Meeting and convention facilities across the country and around the globe have been inking new deals with leading hospitality and management providers, upgrading technology infrastructure and launching new premium spaces for exhibitors and event organizers.

Smart City Networks Completes Network Upgrade at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (pictured)

Smart City Networks, provider of utilities, technology and telecommunications services for convention centers and hospitality venues, completed an almost $1 million network upgrade for the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) in Dallas.  

Started in July 2023 and completed in January, the upgrade encompasses improvements to edge switches, installation of new core gear, deployment of new wireless controllers and the rewiring of more than 180 fiber connections. The upgraded infrastructure guarantees uninterrupted connectivity, designed to enhance the technological experience for all visitors attending events at the KBHCCD, according to Smart City officials.

“This upgrade continues our long and ongoing history of continual upgrades at our partner facilities,” said David Langford, vice president of technology for Smart City Networks, which currently operates in more than 50 convention and meeting facilities nationwide. “This upgrade sets us on the path of ensuring the physical infrastructure is capable of handling ongoing upgrades for the next two decades at Kay Bailey Hutchison in Dallas.”

Looking ahead, Smart City will continue to partner with the City of Dallas and venue management company OVG360 as approved expansion plans for the convention center move forward.

Baltimore Convention Center Teams Up With Levy

The Baltimore Convention Center (BCC) tapped Levy to serve as its exclusive food and beverage provider, beginning in July. Together, the two entities will work to bring an elevated, refreshed mindset to food and beverage at the downtown convention center, according to Levy officials.

“We’re beyond thrilled to partner with the Baltimore Convention Center to showcase what makes this city an incredible destination,” said Levy CEO Andy Lansing. “From the most high-profile national events and corporate meetings to special occasions, we’ll spotlight Baltimore’s food and beverage culture in unique ways.” 

As part of the agreement, the BCC and Levy will work together to craft menus, dining concepts and catering experiences that will be activated throughout the venue. In addition to unveiling new offerings, the partnership will focus on creative, elevated catering for major events, as well as prioritizing partnerships with local community organizations and minority- and women-owned businesses, while also continuing to elevate and expand sustainability initiatives. 

Levy’s Convention Centers division serves events of all sizes at major venues, including the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio; David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh; Javits Center in New York; Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Austin Convention Center and Los Angeles Convention Center, among others.

ASM Global Assumes Management of KAFD Conference Center in Riyadh

ASM Global entered into a strategic partnership with the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) to lead the operation and management of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Conference Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The state-of-the-art facility features a 1,215 square-meter (13,078 square-foot) banquet hall that can accommodate up to 800 guests, a 600-seat auditorium with full lecture and cinema support and several outdoor plazas. The venue is fitted with operable walls and retractable projection screens that allow for different configurations and digital networking.

“Our commitment to excellence in venue management, event production and customer service aligns perfectly with the KAFD Convention Centre’s vision of becoming a global event destination,” said Paul Sergeant, ASM Global’s executive vice president of Asia and MENA (Middle East/North Africa). “With ASM Global MENA’s extensive global network, expertise and industry-leading technology, we aim to provide event organizers with the tools and support they need to host successful and memorable events.

Home to 1.6 million sq. m. (17,222,256 sq. ft.) of high-end office spaces, venues and luxury residences, KAFD is touted as the largest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum-certified mixed-use business district in the world, according to ASM Global officials. It is owned and managed by the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Convene Announces New Location in Midtown Manhattan 

Convene, a global lifestyle hospitality company that designs and manages premium meeting, event and flexible workspaces, is gearing up to open Venue 42 by Convene, a new meeting and conference center located at 5 Times Square in Midtown Manhattan on April 1. 

Occupying approximately 30,000 square feet on the 5th floor of the 1.1 million sq.-ft. building, Venue 42 by Convene will be the 15^th Convene location in New York City and will comprise nine meeting rooms, each of which can be customized for various event types, with the largest meeting room able to accommodate approximately 240 guests. 

“Demand for meeting and event space in the area remains strong and we’re proud to once again be partnering with RXR Realty to create an exceptional amenity space and conference center at 5 Times Square,” said Alex Adelman, vice president of managed services at Convene.  

As a provider of dedicated meeting and event venues in North America and the U.K., Convene’s newest NYC venue grows its global network to 40 premium meeting, event and flexible office locations across its portfolio of brands, including etc.venues.

Additionally, on March 25, Convene unveiled its expanded space at Convene 101 Park Avenue, its 101 Park Avenue venue in Midtown Manhattan, which now boasts a second floor and a larger footprint of 23,800 sq. ft. Located just steps from Grand Central Station, the event venue originally opened in 2013 and was renovated in June 2022.

Connected by a grand staircase, the new mezzanine level offers a large conference hall with full theatrical lighting that can accommodate up to 223 guests, floor-to-ceiling windows and an open gallery for networking and food breaks. The venue now comprises eight unique meeting rooms across two floors and a full buyout capacity of 583.  

The company’s corporate meeting and event spaces provide everything needed for a turnkey experience, including spaces designed to maximize collaboration and productivity, full-service event production resources, catering and a dedicated A/V team for in-room and hybrid tech support.  

For exhibitors who are truly serious about sustainability and lowering the environmental footprint at their trade shows, exhibits and events, incorporating plant-forward menus is more than a culinary trend — it’s a strategic choice that aligns with broader societal shifts, especially among younger generations. By making this change, event organizers can not only enhance the attendee experience but also cut carbon and costs while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. 

The demand for plant-based options is growing steadily, driven by a combination of health concerns, environmental awareness and animal welfare considerations. While only 4 and 5% of the U.S. population are professed vegans and vegetarians, respectively, more people are walking away from meat and dairy consumption due to their harmful effects on animals, human health and the climate, as public awareness of these issues intensifies. 

