Hotels.com Offers Predictions for Travel Industry in 2016

According to Hotels.com 2016 Travel Predictions,
Queens will overtake Brooklyn as the most popular
outer borough for travelers visiting New York
in the new year.

A spike for Anaheim due to a convention center expansion and the ascendancy of Buffalo and Milwaukee as top travel destinations are among the predictions that travel website Hotels.com is making for the travel industry next year.

In a constantly evolving tourism industry, new offerings, attractions and experiences are making travelers more apt to explore unique and underrated destinations to satisfy their inner wanderlust, the online booking service for lodging accommodations said in a statement.

As 2016 rapidly approaches, Hotels.com is revealing its Top 10 Travel Predictions for the new year through an analysis of travel demand changes over the last two years* on the website.

Show Organizer Pronounces Debut of Drone World Expo "An Overwhelming Success"

The debut of Drone World Expo, a new trade show for the unmanned aircraft industry, was an "overwhelming success," according to JD Events, organizer of the convention and exhibition.

Drone World Expo ran from November 17-19 at the San Jose Convention Center.

Professional Convention Management Association to Recognize Three Lifetime Achievement Honorees in April

The Professional Convention  Management Association announced last week that it will honor Johnnie C. White Jr., CMP, MBA, Janet L. Jakobsen, CMP, MBA, and James E. Rooney at the 2016 Visionary Awards (Marriott Marquis, Washington, D.C., April 27, 2016).

Over 1,000 industry professionals will gather this spring at the re-designed Foundation awards event, the 2016 Visionary Awards, to honor these luminaries’ extraordinary contributions. Attendees will experience an Oscars-like evening with red carpet arrival, awards show, and after party, hosted by the PCMA Education Foundation and presented in partnership with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and Austin Convention Center.

White Lodging Holds Ground-Breaking Ceremony for New Marriott, Le Méridien Branded Properties Near Denver's Convention Center

Executives break ground Tuesday for the dual-branded
AC Hotel Denver and Le Meridien Denver,

In a ground-breaking ceremony Tuesday, White Lodging began construction on two hotels near Denver's convention facility, the Colorado Convention Center. The dual-branded complex will feature two hotels, one branded as an AC Hotel by Marriott and the other as Le Méridien Hotel.

Le Méridien is a brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, which, as announced earlier this week, is in the process of being acquired by Marriott International.

The two hotels will add 495 rooms to the heart of the city at 15^th Street and California, just one block from the Colorado Convention Center. Le Méridien Denver and AC Hotel Denver will be located at the center of the city's business district, steps away from Denver's famed 16th Street entertainment district and Colorado's state capital complex.

Also nearby are leading attractions including the LoDo Historic District, the Denver Performing Arts Complex, and sports venues such as Pepsi Center, Coors Field and Sports Authority Field at Mile High – home of the NFL's Denver Broncos. Each hotel will have its own distinct entry, lobby and bar led food and beverage outlets. Le Méridien will offer more than 8,000 –square-feet of state-of-the-art banquet and meeting space, including a 5,000-square-foot ballroom.  It will be managed by White Lodging Services Corporation.

Theme Park Convention Spotlights Technologies and Innovations in Amusement Rides, Games and Attractions

The IAAPA Attractions Expo 2015, running in Orlando through November 20, is putting the spotlight on new thrill rides, immersive games, entertainment, technology, and other dimensions of the theme park and amusements industry. 

BREAKING: Marriott International Acquiring Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Some big news today related to the meeting venues, lodging, and hospitality areas of the industry! 

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today that the boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which the companies will create the world's largest hotel company.

The transaction combines Starwood's leading lifestyle brands and international footprint with Marriott's strong presence in the luxury and select-service tiers, as well as the convention and resort segment, creating a more comprehensive portfolio. The merged company will offer broader choice for guests, greater opportunities for associates and should unlock additional value for Marriott and Starwood shareholders. Combined, the companies operate or franchise more than 5,500 hotels with 1.1 million rooms worldwide. The combined company's pro forma fee revenue for the 12 months ended September 30, 2015 totals over $2.7 billion.

