Renovation for Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville to Expand Exhibition Space More than One Third

Project Design Revealed Thursday by
Kentucky Governor and Mayor of Louisville,
Where Five of the Largest U.S. Trade Shows are Hosted

LOUISVILLE (September 29, 2015)—Governor Steve Beshear today joined officials of the Kentucky International Convention Center and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer to unveil the design and renderings for the convention center’s expansion.

The renovation and expansion project is set to begin in August 2016 with a completion date of summer 2018. Lexington-based EOP Architects and Chicago-based HOK worked together to create the design.

The expansion of the convention center will increase contiguous exhibit space by more than a third, from 146,000 square feet to over 200,000 square feet, and will add a 40,000-plus square foot ballroom all within the center’s existing footprint. The project also includes renovation of meeting rooms in the facility.

“The improvements for the Kentucky International Convention Center are very important to downtown Louisville and the many businesses that depend upon conventions in this city,” Beshear said. “This work will result in an annual economic impact of more than $50 million and will help retain current business and attract new conventions to Kentucky. Tourism is a major industry in our state with an economic impact of $13.1 billion last year.”

The center’s new design will improve navigation and pedestrian flow through the building as well as improve the exterior of the building, emphasize entrances and enhance meeting rooms. Designed and constructed as a sustainable project, the design promotes energy and water conservation. The project will pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification.

Louisville is a unique convention city and has attracted the attention of meeting planners with its two convention venues, an arena, a downtown pedestrian skywalk and 17,000 hotel rooms in the metro area. The city hosts five of the country’s largest trade shows, according to Tradeshow News Network. By 2018, additional hotel rooms will bring 18,000 rooms to the Louisville area.

“The redesigned center will allow us to compete for more convention business, which helps support existing jobs and creates new ones. Combined with the Omni development, the bourbonism boom and the other new hotels, this convention center will add even more vitality to our vibrant downtown,” said Mayor Greg Fischer.

Events are already scheduled for the newly renovated convention center. Sweet Adelines International will bring its 2020 convention and 10,000 attendees to Louisville in part because of the new exhibit space and increased number of hotel rooms downtown. Also booked for the expanded convention center is the National Association for College Admission Counseling for 2019.

“For many convention attendees, they will spend a lot of time in these walls. It is important that the iconography in the convention center is in line with Louisville’s brand, promoting all of the things that make this city great. We hope this will inspire them to return time and time again,” said Karen Williams, president and CEO of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Over the last five years, the economic impact from tourism in Kentucky has increased by more than $2.2 billion to $13.1 billion. The industry has added 13,000 jobs and now supports 180,000 jobs statewide. These jobs generated more than $2.9 billion in wages for Kentucky workers, an increase of nearly $123 million from the previous year.

Tourism generated $1.37 billion in tax revenues for local and state governments in 2014, an increase from $1.31 billion in 2013.

EOP Architects is an award-winning design firm established in 1981 with offices in Lexington and Louisville. The firm has had the opportunity to design a wide spectrum of project types including office, educational, research, health care, mixed-use, hospitality, cultural, recreation, residential and retail. EOP was named Kentucky Firm of the Year by the American Institute of Architects.

HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm. For five consecutive years, DesignIntelligence, an architecture industry research journal, has ranked HOK as a leader in sustainable and high-performance design.

To see digital versions of the architectural renderings for the Kentucky International Convention Center, visit: http://kyconvention.org/renovation.html.

Elsevier Set to Introduce Sherpath Nursing Education Platform at National League for Nursing Education Summit

International scientific publisher Elsevier, a provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, has announced that it will introduce a new personalized learning solution at the National League for Nursing (NLN) Education Summit (Las Vegas, September 30–Oct. 2, 2015).

Billed by Elsevier as the first nursing education product of its kind, Sherpath uses data, analytics and adaptive techniques to track students' interactions with content, assessments and simulations while providing a highly focused learning path for each student. Sherpath empowers faculty to easily customize the learning modules to their specific course outcomes. Programs will now have real-time, learning analytics to monitor their program against accrediting body standards and student success towards licensure.

Developed by Elsevier Education experts using original research with students and instructors, Sherpath addresses the current needs at the educator, student and program levels. It is a personalized learning suite that integrates digital learning materials and the technology necessary to ensure nursing education program success for students, instructors and institutions. With a seamless, responsive and optimized platform, Sherpath provides a tailored learning path at the individual level, guiding the student to success on formative and summative assessments and ensuring a simple and engaging process of genuine learning.

"What is so exciting and unique about Sherpath is that it's designed to provide nursing students with greater confidence in their knowledge and empower faculty to teach with the utmost impact because they will know their students' strongest and weakest areas," said John Danaher, President, Elsevier Education. "Not only will this result in an overall better learning and teaching experience for students and professors, but we're looking forward to seeing better, long-lasting outcomes for students."