With animal agriculture responsible for approximately 10-11% of global greenhouse gas emissions and a major contributor to deforestation, water use and pollution, switching to plant-based menus can be a forward-thinking move for business events looking to appeal to an environmentally aware, health-conscious demographic while demonstrating their commitment to progressive social and environmental practices.

So how can exhibitors balance satisfying the dietary preferences of all attendees while also meeting their sustainability goals?

Just in time for Earth Month, we caught up with Molly Crouch, corporate director of sustainability for Sodexo Live!, a provider of food, beverage and hospitality services for global venues. The company boasts a bevy of environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including an emphasis on sustainable menus.

A member of the Sodexo Live! team since 2008, Crouch is responsible for executing the company’s CSR initiatives while working closely with colleagues across all sectors of the business to ensure strategic, effective and impactful growth in the sustainability space. Here’s what she shared about the steps the company is taking to move event menus in a more earth-friendly direction, and how event and exhibit planners can play a crucial role in this growing movement. 

What is Sodexo Live! currently doing to develop and promote more Earth-friendly, plant-based menu options for meetings and events?

We created an internal “Green Team” to ensure a constant conversation is happening around sustainability, and one of the pillars we work towards is boosting plant-based meals. By sharing Sodexo’s greater global targets around carbon reduction and the role plant-based eating plays, by fostering an awareness campaign and sharing best practices across our entire portfolio, and by providing an internal repository of helpful tips on how to start the conversations with clients, we’re able to work towards offering more Earth-friendly, plant-based offerings.

We also look to define the “why” and the “how” when it comes to choosing plant-based items that event planners can use to help them make a business case for their clients. In many ways, it’s a case-by-case situation, and we work with our clients to increase plant-based options as more of the standard vs. the exception. 

We’ve recently spoken with Greener by Default to look at our catering menus, like at the Orange County Convention Center, for example, to see if there are ways to include plant-based dishes as the focus on a buffet by putting it first, using eye-catching signage and offering smaller options of animal protein options.

We conscientiously incorporate planet-friendly ingredients, such as the Future 50 Foods, into our menus to increase the understanding of how planet-friendly eating can improve everyone’s health and well-being. We’re also in discussions with a carbon labeling company to apply real-world carbon data to our recipes helping our teams and our clients identify low carbon meal options more easily and increase overall awareness. 

When it comes to promoting plant-based menus at events, most organizers and venues emphasize cost-savings, sustainability and/or health benefits while avoiding addressing the ethical costs of consuming meat and dairy products. Do you see this changing any time soon?

I don’t see this changing too drastically within the next decade or so as older generations continue to currently influence most purchasing habits, including food, primarily based on cost. As millennials and Gen Z increase their influence on our markets worldwide, their values will start to turn the tide on awareness of the ethical costs of personal consumption habits including food and other goods. 

Last year, Sodexo released its first Sustainable Food Barometer report measuring the general population’s perceptions of sustainable food in four countries. In the U.S., 82% of those under the age of 45 felt that adopting more sustainable food practices is an urgent need. When it comes to eating less meat, 47% of those polled in the U.S. stated they don’t currently do it and don’t have the desire or intention to do it. These results show skepticism and a want to see a verifiable health benefit to reducing meat and dairy, with the ethical implications of the same decision coming in at a distant second.  

What are the biggest and most exciting plant-based culinary trends happening now in Sodexo convention center kitchens?

One of the biggest and most easily adaptable plant-based culinary trends is to take dishes that consumers already enjoy and replace the main ingredients with plant-based alternatives. 

From Jackfruit “Crab” Cakes to Chocolate Avocado Mousse, our convention center culinarians continue to develop scalable plant-based solutions for our guests. Our chefs enjoy upcycling plant-based ingredients into new and creative dishes that allow for the full use of the item resulting in a multitude of diverse tastes and textures.     

Some other delicious plant-based savory and dessert options include:  

• Coconut Ceviche with Leche de Tigre
• Butternut Squash Risotto with Farro Medio, Kale and Zucchini Bacon                
• Vegan Apple Crisps
• Pumpkin Bars with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
• Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Sodexo Live! Executive Chef Stephan Blaser at Huntington Place in Detroit is always including plant-based options when customizing menus (which is all the time!). Last year, he created an amazing four-course plant-based plated lunch for a sustainability meeting and it was both delicious and all locally sourced. 

Recently, Sodexo announced that it had teamed up with Humane Society International to create a specialized masterclass aimed at training chefs, nutritionists, buyers and marketing teams to create and promote plant-forward, animal-friendly and environmentally conscious menus. Can you explain how this works?

This innovative partnership with Humane Society International is a perfect fit with Sodexo’s overarching goal of increasing plant-forward options for our clients and consumers. It will allow our Sodexo Live! chefs to expand their knowledge and creativity, elevate the overall food experience, and inspire meeting and event planners to incorporate plant-based dishes at events. The format of this specialized masterclass will also help our teams educate planners on both the human health and climate benefits of plant-based eating. 

What are your top tips for helping event planners overcome any attendee pushback to eliminating meat and dairy from their event menus?

Help educate the attendees in advance on “why” it’s important through event apps, event websites, emails, etc. Put it in terms that attendees can easily relate to regarding the benefits of moving away from meats and dairy to help build a healthier planet full of healthier people. If attendees know the “why” and can personally relate to it, they’ll usually be more amenable to the change. 

Integrate plant-based options gradually year-over-year and highlight the benefits of those options on the event app and website. Plus, include onsite awareness through signage and other communication methods at the event itself. 

Lastly, consider serving international dishes that are more naturally plant-forward so the meat and dairy removal won’t be as noticeable, like Mediterranean, Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Know of a dynamic event industry culinary professional who deserves some time in the spotlight? Reach out to lisa.savas@informa.com and danica.tormohlen@informa.com.

