This week, we have two “Best of” lists to share. The first is the TSNN Fast 50, which is comprised of the fastest-growing U.S. shows in attendance and net square footage. Shows honored vary widely, from sports to technology to agriculture. The awards will be presented during a three-day celebration in Louisville, Ky. in November. The other is from M&C Magazine and lists the Top 10 Convention Centers based on meeting-friendly features and positive impact in the community.
Earlier this week, event planners gathered in Baltimore for EXPO Next, the first conference produced by EXPO Magazine. A key takeaway was that shows must reinvent themselves to stay relevant for attendees of the future. Some great examples are featured in this article from ExpoWeb.com.
And speaking of staying relevant … once again, Chicago is changing work rules to bring in (or bring back) more events. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has announced an agreement between the electricians and stage hands unions that would allow the stage hands to install, operate and remove the audio-visual, sound and lighting equipment used for presentations or entertainment (which was previously reserved only for electricians). This now makes Chicago more appealing to mid-sized events that have a major meetings component.
