2E,” presenting innovative non-gaming technology, products and services as guests would experience them in a gaming-resort setting. This new effort will deliver a complete “end-to-end” solution to help casinos attract more guests, encourage them to stay and play longer, and increase revenue per visitor, according to show organizers. Led by the American Gaming Association and Global Gaming Expo, the Integrated Resort Experience will be collocated with G2E,… more
Jun 16, 2015
Sustainability in the trade show industry is moving to the forefront again after it stalled during the recession, and Global Experience Specialists recently took a big leap forward to become the first general service contractor to be certified to an international sustainability standard for the meetings and event industry. GES exceeded Level One and achieved Level Two certification to the Accepted Practices EXchange/American Society for Testing and Materials (APEX /ASTM) Environmentally Sustainable Event Standards pertaining to the Evaluation and Selection of Exhibits for Environmentally… more
Jun 16, 2015
The American Society of Association Executives’ (ASAE) 2015 Marketing, Membership, & Communications Conference (MMCC), held June 1—2, at the Walter E. Washington (D.C.) Convention Center, recorded the highest number of participants in its history, With more than 1,000 attendees and more than 60 exhibiting companies.  “We had another great MMCC conference this year. Along with its record breaking attendance, participants were energized and found ideas and solutions to questions they were seeking because of the high-level content, opening and closing general speakers, and… more
Jun 15, 2015
E.J. Krause & Associates launch The Builder Remodeler Expo Southeast March 8-9 at the Cobb Galleria. The trade show and conference will encompass builders, designers, remodelers, and all those who sell and service the residential building industry. “Atlanta is the ideal market to develop BRE into a major platform to serve the Southeast’s residential building and remodeling industry,” said Ned Krause, president and CEO, E.J. Krause. He added, “BRE has already received considerable support from major manufacturers and distributors, as well as industry backing. We are looking forward to a… more
Jun 15, 2015
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry named Kai Hattendorf as its new managing director to replace Paul Woodward, who will be stepping down in November. The announcement was made on the opening day of the UFI Open Seminar in Europe, June 15-17 in Istanbul, Turkey. Hattendorf currently is vice president, Digital Business & Entertainment at Messe Frankfurt and was selected in a in a process led by the UFI president, Andrés Lopez-Valderrama and his Executive Committee, and supported by the international search firm, Heidrick & Struggles. “I am personally very pleased… more
Jun 15, 2015
Las Vegas will once again host the largest travel trade show in North America in 2020, the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW. IPW is the travel industry’s premier international marketplace and the largest generator of travel to the U.S.   "IPW is a tremendous opportunity to showcase Las Vegas to the world and there is always something new to experience," said Lawrence Weekly, Clark County Commissioner and Chairman of the LVCVA Board of Directors. He added. "Since the show was last here just two years ago, we’ve seen new resorts open like the SLS Las Vegas, The Cromwell and The Delano, new… more
Jun 11, 2015
The Exhibitions Mean Business’ 2nd Annual Exhibitions Day, held June 9 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., brought together 112 participants from 19 states to participate in industry-related events, including nearly 100 meetings with policy influencers and members of Congress. The meetings focused on key issues that could affect the more than $71 billion contribution the trade show industry has to the GDP. Some of those issues included Jolt Act, Open Skies, Trade Promotion Authority and government employee attendance at trade shows and events (see more HERE about issues), according to David… more
Jun 11, 2015
Hospitality design is booming, with the Emerald Expositions’ HD Expo, held May 13-15 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, drawing a record crowd and exhibitors. There were 10,260 registered attendees at the show, which is produced by Hospitality Design magazine, marking a 10-percent increase from last year. The showfloor had 255,200 square feet of booth space, which was also an increase from 2014. “HD Expo continues to be at the forefront of the industry as we uniquely provide the ultimate platform to bring together and provide access to the world’s leading hospitality design… 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.