What’s the state of the exhibition industry in the Asia-Pacific region? In an ENN exclusive, we interviewed Mark Cochrane, regional director of Asia-Pacific for UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, to get the scoop on the annual in-person Regional Conference held March 7-8 at the Parisian Macao (pictured). 

Serving in his role for nearly 14 years, Cochrane shared his insider’s view on what’s trending in the region for exhibitions. Here are excerpts from our conversation.

1. Regional outlook: It’s almost universally optimistic news, but the two headlines: India and China. That's a big chunk of the [exhibitions] market, like 75%.  

2. COVID-19 bounceback: COVID restrictions were a reality for many markets in Asia at the beginning of last year, so it doesn't feel like ancient history to us. That's why last year was sort of getting our legs back, and this year is back to growth. 

3. India in growth mode: It's easy to start with India as the growth story. The Indian exhibition market is underdeveloped. It's been held back for a lot of years because there weren't enough venues to support the shows that organizers wanted to launch. Now we have a number of new venues in India, so that's unlocking a lot of growth for the industry in India. In general, the Indian economy is really on fire. It's the fastest growing economy in Asia, and it could be a growth story that could run for a while. China has been a 20-year growth story in terms of the overall economy, and now it could be India's turn to shine. I think people are really excited about it, so I put that as the No. 1 headline from Asia. (In fact, India’s poised for about 8% growth this year, that makes India easily the fastest growing economy in the world, according to CNBC.

Related: UFI Global Exhibition Barometer Reveals Industry Is Poised for Robust Growth in 2024 

4. China factor: There's a lot of news coverage on the Chinese economy slowing down, but it's all relative. The GDP growth in China is still going to be higher than most Western developed countries. (In fact, The International Monetary Fund projects China's 2024 growth at 4.6%, according to Reuters.) China accounts for more than 60% of net space sold in Asia, so it is super-important. It sets the tone for the whole exhibition industry in Asia. Is it slower? Yes. Different than before COVID? Maybe a little bit more domestically focused because geopolitics are playing a part in that, as well. But overall, if you look at international organizers that have huge portfolios in China — RX and Informa would be the biggest — I think they're really happy with how their events are doing, especially in the major exhibition cities. 

5. Challenges: Rising costs. Most of the events here, especially the bigger ones, are going to have a significant international component. So that means higher costs in terms of flight, accommodations and getting goods in and out of market. All of those factors are raising the cost for exhibitors to participate in events. That means there's going to be a little bit of a flight to quality. You've got second-, third- and even fourth-tier cities in China, and there are lots of shows in those markets I think are going to be struggling compared to the tier-one cities. The four key cities in China for the exhibition market are Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. That's 80% of the market right there, so the leading shows in those markets will do better, I think, because people will be willing to spend to be at those events. 

Related: Watch videos from the 2024 UFI Asia-Pacific Regional Conference Day 1, Day 2, Full Event Recap

6. Four years in the making: This Asia Pacific conference was a special one because we had planned to go to Macau in February 2020. It took us four years to do it at this location. It might sound crazy that we had to wait that long, but the way COVID was handled in some countries in Asia was very different from the U.S. A lot of markets — China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan — didn't open for business again until January 2023. We didn't go to Macau last year because they weren't open in time to host it for 2023. We went to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Southeast Asia moved a little faster than China in terms of opening for business and removing restrictions. 

7. Meeting vibe: We had almost 300 delegates from 20 countries and regions around Asia to the Parisian Macao, the Las Vegas of Asia. We had great content, but what I felt more than anything was just the excitement to get back to networking. [There were] lots of people who hadn't seen each other in years. We had a lot of first-timers, as well. 

8. Co-located launch of Event Directors Summit: We had some new features at the event, like the Event Directors Summit, which we launched in Maastricht last year at the European Conference. It's a half-day seminar. Usually at UFI conferences, we tend to get the regional directors and general managers, but we wanted to engage the people responsible for organizing the event. We had 20 event directors responsible for a wide range of exhibitions from different markets. 

9. Experience to remember: We had an ice breaking event at the skywalk around Macau Tower, which is 230 meters in the air.

10. Session standout: My favorite session was Mark Harper from Swire, a Hong Kong -based conglomerate. They own everything from airlines to food and beverage. They own Cathay Pacific, the flagship airline for Hong Kong, property developments in Hong Kong and China, and the rights for Coca Cola bottling in Hong Kong and other markets. What I liked about Mark's session: He was focused on sustainability. There were a lot of lessons for our industry. If we try hard enough, it's achievable. 

What’s next: The UFI Asia-Pacific Regional Conference will be held in Australia for the first time when it runs in Melbourne in mid-March 2025. The full calendar of UFI events can be found here.

Watch or listen to the full interview here:

As spring takes hold across the U.S., event companies have been busy completing and announcing fresh acquisitions and strategic partnerships to bolster their businesses and expand their market share. Here’s our latest roundup of recent business deals and partnerships happening in the trade show industry.

Newport International Boat Show Joins South Florida Ventures Portfolio

The Newport International Boat Show (NIBS) has joined the growing portfolio of high-end boating and yachting events managed by South Florida Ventures, a luxury lifestyle division of Informa Markets. The company acquired the annual show from The Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) owner and producer of the 53-year-old event, which occupies more than 13 acres of historic downtown Newport, RI, and boasts a lineup of more than 600 showcasing an extensive array of power and sailboats, marine accessories, products and services. 

As the first Northeast addition for South Florida Ventures’ boating portfolio, the next NIBS is set to take place Sept. 12-15 in the historic waterfront of downtown Newport. 

“NIBS is a standout show, reflecting the vibrancy of the boating community in the Northeast,” said Andrew Doole, president of U.S. boat shows, South Florida Ventures. “This partnership signifies a true collaboration, driven by a shared dedication to customer satisfaction, community and a mutual interest in the future growth of NIBS and its brand.”

