Hot News

Ever-increasing fares, multiple surcharges, constant delays, cancelled flights, eliminating service to several key destinations—the list of problems with air travel keeps getting longer, and the negative impact of these issues on trade shows, conventions, meetings and other events grows more apparent. The situation has become so dire and the need for some solutions more immediate that the Board of Directors of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) have declared the air transportation system in a state of crisis. In response to the crisis, the board has initiated an agenda of study and communication.

With a new Convention Center opening in September 2008, and an estimated $3 Billion being spent on enhancing its reputation as a meetings and tourist destination, Raleigh, North Carolina decided its brand likewise needed a makeover. In July, the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau re-branded by unveiling a new logo—along with new website design and ad concepts—all of which will be used in a strategic marketing campaigns to promote the city of Raleigh and Wake County. 
 

Spotlight: Food & Beverage is now being served in the Hot News Section of Facilitiesonline. Everyone in the meeting and event industry knows the days of rubber chicken, cold coffee and warm beer are over. Venues of every description have upped the dining ante industry wide, with high-profile chefs, innovative food offerings and unique dining facilities. Spotlight: Food & Beverage will be an ongoing series dishing up the latest food trends in the meeting & event industry. Look for the “spotlight” logo in Hot News. Your table is ready.

Only a couple of months after ground breaking and with construction well underway, the new conference venue that will be part of Exhibition Place in Toronto, Canada has received an official name. The Council of the City of Toronto has approved a multi-year sponsorship/naming rights agreement between Exhibition Place and MTS Allstream, Inc., a Canadian communications company famous four its Allstream brand. The new facility, which will add an additional 160,000 Square Feet of meeting/exhibition space to Exhibition Place—home to the Direct Energy Centre, Ricoh Coliseum and BMO Field—has been christened: Allstream Centre – A Conference & Convention Centre at Exhibition Place.