For further details, see the full press release from Marriott International, Inc., on PR Newswire.

UTC Aerospace Systems to Spotlight Cabin Interior Products at Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition

UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., will showcase capabilities in the business segment of the aircraft market at the Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (Las Vegas, November 17-19), produced by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

TEAMS Conference Partners with the National Congress of State Games

NCSG's Annual Convention to Co-Locate with TEAMS '16 in Atlantic City 

The TEAMS Conference & Expo, a conference and exposition for the sports-event industry, has entered a three-year co-location agreement with the National Congress of State Games.

Hosted by the Atlantic City Sports Commission and Meet AC, TEAMS '16 will be held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, September 26–29.

Gulfstream's New G500 Jet Debuts at Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition

The G500, a new business jet from  Gulstream Aerospace Corp., made its maiden cross-country flight to debut at the 2015 National Business Aviation Association's Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA2015).

The flight test aircraft arrived at Henderson Executive Airport on Nov. 13 to join the G650ER, G550, G450, G280 and G150 in Gulfstream's static display.

Unified Professional Education Sessions Slated for Work Truck Show, Green Truck Summit

Want an opportunity to catch up on some of the latest developments in the world of work trucks and green trucks? Then consider the professional education sessions at the Work Truck Show 2016, which will feature a unified educational schedule allowing Work Truck Show and Green Truck Summit attendees to learn about a wider range of topics affecting their organizations.

Bellavita Italian Food & Beverage Expo to Make U.S. Debut at NRA Show 2016

Through an alliance with Quiris Media, representing Bellavita Expo, the National Restaurant Association will host the Italian food & beverage industry event for its premier U.S. appearance at the NRA Show 2016 (Chicago, May 21-24).

KeHE's Invitation-Only Holiday & Product Innovation Show Recognized on Fastest Growing Trade Show Lists

Trade Show News Network (TSNN) has recognized KeHE Distributors, a distributor  of natural & organic, specialty and fresh products, with two awards for the Holiday & Product Innovation Show.

The invitation-only event  was named to TNSS' list of, "2015 Top 25 Fastest Growing Trade Shows in Attendance" and its list of, "2015 Fastest Growing For-Profit Show in Attendance." The show was chosen based on year-over-year attendance growth between 2012 and 2014. This is the first time KeHE has received these two awards. In 2013, the Company's Summer Selling Show was named to TSNN's list of the "Top 25 Fastest-Growing Trade Shows in Attendance."

National Association of Broadcasters Rebrands Content & Communications World Trade Show as "NAB Show New York"

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced Wednesday that the trade show formerly known as Content & Communications World (CCW) has been rebranded as NAB Show New York. 

Attracting some 7,000 attendees annually and showcasing a full range of next-generation technology for media and entertainment professionals, the newly named NAB Show New York took place Wednesday and Thursday at the Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Department of Veterans Affairs Small Business Event Opens November 17 in Pittsburgh

The David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh will be the setting of the 5th annual National Veterans Small Business Engagement Event (November 17–19), sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in collaboration with other federal agencies.

Construction Award Winners Honored at Concrete Convention and Exposition

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) honored winners of the 2015 Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards Monday during the Concrete Convention and Exposition (Denver, November 7-11, 2015).

Largest Annual Hispanic STEM Conference Opens Tomorrow in Baltimore

Nearly 6,000 students, professionals, and corporations will visit the Baltimore Convention Center for the 2015 SHPE conference (November 11–15), organized by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). 

Malaysia's Largest Beauty Industry Trade Show Closes With 6% Attendee Growth

Show producers reported 6 percent growth in attendance at
beautyexpo 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

beautyexpo, the largest beauty industry trade show in Malaysia, now in its 15^th edition, closed with a 6 percent increase in attendance compared to the previous year, show organizers announced last week. 