The acquisition comes as South Florida Ventures has rapidly expanded over the past five years, acquiring and launching specialized businesses and brands catering to the luxury lifestyle sector, including, most recently, the Miami International Boat Show. Its successful ventures include the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Palm Beach International Boat Show, the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show and the Suncoast Boat Show. 

“South Florida Ventures is the ideal partner to lead the Newport International Boat Show into its next evolution,” said Lisa Knowles, NIBS show director. “This collaboration ensures that NIBS will maintain its renowned quality while gaining access to innovation, insights and cutting-edge technologies, enriching the experience for exhibitors and attendees alike. We eagerly anticipate welcoming everyone to an even more remarkable 2024 show in September!”

NTWRK Acquires Complex Networks 

Livestream shopping platform NTWRK has acquired global streetwear, music and sports-centric media company Complex Networks in a deal that will create a new entity that will be “a new destination for ‘superfan’ culture” and bring an e-commerce marketplace into the former media brand’s ecosystem, according to officials from the two companies.

NTWRK is acquiring Complex from Buzzfeed, which purchased the streetwear-focused media company in 2021 for $300 million. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

NTWRK Co-founder and CEO Aaron Levant, who initially created NTWRK alongside Jamie Iovine and Gaston Dominguez-Letelier, and co-founded the music and style culture superfan event ComplexCon with Complex founder Marc Ecko in 2016, has been tapped as the CEO of the new company. 

“Complex has been a beacon of culture and innovation for over two decades,” Levant said in a recent statement. “My journey with Complex began as an admirer of their original magazine in 2002 and it has now come full circle as I step into the leadership role. Alongside this impressive team, we will create the definitive global content, commerce and experiential platform of convergence culture.”

The Rogers Company Acquires SCALISE Exhibits

Exhibit and display solutions provider The Rogers Company acquired SCALISE Exhibits, a trade show design and fabrication company founded in 1997 and based in Erie, Penn. SCALISE Exhibits personnel will join the Rogers team just a short drive from their current location. 

“We are thrilled to welcome SCALISE Exhibits to the Rogers family,” said Rogers President Rick Busby. “Their expertise and talented team are a great addition to our existing capabilities. We welcome SCALISE’s staff and clients and are eager to exceed their expectations.” 

With more than 165,000 square feet of storage and fabrication space in Mentor, Ohio, and Las Vegas, Rogers’ products and services include custom booth design and fabrication, an extensive rental inventory, modular and portable displays, corporate lobbies, showrooms, roadshows and special events. Founded in 1945 by scenic artist Van Rogers, the company’s experiential marketing services also include in-house design, graphics, technology, logistics, I&D and storage services.

“We are excited to join forces with Rogers and leverage their resources to drive continued growth,” said Doug Scalise, former partner of SCALISE Exhibits and now account executive at Rogers. “Together, we are well-positioned to deliver more products and services and even greater value to our clients.”

Northwest Event Show Partners With EventMobi

The Northwest Event Show (NWES), an industry gathering for event professionals in the Pacific Northwest, has partnered with event management platform EventMobi. NWES 2024, taking place April 3-4 at the Seattle Convention Center, will leverage EventMobi’s platform to cultivate an engaged community with ongoing networking, engagement and learning opportunities for more than 3,000 industry professionals year-round. 

NWES is transforming its two-day conference into a year-round event community by: 

• Uploading session recordings and presentations, as well as hosting webinars, on the same platform 
• Enabling forum discussions to support networking for local planners before and after the event 
• Creating sponsorship opportunities by offering an interactive buyers guide where business partnerships can form post-event
• Leveraging the event platform as a communication hub to share industry-relevant updates via emails
• Simplifying the promotion and registration of local events, webinars and next year’s conference to an already-engaged user base

“This new partnership with EventMobi isn’t just about enhancing the NWES 2024 experience, it’s about laying the foundation for a robust, engaged network that lives beyond the confines of our event dates,” said NWES Executive Director Lisa Schulteis.

Have a trade show-related business deal to share? Please send news to lisa.savas@informa.com.

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) recently revealed its final attendance data for CES 2024, the association’s annual tech mega-event in Las Vegas. According to an audit by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM), the trade show and conference drew 138,739 participants, including buyers, booth personnel and media, revealing a 20% increase year over year (YOY). Last year’s show attracted 117,841 total participants, according to the CES 2023 Audit by AAM.

Buyer numbers increased from last year but not at the same clip. In 2024, industry attendees representing buying organizations were verified at 80,024, compared with 71,628 in 2023 — an increase of 11% YOY. 

While all key metrics point to growth, CES has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, when the 2020 trade show attracted 171,268 attendees, including 100,798 buyers, according to the CES 2020 Audit. 

Back story: Launched in 1967, CES showcases groundbreaking technologies across more than 40 categories. In 2024, the top five product categories included: AI, vehicle tech, IoT (internet of things)/sensors, smart home and appliances and AR/VR/XR, according to the audit. CES 2017 was the highest attended with 184,279, according to the CES 2019 Audit. 

Related: CES BOASTS LARGEST-EVER SHOWFLOOR IN SHOW’S 53-YEAR HISTORY

Deeper dive: The CES 2024 Audit is available here. Highlights from the data include:

• 56,432 (40%) international attendees, representing 161 countries, regions and territories — the largest percentage of international attendees to ever attend CES
• 69,294 senior executives, representing a 15% increase compared to 2023. 
• 4,312 registered exhibitors, a 10% increase year-over-year
• 5,355 members of the media, compared with 4,806 in 2023
• 302 of the Fortune Global 500 companies represented, compared with 300 last year

Related: CES 2024 Attracts Record International and Startup Participation, Shares Strategic Growth Strategies 

By the numbers: On the exhibits side (not subject to audit), CES 2024 reported a 10% growth across the show floor, with more than 4,300 exhibitors, including a record 1,400+ startups in Eureka Park. By comparison, CES 2020 featured 4,419 exhibiting companies across more than 2.9 million net square feet. 

