News

Apr 11, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events held a sold out Women's Leadership Forum April 8 at the Washington Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. More than 150 attendees sold out this year's event which featured education sessions for women at all stages of their career. "We understood the need for this type of program when we created it in 2013," said IAEE President & CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. "Nonetheless, the feedback we are receiving from attendees is really amazing, and we are very satisfied with the direction this program has taken." Here are… more
Apr 10, 2015
Phoenix Convention Center is joining the Worker Identification System (WIS) that will require a national identification badge for trade show labor starting in July 2015. Workers setting up and moving shows in and out will have to display a valid WIS badge with their name, photo and a scannable barcode. Powered by the Exhibition Services Contractors Association (ESCA), the WIS program is aimed at providing a uniform form of identification for exhibition workers in a form of photo ID badges connected to a database. The system assists venues in security for their events and can also help… more
Apr 10, 2015
The Spokane (Wash.) Convention Center finished its $55-million expansion in late February, adding 91,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space. Now, the facility overlooking the Spokane River features 120,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall, as well as additional ballroom and up to 32 meeting rooms. Most of the new space features either second-level or ground-level views of the river thanks to a completely glass north side. "The physical difference in the Convention Center is, itself, exciting," said Keith Backsen, Visit Spokane vice president of sales and services. "What we're really happy about is… more
Apr 10, 2015
Up until a few weeks ago if you typed Meerkat into a Google search you would see images of small mongooses. When searching the term periscope, you would get pages and pages of references to an optical instrument. Today, those same Google searches provide pages and pages of content  referring to two much-talked about apps that let users stream live video from their mobile phone. Meerkat was the first to flood news feeds when attendees at SXSW started using it. John Shinal writing for USA Today said, “the most popular uses of the app was using Meerkat to stream others using Meerkat.… more
Apr 10, 2015
Up until a few weeks ago if you typed Meerkat into a Google search you would see images of small mongooses. When searching the term periscope, you would get pages and pages of references to an optical instrument. Today, those same Google searches provide pages and pages of content  referring to two much-talked about apps that let users stream live video from their mobile phone. Meerkat was the first to flood news feeds when attendees at SXSW started using it. John Shinal writing for USA Today said, “the most popular uses of the app was using Meerkat to stream others using Meerkat.… more
Apr 09, 2015
This past month has been a busy one with several long-time industry figures switching jobs, being promoted or returning to prior places of employment. In addition, there was the sad news that Earl C. Hargrove, founder of general service contracting firm Hargrove Inc., passed away at the age of 86. A celebration of his life is planned for April 11, beginning 11 a.m. at St. James’ Church, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, Md. 20711, followed by internment. Family and friends may visit April 10, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at his home, Holly Springs Farm, 571 West… more
Apr 09, 2015
Editor’s Note: Every year, Trade Show News Network strives to release a comprehensive list of the Top 250 Trade Shows in the United States. As one can imagine, it is a massive undertaking and takes several months and many, many reach outs since all of the information is submitted only by show management for each show and then vetted by TSNN. I wish I could say the list is 100 percent perfection every, single time, but after many years of compiling this information, there always are a few shows that are missed or other situations that arise that TSNN has to address. This year, Penton submitted… more
Apr 09, 2015
When the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum kicks off May 27 in Washington, D.C., there will be 200 CEOs, executive directors, presidents, vice presidents and other C-level executives from associations and for-profit organizers taking in a full-day of six sessions with 12 presenters. The event was founded and is run by Sam Lippman from Lippman Connects who said, “Executives from associations and independents look forward to ECEF for executive level networking and peer-to-peer information exchange.” He added, “Many of them come back each year for fresh ideas from vetted speakers and… more
Apr 08, 2015
The highest-ever attended Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2015 concluded in March with huge increases in both exhibitor and visitor figures as the fair took place for the first time at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (Shanghai). More than 62,000 trade visitors (including buyers from the concurrent CHIC and Yarn Expo Spring fairs that attended Intertextile Shanghai) from 88 countries and regions came to source the latest apparel fabrics and accessories from 2,637 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions. This compares to 40,214 and 1,469 buyers and… more
Apr 08, 2015
The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) plans to hold a road show in Japan later this month. The “Thailand Connect the World: Japan Business Events Road Show 2015” will be held April 21 at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo. Through the campaign, TCEB will promote Thailand’s MICE industry and introduce its new brand communication campaign – Thailand Connect the World – to the Japanese market. The event will bring together more than 200 buyers, suppliers, international media and industry experts in a series of concurrent events – including a press conference, Thailand’s MICE… 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.