The event was held from 16-19 October 2015 at KL Convention Centre, attracting close to 25,000 visitors and occupying 10,000sqm of exhibition space.

"Against the backdrop of challenging global economic conditions, the significant turnout and participation from exhibitors is a strong reflection on how strong the beauty industry is in Malaysia," said M. Gandhi, Managing Director, UBM Asia, ASEAN Business. "beautyexpo will continue to grow in strength and be the annual meeting point for all beauty industry professionals," he said.

National League of Cities Elects Joplin MO Councilmember as New President During Congress of Cities and Exposition

Melodee Colbert-Kean, president
of the National League of Cities (NLC)

The National League of Cities (NLC) announced that its membership has elected Melodee Colbert-Kean, Councilmember and former Mayor of Joplin, Missouri, as the organization's new president. The election took place during the annual Congress of Cities and Exposition in Nashville.

Colbert-Kean, who served as NLC's first vice president in 2015, was elected by the membership to lead the organization for a one-year term and will play a key role in shaping NLC's priorities and directing the organization's advocacy, education, research and membership activities. NLC is the nation's largest and most representative membership and advocacy organization for city officials. 

"City leaders and the communities they serve are on the front lines of the issues that fuel American success," Colbert-Kean said. "We are the first adopters of innovation and have been the leaders in economic recovery. I am honored and thrilled to serve as National League of Cities president. Over the next year, the National League of Cities will work to ensure every local government knows that they have a place within our organization. I look forward to continuing to grow our membership and ensure that the priorities that matter the most to cities are at the forefront of federal policy."

Kimberly-Clark Professional to Feature Aviation Industry Products at National Business Aviation Association Convention & Exhibition

Industrial solutions for the aviation industry produced by Kimberly-Clark Professional, a division of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, will be among the products featured at the National Business Aviation Association Convention & Exhibition  (NBAA 2015—Las Vegas, November 17–19).

New Comics Convention Set to Debut in Rochester

Flower City Comic Con (FC3), a new convention by and for comics fans, will debut at the  Rochester Riverside Convention Center in 2016 (April 23–24).

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Seeks Event Planning Partner for Annual Tourism Conference

The Hawai‘i Convention Center

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state’s tourism agency, has issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for event planning for the Hawai‘i Tourism Conference 2016.

Held annually at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, the tourism conference is Hawai‘i’s premier educational and networking event for the visitor industry and tourism stakeholders. The event features local, national and international experts who cover topics including current trends, market development and issues occurring in the global visitor industry. Attendance at the 2015 conference reached a record 1,100 attendees.

Exhibitors Services Network Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Exhibitors Services Network  (ESN), a provider of trade show and exhibit solutions and services, is celebrating their 20th year in business.

In a news release, the veteran-owned company, based in the Houston suburb of Galena Park, expressed their pride in achieving what many small businesses have not: surviving start up challenges and ultimately thriving.

Freight Carrier ABF Receives Record Seventh Excellence in Security Award From American Trucking Associations

The American Trucking Associations' ATA Supply Chain Security and Loss Prevention Council has recognized ABF Freight, which includes trade show shipping among its flagship service lines, with the Excellence in Security Award for a record seventh time.

RT Imaging Expo Set for Cancun in 2016

RT (Recycling Times) Media announced Thursday that it the 2016 RT Imaging Expo will be held in Cancun, Mexico (June 2–3), reflecting the increased demand for international suppliers to provide quality non-infringing ink and toner components and consumables to businesses in North, Central, and South America.

Department of Justice: Executive's Guilty Plea Admits Pretext of Payment to Trade Show Vendor to Misappropriate Employer's Funds

The Department of Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Maryland, announced this week that Malcomb C. Cork, age 55, of South Carolina, pleaded guilty to charges that he caused more than $187,000 to be diverted from his employer’s bank account. According to the announcement, Cork had told his company's CFO that the funds had been transferred to a trade show vendor but never produced an invoice to back up the transaction.