What they are saying: "Our annual show audit proves CES is where business gets done," said CTA CEO Gary Shapiro. "Executives and business decision-makers see the value in face-to-face meetings and access to global media, which only a show like CES can provide. Nothing can replace these moments of serendipity."

Why it matters: "We were thrilled not just to welcome more than 138,000 people to CES 2024, but to back up those numbers with an independent audit," said CTA President Kinsey Fabrizio. "Transparency is part of our ethos as an association, and it is a best practice for the events industry as exhibitors and attendees evaluate value and impact. By every measure, CES provides an unparalleled experience."

Related: Celebrating Women’s History Month 2024 With Connectiv’s Courtney Muller and CTA’s Kinsey Fabrizio 

Context: CES complies with auditing standards established by UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, which requires an exhibition audit for membership. CES is one of a handful of North American association trade show organizers that are UFI members. The Toy Association, which is also an UFI member, audits Toy Fair.

Looking ahead: CES 2025 will return Jan. 7-10 to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Main image: Sony unveils new Afeela EV at CES 2024

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) President and CEO Antonio Neri will be the first corporate leader to deliver a keynote address at Sphere in Las Vegas during HPE Discover 2024. On June 18, Neri will take the stage for the company’s gathering that kicks off on June 17 at the Venetian Convention and Expo Center. 

Backstory: Since opening in Las Vegas in September 2023, Sphere has hosted concerts like U2 and Phish, as well as films like Postcards From Earth. Since then, UFC announced plans for the first sporting event inside the Sphere in September. HPE’s session will be the first corporate event to leverage the venue’s full technical capabilities and unique offerings to create an experience to engage key stakeholders. 

Why it matters: “Big moments call for bold moves,” said Jim Jackson, chief marketing officer at HPE. “At the core of HPE’s rapid transformation is a commitment to bringing innovative, new experiences that engage new audiences and define the future. Sphere is the perfect venue for us to declare what’s next for our brand and to bring to life the technologies that will enable enterprises to thrive in the AI era.”

Zooming in: HPE Discover 2024 will feature three curated programs, including Edge Computing, Hybrid Cloud and AI. With registration starting at ​​$1,895, the event offers hundreds of sessions and demos across these topic areas, and attendees can meet with experts and peers, elevate their skills and explore the solutions to discover what’s next for their businesses. The event will also include general sessions by HPE leaders — such as Fidelma Russo, EVP and GM, Hybrid Cloud, and HPE CTO; Neil MacDonald, EVP and GM, Compute and HPC & AI; and Phil Mottram, EVP and GM, HPE Intelligent Edge — who will share the latest announcements, partnerships and innovations coming from HPE and customers around the globe.

What they’re saying: “Sphere is where the world’s biggest artists, and now the biggest brands, go when they want to create an experience unlike any other,” said Sphere Business Operations President Jennifer Koester. “The HPE keynote will leverage the venue’s cutting-edge technologies to deliver a bespoke experience that sets a new bar for brand storytelling and corporate events.”

Deeper dive: Consisting of approximately 1.2 million LED pucks, the exterior of Sphere – the Exosphere –  is capable of displaying more than 1 billion different colors – creating an unparalleled digital canvas for brands. With 17,600 seats and a 160,000-square-foot LED screen that wraps up, over and around the audience, Sphere offers a fully immersive visual environment. Sphere’s immersive sound, powered by HOLOPLOT, delivers precise, crystal-clear sound quality to every seat.

Zooming out: Sphere is owned and operated by Sphere Entertainment Co., a live entertainment and media company that includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming product, MSG+, delivering a wide range of live sports content and other programming.

Exhibiting at an event or producing a client activation in Dana Point, Calif.? Expect quiet luxury in this seaside setting. 

Known for its laid-back California vibe and pristine beaches, Dana Point is a charming 14-square-mile town that touts itself as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World, said Visit Dana Point Executive Director Heather Johnson. Event participants can hop on tour boats that leave daily from the 2,500-boat and yacht slip marina in Dana Point Harbor, which is currently undergoing a $600 million revitalization. 

Getting there: Located halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles, Dana Point is located 25 miles from the John Wayne Airport, 44 miles from the Long Beach Airport, 63 miles from Los Angeles International Airport and 66 miles from the San Diego International Airport.

Fun fact: Dana Point is home to the Ohana Music Festival, which returns Sept. 27-29 to Doheny State Beach. Launched eight years ago by Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, this music festival for families (“Ohana” means family in Hawaiian, after all) will feature more than 35 performances across three stages, featuring a variety of acts across different genres. Last year’s headliners included The Killers, The Chicks, Foo Fighters and Pretenders. The 2024 lineup has not been released yet. 

In January, Visit California and Visit Dana Point hosted a media tour for event and trade show industry press that included three venues. Here’s what exhibitors and event marketers need to know about what’s new and trending in this Southern California resort destination.

Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa

Closed for one year during COVID, this Marriott property underwent a $25 million renovation before it reopened in February 2021. The resort features two outdoor pools, an on-site spa, 24-hour fitness center, bicycle and surfboard rentals, four pickleball courts, walking and jogging trails, bocce ball, ping pong and easy access to water sports activities with the Dana Point Harbor steps from the property, said Director of Sales and Marketing Sandy Chiu. 

Need to know: Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the 4-story resort offers 50,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor meeting venues, including spacious grand ballrooms and a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system. The resort also has three outdoor ocean-view venues that are perfect for wedding receptions and other group gatherings. While we were visiting, Shaw was producing an event in the ballrooms and throughout the venue. The ideal meeting: 200-250 rooms on peak is perfect, Chin said.