NLN Education Summit attendees can visit the Elsevier booth (#521) for a hands-on demonstration of Sherpath's capabilities and benefits. Attendees who stop by for a demonstration will qualify for a special giveaway.

"We understand that educators and academic institutions are struggling with incomplete, disparate technologies that address small pieces of the puzzle without offering a complete integrated solution, one that marries trusted educational content with the best that technology and analytics has to offer," said Danaher. "Sherpath accomplishes that. It's been designed from the ground up to address today's on-the-go learning environment where students are often overwhelmed and pressed for time and instructors are challenged to teach them effectively wherever and whenever students can learn."

Additionally, healthcare program directors can use Sherpath to monitor each program, course and campus at their organizations to ensure accreditation compliancy. Sherpath is currently piloted in 15 schools throughout the U.S. and will be available commercially in Summer 2016.

  

For more information, visit Sherpath online here.

Konami Gaming Introduces New Video Slot Machine at 2015 Global Gaming Expo

Casino gaming system manufacturer Konami Gaming, Inc. unveiled its new Concerto™ video upright cabinet at the 2015 Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas.

This week more than 25,000 gaming professionals have first access to one of the industry's most anticipated video slot machines in recent years—a successor to the popular Konami Podium™ cabinet. Featuring dual 27-inch high-definition touch screen monitors along with enhanced KP3+™ platform processing power, a 19.5-inch video topper, and a proprietary new DynamicDash™ button panel, Konami's Concerto was designed to incorporate specific customer feedback and is characterized by its ability to attract and entertain casino patrons.

"The new Concerto cabinet is essentially a collection of multi-sensory components harmoniously blended together to create a player experience that is both memorable and entertaining. That was the spirit behind the name Concerto," said Matt Reback, vice president, marketing at Konami. "Among our customers, however, it will quickly become even more strongly associated with the magnetic performance and player attraction that operators ultimately appreciate."

One of the machine's most striking details is its signature holographic side lighting feature, to grab attention from every angle. Lying just outside the game screens, the lighting is programmed to interact uniquely with different events—bonus features, win celebrations, attract mode, and more. The machine's new KP3+ platform allows each native game theme, such as Radiant Queen™ and Fortune Stacks™, to carry unique art and design features to each of the machine's interactive display elements, for a greater level of engagement and entertainment.

"Our KP3+ Concerto games leverage the dual 27-inch screens with larger-than-life art and animation unlike anything before. Everything flows and interacts from the video topper, to the digital button panel, to the holographic side lighting; really leveraging the KP3+ platform in the best way possible," said Reback. "At the same time, we designed Concerto so that operators can place their proven KP3 top performers like Dragon's Law and China Shores on this exciting new cabinet, so it represents the perfect combination of innovation and proven performance."

Konami is exhibiting at Booth 154 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center from September 29 through October 1, 2015. For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc., please visit www.konamigaming.com.

American Library Association Offers Bundled Registration for 2016 Midwinter and Annual Conferences, Exhibitions

The American Library Association is offering a bundled registration package covering both of its annual conferences and exhibitions, which draw an international audience of attendees and exhibitors including librarians, publishers, online information providers, library service vendors, and other professionals in industries related to academic, public, and specialized libraries.

Bundle registration for 2016 Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference is now open. Bundling the registration for both conferences saves up to $130, and offers the opportunity to immediately book housing for the Midwinter meeting. The conversation starts in Boston, Jan. 8-12, 2016 at ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits, and continues at ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, June 23-28.

A bundled registration package for both events offers a concentration of networking, professional development, and more with

• 500+ programs and timely updates
• 50+ Institutes and Preconferences
• 1,000+ exhibitors and dozens of events in the Exhibit Hall
• 100s of authors and illustrators
• Wide range of high-profile speakers
• Award announcements and celebrations
• ALA JobLIST Placement Center
• Peer-led opportunities
• Informal networking and social events

Bundling 2016 registrations before noon (Central) on Sept. 30, 2015 offers the most at the best price, according to the association. Registration is open at https://shibboleth.compusystems.com/ala.php. (To review non-Bundle 2016 registration rates, check here.) Bundle registrants may book housing for Midwinter immediately after registering.

For non-Bundle registrants, Midwinter-only registration and housing open at noon (Central) on Oct. 1, 2015 at alamidwinter.org. Annual-only registration and housing open at noon (Central) on January 19, 2016.

AGS to Showcase Latest in Slots, Table, and Interactive Casino Games at G2E Global Gaming Expo

Gaming machine producer AGS will showcase what the company calls its the most diversified collection of products ever at this year's Global Gaming Expo ("G2E") in booth #2256.