Drone World Expo Announces Sessions on Funding, Environmental Applications of Drones

Drone program financing and marine, weather and environmental applications of unmanned aircraft are the focus of two sessions announced yesterday by JD Events, organizers of Drone World Expo.

On Wednesday, November 18th at 1:30 p.m., a panel discussion is scheduled on the Do's and Don'ts from the Investment Community. In addition to this new session, the event is also announcing the addition of another dynamic panel on Marine, Weather and Environmental Applications for Drones scheduled for Tuesday, November 17th at 11:45 am, all taking place at the San Jose Convention Center.

Cyber Security Researcher to Present "Cautionary Tale" on Mobile Medical Data Fraud at HIMSS Summit

Security researcher Stephen Cobb of  ESET® will be at the company's exhibit booth at the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Cybersecurity Summit  in Washington, DC.

The presentation is set for November 10, 1:30 p.m.–1:50 p.m. at Booth 1405.

More Detail Revealed on JEEP/Mopar Concept Vehicle Showcased at SEMA

Jeep® and Mopar have released more details and photos of the Wrangler RedRock Concept vehicle,which is being showcased now at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) trade show (Las Vegas, November 3-6). 

The Jeep Wrangler Red Rock Concept pays tribute to the Red Rock 4-Wheelers off-road club that hosts the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. For 2016, the Red Rock 4-Wheelers celebrate the 50^th annual Easter Jeep Safari, which started in 1967 with an off-road drive along the "Behind the Rocks Trail."

FCC Announces Intent to Fine Vendor for Blocking Consumer Wi-Fi Connections at Baltimore Convention Center

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced Monday that it plans a $718,000 fine against M.C. Dean for blocking consumers’ Wi-Fi connections at the Baltimore Convention Center.

The FCC says the Enforcement Bureau investigation found that M.C. Dean, Inc., one of the nation’s largest electrical contracting companies, blocked personal mobile “hotspots” of convention visitors and exhibitors who tried to use their own data plans to connect to the Internet rather than paying M.C. Dean substantial fees to use the company’s Wi-Fi service.

EICMA Trade Show in Milan to Include Presentation of Zero's New Line of Electric Motorcycles

Electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero Motorcycles announced that it will present a complete line of 100 percent electric motorcycles at EICMA (Milan, Italy, November 19–22), billed as the largest motorcycle trade show in the world. 

Leaders of Authors Executive Series at EXHIBITORLIVE Announced

A lineup of prominent business authors will lead the Author Executive Series Sessions at EXHIBITORLIVE 2016 (Las Vegas, February 29–March 2), a training conference for trade show, exhibition, and event management professionals organized by Exhibitor Media Group.

Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association Announces Keynote Speaker for Annual Convention & Tech Fair

The Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association (CSDA) has selected Dick Rutan as the keynote speaker for the association's 44th Annual CSDA Convention & Tech Fair (March 8–12, 2016, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert, California).

Association of Art Museum Curators Announces Conference and Meeting Venues for 2016

The Association of Art Museum Curators (AAMC) and the AAMC Foundation announced last week that Houston will be the venue for its 2016 Annual Conference & Meeting (May 7–10): “AAMC @ 15: Moving Forward.”

Additions to Denver International Airport's Air, Rail Connections Announced with High Hopes for Boosting City's Meeting, Convention Business

New rail and air connections at Denver International
Airport are expected to grow tourism and foster new
meeting and convention business in the Mile High City.

Enhancements to the air and rail connections at Denver International Airport (DEN) could not only advance tourism but also have a game-changing impact on Denver as a destination for meetings and conventions, according to Visit Denver, The Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Denver's Regional Transportation District recently announced launch dates for commuter rail service to downtown Denver's historic Union Station from the airport. Beginning on April 22, 2016, at a cost of $9.oo, visitors will have access to the 23-mile ride giving them a fast and affordable option to get to the heart of the city.