What’s new: Completed in 2021, all 378 guest rooms, including 15 suites, were updated with a tonal color palette of warm creams, clean whites and soft gray tones. All rooms have hardwood floors, water-efficient rain showers, custom robes and linens, 55-inch TVs and espresso machines. Each room on levels 1-3 features a lanai, and ground floor rooms feature fire pits.

Experiences to remember: Our group had lunch on the Del Mar Lawn, adjacent to the pool. On the lunch tasting menu: spicy bamboo salad, miso glazed striped bass and palm sugar braised short rib served with baby bok choy, julienne carrots and forbidden rice, as well as pandan panna cotta. With ocean views for miles, the lawn can accommodate up to 350 guests. There’s also a 6-hole putting green that can be used for events.

Photo gallery available here.

Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

Perched atop a seaside bluff, The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is a coastal haven with its vibrant beachfront locale and celebrated Five Diamond service. Sprawling shoreline vistas make a lasting impression from the moment your attendees arrive. 

Need to know: With 18 rooms offering more than 26,224 sq. ft. of indoor conference space, the venue can accommodate up to 900 attendees. Event organizers can also take advantage of nearly 56,000 sq. ft. of outdoor garden courtyards, pool terraces and oceanfront lawns with scenic views that showcase the area’s natural beauty. During our stay, a corporate group was hosting a meeting and awards banquet at the venue.

Staying here: The ocean-view resort, which opened in 1984, embodies California surfing style, with select rooms offering stunning panoramas and sunset views of Dana Point and the Pacific Ocean. For exhibitors who drive in, the dog-friendly hotel features a walking or jogging path down to the sandy shores of Salt Creek Beach below. The 24-hour fitness center also offers stunning ocean views.

Experiences to remember: Our group dined at RAYA, and Chef Richard Sandoval showcased coastal cuisine through sustainable seafood, local produce and pan-Latin flavors. Our tasting menu included: a seafood tower, Grilled Spanish Octopus, Wagyu Beef Tartare, Branzino Zarandeado and Achiote Salmon. With sunset views in a refined setting, RAYA is one of several on-site restaurants.

Photo gallery available here.

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Spa

Formerly known as Monarch Beach Resort, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club rebranded under the Hilton flag in 2020. Perched on 175 acres atop a 150-foot seaside bluff, this elegant AAA Five-Diamond retreat features 400 guest rooms, including 75 suites.

Need to know: With more than 30,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting spaces and 80,000 sq. ft. of lush outdoor areas for gatherings, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club offers a variety of options for corporate events. Several of the indoor meeting rooms have doors with access to an outdoor patio. At nearly 60,000 sq. ft., the expansive Botanical Lawn can accommodate seats for up to 300 guests.

What’s new: In 2022, the hotel embarked on a $30 million guest room refresh, which included new flooring, furnishing and finishes for all guest rooms. Other enhancements included updated private fire pits for the 77 ground-level guest rooms and suites. These rooms come with kits for roasting s'mores on cool Orange County evenings, said Director of Sales Jean Schulte.

What to do: From private oceanfront culinary experiences to unique coastal adventures, the 7-story hotel offers both indulgence and inspiration for attendees. Beyond meetings, guests can participate in more than 40 weekly fitness, yoga and meditation classes; 18 holes of oceanfront golf; a private beach club; guided electric bicycle tours; water sports activities and more.

Experiences to remember: Our group enjoyed lunch and networking activities in one of the penthouse suites. On the lunch tasting menu: Heirloom tomato salad, potato gnocchi with parmesan sauce and truffles, star anise glazed carrots, seared Pacific fish Mezcal, prime filet with red wine sauce, ceviche with clams, roasted sweet potatoes and white corn and cilantro caesar salad. The hotel team can assist event organizers with setting up attendee networking activities, such as custom candle making bar, personalized key chains with metal stamping and group spa treatments.

Photo gallery available here.

Connect is building upon its reputation as a leading provider of experiences, business opportunities and inspiration through an enhanced media coverage offering. Effective immediately, Connect’s portfolio will expand to include:

         •       Trade Show News Network (TSNN), the prestigious online news outlet covering the exhibition, trade show, and events industries since 1996

         •       MeetingsNet, the award-winning publication for market-segmented meeting decision- makers planning meetings

         •       Corporate Event News, the media brand that reaches corporate event planners who represent companies on elite lists such as the Fortune 500 and Inc. 5,000

         •       Exhibit News Now (ENN), the online news source for exhibit managers and event marketers

The additions enhance Connect’s premier content platforms, which include BizBash, the leading resource for corporate events, leading brands and creative agencies.

Adding TSNN, MeetingsNet, Corporate Event News and ENN to the fold continues what is shaping up to be a transformative year for Connect. New product offerings and live experiences will mark Connect’s first full year under Informa, said Connect Managing Partner Matt Johnson.

“We’re thrilled to integrate four premier online resources for the meetings and exhibition industries into our expansive range of media offerings,” Johnson said. “Connect and its affiliated brands aim to establish themselves as the ultimate and essential hub of knowledge for event professionals.”

Joining Connect will also allow TSNN, MeetingsNet, Corporate Event News and ENN to enhance their robust offerings and expand their audiences further, said Johnson, delivering greater insight and value to their customers. 

As the world’s leading online resource for the trade show, exhibition and event industry, TSNN owns and operates the most widely consulted online event database, containing data about more than 19,500 trade shows, exhibitions, public events and conferences. The publication facilitates the exchange between buyers and sellers with more than 160,000 registered website users, more than 150,000 bi-monthly newsletter subscribers and more than 10,000 LinkedIn group members.