"I couldn't be more thrilled to showcase a bigger and better AGS at G2E this year," said David Lopez, President and Chief Executive Officer for AGS. "The combination of several strategic acquisitions throughout the year coupled with the passion and expertise of our talented team has enabled our product portfolio to reach levels never before experienced by AGS. We believe that our exhibition at this year's show will exceed our current customer's expectations and attract a host of new ones."

The excitement and infectious energy surrounding the AGS brand is best summarized as "contagious," which was aptly selected as the Company's G2E booth theme this year. Over the past 12 months, AGS has embarked on an ambitious transformation to expand its product library, broaden its global footprint, and establish itself as a serious player in the gaming industry.  

In June, AGS bolstered the depth and breadth of its slot portfolio and entered the online gaming market with the acquisitions of Cadillac Jack^® and the RocketPlay branded social gaming suite, respectively. In just one year since its inception, AGS' table products division has accumulated more than 20 table game titles, completed acquisitions for table bonusing technology and card shuffler patents, and grown its table games footprint to over 700 units.     

Given such extraordinary events this year, customers visiting AGS at G2E will immediately notice significant changes from last year; AGS' product lineup will clearly highlight new product categories, more innovative offerings, and more comprehensive solutions for every part of the gaming floor.

Slots
AGS' newest cabinet, the ICON™, is a highlight of the booth and should not be missed. Showcasing the Company's most innovative video content, ICON is the ultimate interpretation of cabinet design that goes beyond function and performance. ICON redefines style with its immersive sensory experience, seamless integration of light and sound, and stunning visual effects. Two new themes – Golden Wins™ and Tiger! Tiger!™ – are significant "must-see" games that will be front and center in the AGS booth this year.

An Asian-themed Class III game, Golden Wins is the  first title to be introduced on the Da Ji Da Li™ Multi Linked Progressive featuring the PowerXStream^® pay mechanic, which is also a key feature of the high-performing titles FireWolf^® and Legend of the White Buffalo.^® Golden Wins tests the limits of volatility and is targeted at players who aren't afraid to bet big to win big.

Tiger! Tiger!, as the name would suggest, is a tiger-themed game for the Class III markets featuring a combination of strong graphics and appealing game math for core gamblers. This 4x5 reel, 50 pay line game has a dynamic Streaming Stacks^® feature where multiple large stacks of symbols are dynamically inserted from spin to spin. Players will enjoy the free spin rounds where the dynamic Streaming Stacks feature is enhanced by only offering the wild and three major bonus symbols, which can lead to huge wins.

The adventures of Peter & Wendy^® will continue at G2E with Peter & Wendy Hook's Revenge™, which features vibrant illustrations, a custom-themed facade and PowerXStream, plus Reflex Wilds™, Power Blocks^®, and Turbo Boost^® progressives. Every twist and turn of the game will have players "hooked."

Featuring two monstrous fire-breathing dragons, Gold Dragon Red Dragon™ is sure to heat up AGS' booth at G2E and has been off to a really strong start since its release in early 2015. This game introduces the Company's Fierce Factor™ feature, which combines higher wagers with proven game mechanics, allowing players to bet big and win big.

Last, but certainly not least, it wouldn't be G2E without an appearance from AGS' famous Big Red™ cabinet featuring the popular title Colossal Diamonds^,® which recently made its debut on The Strip at Caesars Palace and Paris Las Vegas. The company has enjoyed much success from this flagship product and considers it a true game changer. This three-reel, single-pay line behemoth performs equivalent to six average cabinets and continues to be a massive hit wherever it has been placed.

Table Products
Making its G2E debut for AGS will be Bonus Spin Blackjack.™ This is a one-of-a-kind blackjack side bet where players have two ways to win: 1) if there is an Ace in the first two cards, players are paid even money or 2) if a blackjack is dealt, the player will press a button which spins a virtual wheel to win various amounts of money or a unique prize. AGS will showcase the Count's Kustoms version of the game at G2E, which is based on the popular History Channel show, Counting Cars, and offers players the chance to win a custom car, truck, or motorcycle. The Company recently acquired the Bonus Spin technology and plans to offer other entertainment-themed brands of Bonus Spin Blackjack in the future.

The fastest growing poker derivative in the U.S., High Card Flush™, will be a highlight of the booth. In this exciting game, players are dealt seven cards and compete against the dealer to create the longest flush possible (ex. a seven-card flush beats a six-card flush). High Card Flush offers two optional bonus wagers with big payouts. The Flush Bonus wager is paid when players have at least four suited cards in their hand, while the Straight Flush Bonus wager is paid when a player has at least a three-card straight flush in their hand. The appeal of High Card Flush is that it is easy to learn and play for beginners, but also provides excitement and volatility for experienced gamers.