Beyond daily news coverage, TSNN produces weekly newsletters, a bimonthly podcast with C- level industry leaders and an annual awards program to recognize the most engaging trade shows across the U.S. 

MeetingsNet is the meeting industry’s premier resource for news, business intelligence, ideas and more. A part of the Informa family for years, it publishes an interactive magazine and several e-newsletters tailored to the industry, especially appealing to association and corporate with a specialty on pharmaceutical/medical events and financial meetings.

Connect is a leader in the meetings, events, travel and tourism industry. Part of Informa Connect, Connect introduced the popular Marketplace format to the meetings industry and now produces national shows for meeting planners in the Corporate, Sports, Diversity, Association, Faith and Travel sectors as well as other state- and region-specific meetings- and hospitality-focused events.

For more information, contact jordan.bouldin@informa.com.

Celebrated every March, Women’s History Month is an opportune time to celebrate the female achievers of the trade show and events industry. In this third in a series of exclusive interviews with outstanding female industry professionals, we had the pleasure of speaking with Freeman President Janet Dell and beMatrix CEO Tara Ericson to find out how their organizations are supporting women, how the industry can accelerate gender equity and inclusion and what advice they can offer women to reach the C-suite.

Janet Dell, President, Freeman

Current role: Dell oversees Freeman’s long-term strategy execution across the globe. She oversees Freeman’s major lines of business and ensures the company meets the needs of our various customer segments. At Freeman, Janet has held multiple C-level roles and is named CEO successor, starting July 1, 2024. Under her leadership, Freeman continues to identify key partnerships and adapt its business models for a dynamic marketplace.

Back story: Before Freeman, Dell served as CEO of Marsh ClearSight, a global company in risk, safety and claims management software. Prior to leading Marsh Clearsight, she served as Marsh’s COO of Global Sales, where she was responsible for driving organic growth. During her tenure as Marsh Global Sales COO, the company’s annual new sales topped more than $1.2 billion and global new business doubled.

Woman to Watch: Dell has been recognized as a Woman to Watch by Business Insurance magazine and has received several awards for product technology innovation. She is a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a business degree in finance, investment and banking.

What are you most proud of in terms of how your organization supports women?

Freeman is — and has always been — purpose-driven and guided by our values, and you can see this reflected in our people and programs. It’s why Freeman has been featured on Forbes Best Employers for Women for multiple years – our efforts around career development, working conditions, salary, healthcare, etc., for women have set the bar in our industry and beyond. 

More than a decade ago, we began to directly invest in the growth, development and advancement of women at Freeman. Today, you can see those direct results when you look at our leadership team, including our executive team and board of directors, led by Carrie Freeman Parsons as chair. We also have a highly active and empowered Women’s Leadership Development employee resource group that focuses on creating an environment where women will advance and thrive at Freeman. This includes the overall wellbeing of our employees, including paid parental leave (14 weeks for women/six weeks for men), breastmilk shipping programs for traveling parents, as well as consistent access to healthcare regardless of where in the U.S. they live.

What do we as an industry need to do next to accelerate gender equity and inclusion?

When employees look to their leaders, they should see both a leadership team that represents them, as well as a team that actively invests in their development and success. As an industry, we need to reflect on and act where we can break down barriers to progress by reflecting on key drivers – mainly, consider all aspects of the employee journey when building your strategy. For example, where are you recruiting from? How are you developing and retaining your current employees? And often most overlooked: How are you supporting re-entry to the workforce? 

Freeman’s talent acquisition strategy includes alliances with diverse organizations – particularly those that are female-led – with connections to more than 200 organizations, including Women for Hire. We engage our employee resource groups (ERGs) — at Freeman they’re referred to as business resource groups (BRGs) — to make connections with diverse candidate pools. We also look to stay-at-home parents, military veterans and those who are shifting careers or changing industries – really, any women who have taken an extended leave of absence and want to get back into the workforce – and provide industry-specific training and support in a way that creates connection, belonging and reflects our culture and purpose.

Tara Ericson, CEO, beMatrix USA 

Backstory: Ericson has more than 25 years of leadership experience, beginning her career as a sales manager at Naylor Association Solutions and culminating with her tenure as CEO for beMatrix USA. 

Current role: As CEO of beMatrix USA since 2019, she has led the company through the rocky landscape of the pandemic and helped achieve record-breaking revenue for beMatrix post-pandemic.

Education: She has a bachelors of arts, communications and media studies, from Stetson University, located in central Florida.

Mentor of the Year: In 2023, she was honored with the Bronze Stevie Award for “Mentor or Coach of the Year – Business.” The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are business awards for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run. 

What are you most proud of in terms of how your organization supports women?

I take immense pride in the way our organization and our owners champion women. Throughout our ranks, women hold leadership positions, effectively upholding beMatrix's distinctive company culture, ensuring top-notch products and providing unparalleled customer support. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are celebrated, has been paramount to our growth and success. Witnessing the collaborative spirit and achievements of our team fills me with immense pride.

Do you believe our industry has made enough progress in enabling women to reach the C-suite? Why or why not?

In our industry, characterized by numerous entrepreneurs and family-owned enterprises, I'm encouraged by a notable trend where fathers are entrusting their businesses to their capable and talented daughters. While progress has been gradual, it's heartening to see an increasing presence of women-owned ventures entering the trade show and event Industry in recent times.

In my perspective, the pivotal strategy to expedite the inclusion of women in the C-suite involves nurturing mentorship and coaching by current female leaders within organizations. Furthermore, C-suite professionals should actively create leadership opportunities for women across all sectors. At beMatrix, we've remained steadfast in this pursuit, with women from diverse backgrounds holding various executive and leadership roles. To propel more women into C-suite positions, it's imperative to provide platforms for them to exhibit their leadership skills by leading teams and departments. While there's been progress in promoting women to such positions within our industry, there's still considerable room for further advancement and support.

I strongly advocate for women to engage actively in the numerous trade show and event industry associations, and seek out female mentors who can offer valuable guidance and coaching.

Filling all three halls at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) for the first time in its 12-year history, MODEX, a biennial manufacturing and supply chain trade show for North and South America, pulled off its largest event ever in Atlanta.

Held March 11-14, this year’s event attracted 48,733 registered manufacturing and supply chain professionals and 1,164 exhibitors showcasing the latest supply chain technology and innovation across 580,000 net square feet of exhibit space. Boasting an uptick of 32% more registered visitors than MODEX 2022, which drew in 37,047 registered attendees, the 2024 show exceeded all expectations, according to officials from MHI, the international material handling, logistics and supply chain industry association that owns and produces the show. 

“From attendance to exhibition space and educational sessions, MODEX 2024 was our largest and most comprehensive supply chain event to date,” said John Paxton, CEO of MHI. “The success of this event is a testament to the industry’s ongoing vitality, dedication to innovation and delivering world-class solutions for supply chain operations. It was a massive win for the entire industry.”

As the sister show to ProMat, held biennially in odd years at Chicago’s McCormick Place, this year’s MODEX was bolstered by serious buyers representing Fortune 500, top 100 retailers and top 100 consumer goods firms, which brought sizable teams to the show looking to make large supply chain investments, said Daniel McKinnon, MHI executive vice president of exhibitions.

“The excitement on the show floor and the engagement in educational sessions is a sign of the overall power of the supply chain industry and the demand for the latest solutions and technologies in the space,” McKinnon said. “We’ve seen tremendous traffic on the show floor and heard really good feedback.”

He continued, “MODEX 2022 was way better than [previous editions] before the COVID-19 pandemic, and this show is way better than 2022 was – exponentially bigger in both square footage and attendees. Our attendance growth is something we’re very happy with and proud of and worked very hard for, not just for us, but for our members – our exhibitors. We worked hard to get the right buyers and that’s been a big part of our success.”

An Immersive, Business-Centric Show Floor

On three show floors packed with material handling, logistics and transportation industry exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations among 70 supply chain categories, attendees appeared focused and ready to do business.

Equipment, technology and solutions ranged from traditional, manual equipment to computerized, automated systems and smart, connected supply chain technologies and last mile logistics, with stand-out trends such as robots, AI, autonomous vehicles and augmented reality stealing the spotlight in many show floor areas.

“We’re seeing a big acceleration in the adoption of these technologies to build resilience, sustainability and real-time responsiveness into operations,” Paxton added. “The solutions on display and the education offered this year reflected this trend.” 

When asked about how they were faring at the show this year, exhibitors were overwhelmingly positive about the strong, steady traffic and constructive interactions with buyers. Many had been exhibiting for years at MODEX and ProMat, two flagship shows they said were indispensable for their businesses.

“It’s been a great show for us this year, a really busy event,” said Brad Long, brand marketing manager for Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “This show is phenomenal for us because we get to not only connect with some of our existing customers but also start conversations with new folks who we normally wouldn’t get a chance to talk to, so it’s a great way to get in front of a captive audience. We’ll be back in two years – we’re already planning it.”

First-time attendee Laura Erchul, senior director of pricing and transportation with King Solutions Inc., said that while she was a little overwhelmed with everything there was to see and experience at the massive event, she was excited to be at the show.

“I’ve got my senior director of warehousing here, and he’s like a kid in a candy store – there’s so much for him to see and he’s super-excited,” she said. “We just made a business acquisition, and our new president is very focused on e-comm and on growing that, so this is an important event for our business. We’ll definitely come back.”

An Engaging Supply Chain Conference

Covering trends, best practices and state-of-the-art equipment and technology solutions, MODEX’s comprehensive educational conference focused on best-in-class solutions for manufacturing and supply chain operations across more than 200 show floor educational sessions.

The program’s nine seminar tracks ran the gamut of industry topics — including automation and robotics, distribution and warehousing; ecommerce fulfillment and last mile logistics; emerging supply chain trends and technology; manufacturing planning and sourcing; risk mitigation and resilience planning; sustainability and alternative energy; transportation and logistics; and workforce and labor.

The show’s five keynotes featured industry leaders and innovators, including UPS Supply Chain Solutions President Bill Seward, AI expert and futurist Gerd Leonhard, sportscaster and former professional and college football coach Nick Saban and Academy Award-nominated actor Jeremy Renner.

During the March 13 afternoon keynote, Paxton and Deloitte Supply Chain Technology Fellow Wanda Johnson released the findings of the 2024 MHI Annual Industry Report: “The Collaborative Supply Chain – Tech-Driven and Human-Centric” during a panel discussion with four industry thought leaders.

Special Events, Networking Opportunities and Activations Galore

MODEX offered plentiful opportunities for supply chain professionals to connect and celebrate their peers — from the Women in Supply Chain Industry Forum and the MHI Young Professionals Networking Event, to the MHI Industry Night with Comedian Colin Jost and special award ceremonies.

To inspire the industry’s next generation, MODEX’s Student Day, which combined an interactive educational session with a guided tour of the show floors, introduced 367 high school and university students and educators to career opportunities in material handling, supply chain and logistics through hands-on learning and networking with industry professionals.

Meanwhile, the show’s experiential networking areas – MODEX Backyard and MODEX Front Porch in Hall C and A, respectively – provided participants with opportunities to connect with one another, unwind and recharge while enjoying comfortable seating as well as take advantage of Atlanta-area food trucks, games such as foosball and golf simulators, happy hours from 4-5 p.m. and a puppy petting area featuring adoptable puppies from a local rescue.

ProMat is set for March 17-20, 2025, at McCormick Place, while MODEX will return April 13-16, 2026 to the GWCC.

Photo credit: Chris Savas Photography