Internally developed and a new offering in the hold'em poker-style category, River Hold'em™ will make its debut at G2E. Both the dealer and players receive two hole cards and share five community cards to make the best five-card poker hand possible. Players begin by making an ante bet, then have an option to make a 1x "before flop" bet or fold after they receive their first two cards. After the three-card flop, players may make a 1x "after flop" bet or fold. Finally, the player may make a bet of 1x or 2x their ante after the turn and river cards or fold. Two optional side bets – "Player Trips" and "Dealer Trips" – win if the player, dealer, or both have a three-of-a-kind or better.

Earlier this week, AGS announced that it had acquired two proven table game titles —  Buster Blackjack^® and Double Draw Poker™ — which serve as another example of the Company's commitment to expand and diversify its content library to become the preferred supplier for table products.

AGS is excited to showcase its award-winning roulette utility device, appropriately dubbed The Tornado,™ which enhances player interaction by allowing the player to control the spin of the roulette ball — something never before seen on the casino floor. When a player presses the button on the remote ball activation device, a signal is sent to a control unit which releases the ball into the roulette wheel through a chute. The necessary hardware can easily and quickly be installed over any traditional 32" roulette wheel. Since there is no need for the dealer to manually introduce the ball to the roulette wheel, human error is eliminated and a truly perfect and secure spin is guaranteed every time. This also allows the dealer to spend more time interacting with players and to keep an eye on the table.

Interactive
The Company's newest product category — AGS Interactive™ — was launched following the acquisition of RocketPlay and adds mobile and social gaming to AGS' product mix. 

The popularity of mobile platforms offering exciting game content, which can be played in a brick-and-mortar casino, continues to grow and AGS aims to capitalize on this trend. AGS Interactive is currently integrating some of the Company's proven slot content onto its flagship product, Lucky Play Casino. Featured titles include Royal Reels,^® So Hot,^® Double the Devil,^® Monkey in the Bank,™ Going Gnome,^® and more.

Recently launched in September for iOS devices, Vegas Fever is the Company's newest app and will feature exciting new content with more complex math models, including FireWolf^® and Legend of the White Buffalo.^®

G2E 2015 is a highly anticipated event for AGS as the Company aims to show customers and competitors that it is one of gaming's most exciting and promising stories — and for good reason. 

PACK EXPO Event Focuses on Packaging Solutions for Meat and Food Industry

PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2015 (Las Vegas Convention Center, Sept. 28-30), billed as the largest event in the food packaging and processing industry, will host 30,000 attendees and over 2,000 exhibitors in more than 800,000 net square feet of exhibit space this year.

The event, owned and produced by the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI), focuses on the industry challenges of keeping up with the latest consumer trends, staying on top of safety and freshness concerns, and moving product from concept to plant to market faced by protein and food processors.

“In addition to focusing on consumer trends, protein and food processing professionals need to be up to speed on the latest food safety rules, whether they fall under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) or rules from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). PACK EXPO will provide access to suppliers and education that will make compliance easier,” says Jim Pittas, senior vice president, PMMI.

Exhibition Highlights
Meat producers can start the trip around the show floor in areas like the Processing Zone (Upper South Hall) a hub for processing equipment and front-of-line solutions that address safety and quality at the efficiency while maintaining needed productivity levels, including:

• State-of-the-art equipment and automation technologies for increased versatility and productivity
• Machinery specialized for hygienic processing
• Technologies that ensure chain of custody and safety
• Advances to increase speed and accuracy and provide modularity
• Materials and containers that preserve freshness, reduce waste and enhance your brand

The Food Safety Summit Resource Center (Booth S-7632) focuses on the latest food safety issues. Organized and brought to PACK EXPO Las Vegas by the Food Safety Summit and co-sponsor GE, the Food Safety Summit Resource Center will be a central location where food safety experts will present educational seminars and be available for informal consultations.

Attendees can learn more about contract packaging and how it can improve operations at the Contract Packaging Sourcing Center (Booth C-1257), hosted by the Contract Packaging Association, spotlighting experts who can address packaging needs, show packaging samples and provide information on leading contract packagers.

The Brand Zone (Lower South Hall), which features materials and containers that shape winning brands, is a central point for attendees looking to improve product freshness or shelf appeal. Within The Brand Zone, the Showcase of Packaging Innovations®, sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company, will display award-winning packages from competitions around the world.

Educational Opportunities
The Center for Trends and Technology (Booth C-4829), organized by Rockwell Automation and its PartnerNetwork™, covers the newest in automation technology and smart manufacturing with displays and educational sessions. The PACK EXPO Innovation Stages (Booths C-1041, C-1045, C-1049) will showcase more than 40 educational sessions, and the Food Safety Summit Resource Center will also present seminars for protein producers:

• Advantages of Using Robotics and Advanced Sensing Technologies to Automatically Detect Leakers and How They Can Improve Line Performance Presented by Craig Souser, JLS Automation (Monday, Sept. 28, 3–3:30 p.m.; Booth C-1049)
• Basic Production Metrics Presented by Ted Andrew, Roka Bioscience (Tuesday, Sept. 29, 10:15–10:45 a.m.; Food Safety Summit Resource Center, Booth S-7632)
• Meat & Poultry Disinfection Using Ozone Presented by Gholamreza Zahedi, Ozone Solutions (Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1–1:30 p.m.; Booth C-1045)

To learn more and register for PACK EXPO Las Vegas, visit packexpolasvegas.com.

Healthcare Information Management Provider to Spotlight ICD-10 Tools and Resources at AHIMA 2015

Health information management (HIM) technology, services and education, provider Precyse will focus its presence at the AHIMA 2015 Convention and Exhibit (September 26-30, 2015, Ernest E. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Booth #721) on how the company is uniquely prepared to arm healthcare organizations with the tools and resources they need, not only at the outset of the ICD-10 implementation, but also as they face the inevitable challenges that will arise going forward.

“As the healthcare industry transitions to ICD-10, organizations will need heightened services, technology and education in order to be successful,” said Chris Powell, CEO at Precyse. “Precyse will demonstrate how we are uniquely equipped to help them steer their way through the change, and at this year’s AHIMA Convention.”

AHIMA attendees are invited to attend Precyse’s Educational Session, “Where Do We Go From Here? How Cedars-Sinai is Optimizing ICD-10 Use Post-Implementation,” on Monday, September 28 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in Room La Nouvelle AB of the Ernest E. Morial Convention Center. The workshop will be presented by industry experts Thea Campbell, MBA, RHIA, Director of Health Information, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; and Thomas Ormondroyd, BS, MBA, Vice President and General Manager, Precyse Learning Solutions, who will discuss Cedars-Sinai’s transition from preparing for ICD-10 to optimizing use.

Precyse will hold a Precyse University User Group Breakfast on Tuesday, September 29 from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. in Room 281, Level 2 of the Ernest E. Morial Convention Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to collaborate with their Precyse University peers on education successes, as well as risk mitigation strategies, challenges and success stories.

Visitors to Precyse booth #721 will have a chance to book an in-depth demonstration to see the next generation of Precyse’s state-of-the-art cloud-based technology platform. This single-database, NLP-enabled offering allows healthcare facilities to more efficiently distribute work across all roles involved in the function of HIM. The Precyse technology platform and supporting workflow modules enable an organization to determine the correct blend of resource skills and effort to more effectively manage the HIM body of work, with a focus on high-priority patients.

Looking for Luxury Acccommodations for Your Trade Show Or Event? Rtiz-Carlton Tops Luxury Rankings in Study

If luxury accommodations are important consideration for your trade show, meeting, conference, exhibition, or special event, Ritz-Carlton should be tough to beat, based on the results of a new consumer research study.

A new study of luxury hotel brands was released yesterday by Luxury Branding, a highly reputed London-based consultancy, naming The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. as the world's most popular luxury hotel brand. 

The independent analysis of 2.25 million on-line consumer-generated reviews on TripAdvisor, ranked global luxury hotel brands for both consumer sentiment and consistency across the hotel portfolios.

"We are honored to receive this distinction atop an elite group of companies that focus on customer service excellence" said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer, The Ritz-Carlton. "We are a customer-centric organization which has been built on the feedback our guests afford us. We appreciate the external recognition of our efforts and the continued support of The Ritz-Carlton from global travelers."                                                                                                                

 

"The pole position for The Ritz-Carlton is testament to a truly remarkable level of consistency and proof positive of a deeply entrenched commitment to delighting guests wherever they operate. In the opinion of the paying guest, The Ritz-Carlton is without doubt the gold standard," said Piers Schmidt, Founder, Luxury Branding. "This resounding win and by a sizeable margin, which is all the more significant because the jewel in Marriott International's crown is one of the largest luxury operators in this study," he continued.   

 

To download the study visit Luxury Branding.

This recognition comes just two months after The Ritz-Carlton was named the top luxury brand for guest satisfaction in the J. D. Power 2015 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study. The hotel company topped its own highest rating from 2013 by an additional 11 points, bringing total points in 2015 to 892 out of a possible 1000. The Ritz-Carlton has achieved this recognition consistently for the past 7 out of 9 years, and currently has the highest ranking achieved to date by any luxury brand.

Homebuilder, Research Lab Unveil 3D-Printed Concept Home at Renewable Energy Event

Homebuilding company Clayton and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have collaborated with two other companies on the design and construction of a 3D-printed concept home, showcasing advanced potential applications of 3D printing and energy management technologies.

The project, officially titled Additive Manufacturing and Integrated Energy (A.M.I.E.), came to fruition as a partnership among Clayton, ORNL, carbon fiber manufacturer Tru-Design and architecture firm Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM). SOM designed the concept home, Tru-Design pre-assembled and coated the structure, ORNL printed it and  Clayton assembled all of the pieces.

The 200-square-foot concept home includes compatibility with a 3D-printed car that allows the home and car to transmit electricity between each other wirelessly.

“We now deliver homes in every state and are committed to be the most innovative housing company in America,” says Kevin Clayton, CEO of Clayton. “3D printing may become a radically innovative way to push the envelope on design and affordability for our customers.”

Although application of these processes to commercial homebuilding are not imminent, Clayton  states that the partnerships forged will allow the company to remain at the technology forefront of the homebuilding industry. For ORNL, the partnership means having access to Clayton’s advanced homebuilding process and to the understanding of how technology and innovation can work together to create something completely new and revolutionary.

“Working with Clayton and architecture firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, we developed a building design that fully demonstrates new innovations to current construction and building practices. The use of additive manufacturing techniques in the A.M.I.E. demonstration project allows us to break with convention, while also reducing the amount of waste typically amassed during a typical construction project,” said ORNL’s Roderick Jackson, who led the A.M.I.E. demonstration project.

On Sept. 23, ORNL, Clayton, Tru-Design and SOM officially unveiled the concept home during an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Industry Day event that focused on the latest in energy-efficient technologies in the construction, auto and manufacturing industries. Media members were able to get a glimpse of the home and see the future of manufactured housing.

Kenes Group to Mangage International Diabetes Conference, Summit

Conference organizer Kenes Group Ltd., based in Geneva, Switzerland, has announced that it will host two international medical events: the 3rd World Congress on Interventional Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes (WCITT2D 2015), which will be held in conjunction with the 2nd Diabetes Surgery Summit (DSS-II) scheduled September 28-30 2015 in London.

The Westminster Park Plaza Hotel is the venue for both events.

The Congress and Summit are hosted by King's College London and are organized in partnership with world-leading diabetes organizations. Two seminal events in one, the congress is an unprecedented gathering to review the latest research in metabolic surgery and to develop new guidelines for the development of a modern, multi-modality approach to the care of type 2 diabetes.

 

The event will examine the significant role of bariatric/metabolic surgery in improving the management and understanding of type 2 diabetes. A comprehensive review of the science behind this approach will include the latest results of long-term randomized clinical trials, including late-breaking studies presented for the first time and the newest findings on the fascinating mechanisms of action in metabolic surgery.

 

Clinical Sessions will also feature a comprehensive review and discussion of the latest studies on the effects of surgery on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk in patients with T2DM, including in those with lower BMI and in adolescents. Scientists will also review current evidence on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and its role in the physiology and pathophysiology of glucose homeostasis.

 

"The advanced scientific program will be coupled with an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to participate in the evaluation of new guidelines and recommendations for the surgical treatment of diabetes," comments Prof. Francesco Rubino, MD, Congress Chair, Chair, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery King's College London.

 

"Attending the 3^rd World Congress & DSS-II is a unique opportunity to be a part of and witness history and we invite medical professionals and clinicians to join the world's leading experts and policy makers in this ground-breaking endeavor. More importantly, this is not a specialized surgical conference nor an endocrinology conference, but rather the only forum in the world that brings together physicians, surgeons, basic scientists, industry leaders, and policy makers, while also representing the perspective of patients," he added.

 

Prof. David e. Cumming, DSS Co-Director, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington, states  "Cutting-edge evidence related to bariatric/metabolic surgery will be presented and used to generate new, modern guidelines for the use and study of gastrointestinal surgery to treat diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic diseases. We welcome you to witness and participate in this historic event". 

 

The 3^rd World Congress was established to address the challenges and seize the opportunities that surgery offers to diabetes care and research. It is an international forum where a faculty of clinicians, scientists, and policy makers discuss available evidence on the use and study of bariatric/metabolic surgery and new device-based intervention.

 

The overarching aim of the congress is to craft an agenda of research priorities and health policy initiatives. The consensus portion of the meeting (DSS-II) will be attended by global policy-makers and organized in partnership with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the European Society for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Diabetes UK, Chinese Diabetes Society and Diabetes India.

 

To register and for more information, visit the congress website: www.wcitt2d.org.

Three Indiustry Leaders Launch New Trade Show Focused on Food & Beverage Manufacturing Technology

Debut of ProFood Tech Trade Show Slated for April 2017 at McCormick Place, Chicago

Three leading organizations in the food and beverage industry have announced the launch of ProFood Tech, a new event that will focus on processing technologies serving the industry. ProFood Tech will debut April 4-6, 2017, at McCormick Place, in Chicago, Ill.

The event is powered by three of the world's trade show leaders — PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies; Koelnmesse; and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). PMMI is the owner and producer of the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows and represents North American manufacturers of equipment, components and materials for processing and packaging. Koelnmesse organizes world leading trade shows for the food and beverage industries as well as for the food and beverage processing industries, such as Anuga and Anuga Food Tec in Cologne, Germany. IDFA is North America's largest dairy association, representing more than 85 percent of all North American manufacturing of dairy products.

 

"In assessing the current trade show landscape, we saw there was a need for a dedicated event that brings buyers together with leading worldwide manufacturers in the food and beverage industry," says Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO, PMMI. "ProFood Tech provides a venue to share the latest innovations and crossover technologies from multiple vertical markets within the food and beverage industry and will be that one-stop-shop featuring exhibits from both large companies that serve several customer segments and smaller niche companies with focus on more specific needs."

 

Exponential changes in technology are making it hard for food and beverage companies to keep up. ProFood Tech will provide a wide perspective on the food and beverage processing industry as a whole and feature cutting-edge solutions to the challenges the industry is facing every day on the plant floor.

 

More than a trade show, ProFood Tech provides both large and small suppliers the opportunity to build their businesses by breaking into new food and beverage markets, cementing their status as industry leaders and reaching a large group of customers at one event.

 

"In a close dialogue with leading technology suppliers from around the globe, we aim to create a market platform in the United States that is tailored to the requirements of domestic and foreign exhibitors and visitors," explains Gerald Böse, president and CEO of Koelnmesse. "Over a period of decades, Koelnmesse has established an excellent reputation worldwide as a trade show organizer, especially in the field of food products and food technology. Examples include the leading international trade fair Anuga, the world's biggest and most important trade show for the food industry, as well as related spin-offs around the world.

 

"ProFood Tech," Böse adds, "marks a further logical step in Koelnmesse's strategy aimed at offering expert support to our customers in various target markets in our role as a global service provider."

 

With an expansive show floor and enhanced educational programming led by IDFA, ProFood Tech will attract high-level buyers from every food and beverage sector.

 

"The opportunities for new ideas and breakthrough solutions are amazing when executives from related businesses come together to discuss, review and experience  the innovations, products and services available today," says Connie Tipton, president and CEO of IDFA. "IDFA is proud to partner with these trade show leaders and to continue our tradition of bringing industry suppliers, processors and manufacturers together so they can find profitable business solutions, discover new technologies and see the innovations that are abundant in our industry."

 

Industry leaders, including Delkor Systems, Inc. and Tetra Pak, are excited about the opportunities that ProFood Tech will offer.

 

"As a longtime member of both IDFA and PMMI, Delkor is very pleased to see the attention and focus that ProFood Tech will bring to the North American food and beverage industry," says Dale Andersen, president and CEO of Delkor Systems, Inc.  "Koelnmesse's outstanding reputation as a trade show organizer only strengthens this collaboration."

 

"As a world leader in processing and packaging technologies, Tetra Pak is excited about the potential ProFood Tech holds," says Carla Fantoni, vice president of communications for Tetra Pak U.S. and Canada. "The joint efforts of PACK EXPO, Anuga and IDFA clearly demonstrate a commitment from these three leading organizations to establish a trusted brand serving all food and beverage categories. We think this consolidated approach will help suppliers and customers alike make the most of the show."

 

ProFood Tech is a totally unique endeavor with the collaboration of three of the world's leading industry organizations, all with ownership of this initiative. The new show will combine the unrivaled experience and recognition of PACK EXPO, Anuga and IDFA to create an event that will be unprecedented in its ability to address all of the issues facing food and beverage processing operations in the North American marketplace like sustainability, improved operations and food safety. 

 

For more information about ProFood Tech, visit profoodtech.com or contact communications@pmmi.org.

New Website Aggregates Trade Show Exhibit Design Options With Detailed Visual Renderings

Trade show exhibitors, exhibit designers, marketing and advertising agencies, and others involved in the exhibition construction and design industry can now access high quality custom exhibit designs at www.DoubleDeckExhibitRentals.com.

Each design is rendered in 3D. According to the company, the site provides access to more designs than all trade show web sites in this category combined. Innovative, Turnkey Service caps the costs of transportation and labor, the most common source of budget cost overruns for exhibitors.

Fixed Cost pricing, an industry first on this scale

According to Nick Drance, President of Image Design and Communications, Inc. " The advantage of Fixed Cost pricing and Turnkey Service is huge at the Double Deck Exhibit level.  We've eliminated the two largest obstacles many companies face even considering a Custom Double Deck Exhibits because we cap those costs without charging a premium."

 

The high cost and added complexity of show services management often puts Double Deck exhibits out of reach for many companies. Now exhibitors can prevent the risk of cost overruns that could easily reach 5 figures and enjoy lower than anticipated costs.  Nick added; "Our Turnkey Service opens the door for many companies to cost effectively expand their existing trade show program and for others, the opportunity to step up to the kind of presence only two story exhibits can provide."

 

Unprecedented variety of design options shown.

DoubleDeckExhibitRentals.com offers 25 unique custom designs in a variety of booth sizes and floor plans. An additional 30+ design variations build on the original floor plan and in many cases completely transform the original design concept. Mike Cernicky, Sales and Design Consultant explained the significance of this feature.

 

"Every client has their own unique requirements, no two are exactly alike. Our clients want choices and the ability to narrow down the number of design concepts from 50 to 5 in a fairly short amount of time helps my clients feel confident that together, we've arrived at the exact design that meets their unique requirements."

 

Each design concept has three different perspective views so visitors to the site can see the essential functionality of a design from a number of angles. Many designs include download-able .pdf floor plans, important in determining the functionality and traffic flow of a particular design. http://doubledeckexhibitrentals.com/multi-level-booth-rental-on5040/. The company provides clients with photo-realistic renderings illustrated with final graphics prior to finalizing the design.

 

Alli Waters, Sales and Design Consultant for the company added;  " So once we fine tune the functionality of the design itself, we can balance itemized costs with specific benefits.  Together, my clients and I can more effectively focus on the details and fine points that make the difference between a good show and an outstanding show!"  

Image Design's business model utilizes regional warehousing and relationships with private Union Labor and freight companies nationwide, developed over 30 years. These relationships allow the company to offer reliable, cost effective exhibit options for trade shows in Las Vegas, Anaheim, Los Angeles and Orlando and convention centers across the U.S.

 

Image Design and Communications specializes in Trade Show exhibit design, modular display sales and exhibit rentals in Las Vegas, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Orlando and Convention Centers nationwide.

Naval Security, Maritime Defense Technologies to be Showcased at PACIFIC 2015 International Maritime Exposition

Looking to capitalize on a wave of modernization and spending, U.S. companies competing for naval security and maritime defense business in the Asia-Pacific market will showcase their innovative technologies, equipment, products and services at the PACIFIC 2015 International Maritime Exposition, October 6-8 in Sydney, Australia. The show is the most comprehensive of its type in the region, and is expected to draw more than 10,000 visitors, including 52 official delegations from 45 nations.

The U.S. presence at PACIFIC 2015 is being organized by Kallman Worldwide, Inc., the official U.S. Representative of the show, in coordination with numerous government agencies, including the U.S. Commercial Service. The centerpiece of the national effort is the 1,000-plus sqm U.S. International Pavilion, a destination for buyers looking for an efficient way to meet a critical mass of U.S. suppliers, and an on-site business hub for U.S. exhibitors looking to maximize their exposure and time at the event.

 

"When U.S. companies commit to exhibit at PACIFIC 2015, they're saying they believe in the power of this event to attract real business prospects and customers," said Kallman Worldwide President and CEO, Tom Kallman. "As the organizer of the U.S International Pavilion, our team is proud to help our exhibitors capitalize on this influential international business opportunity to grow their share of this important market, and further extend our nation's global maritime leadership."

 

The 19 U.S. maritime defense and commercial shipping companies participating in the U.S. International Pavilion at PACIFIC 2015 represent a cross-section of leading suppliers looking for new export opportunities and to strengthen regional business relationships. For example:

• Raytheon Missile Systems will be available during the show to have discussions on Naval Effector solutions for current and future ship building opportunities. Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems will be available for discussions on Global Ship Integration.
• Specialty Systems, Inc. and RF Products are teaming to provide radio communications systems for the Royal Australian Navy ANZAC fleet, and will be conducting a demonstration of capabilities included on those ships at the show.
• Energy Focus, Inc. will showcase its latest LED technologies. The company is the only American manufacturer of military specification LED lamps that has been qualified as a supplier to the U.S. Navy. The company recently supplied the Royal Australian Navy with the same solid-state, energy-saving lighting solutions.
• GE Marine (NYSE: GE) gas turbines, diesel engines, integrated full electric propulsion and hybrid auxiliary propulsion solutions are ideal for future Australian programs such as the SEA 5000 frigate, support ship and Antarctic research vessel. As a long-standing supplier to the Royal Australian Navy, GE ensures optimum readiness by providing predictable maintenance costs and lower total cost of ownership on RAN's gas turbine fleet.