Excellence Awards Winners Announced at KioskCom in Las Vegas

Excellence Awards Winners Announced at KioskCom in Las Vegas

Companies Receive National Recognition for Innovation in the Self-Service Industry

 

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 14, 2010) – KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show have opened yet another successful conference at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.  Welcoming thousands of qualified buyers and more than 200 exhibitors, this year's event proved that more and more end-users are seeing the value customer engagement technology initiatives.

 

The event closed its first day with one of its most highly anticipated features, the official Self Service Excellence Awards presentation ceremony.  The awards are unique to the industry for their primary focus on both deployers and technology providers. Industry excellence was recognized in seven different categories, and also announced was the Overall Winner and Deployer of the Year.  The 2010 winners include:

 

·         Category: Best Retail Deployment: 
The Tire Information Center Interactive Kiosk, submitted by: Saitech International 

 

·         Category: Best Travel/Hospitality Deployment: 
US Airways Extends Self-Check-In to the Curb, submitted by: NCR Corporation

 

·         Category:  Best Entertainment/Gaming Deployment:  
AT&T Experience Kiosk Project, submitted by: KioWare Kiosk Software

·         Category: Best Healthcare Deployment:  
Fujitsu America / Allscripts - Med-Serv™ 50 Patient Kiosk Solution, submitted by: KIOSK Information Systems and Fujitsu America, Inc.

·         Category: Best Other Industry Deployment:  
Greenopolis Recycling Kiosk/Waste Management, submitted by: Nanonation

·         Category: Best Overall Software Solution:  
AT&T Experience Kiosk Project, submitted by: KioWare Kiosk Software

 

·         Category: Best Hardware/Enclosure Design:  
Ecast IQ™: Enclosure for Interactive Media Solutions, submitted by: Ecast
`

·         Industry Deployer of the Year:

Chuck Simmers from Amtrak

 

 

Waste Management's Greenopolis Recycling Kiosk, submitted by Nanonation, took the Best of Show prize scoring the highest of all the winning entries. 

 

Entries were received from a host of sources nationwide and were judged solely on their own merit with winners not being limited to event exhibitors. The categories within the KioskCom Self Service Excellence Awards were judged by a panel of seasoned professionals representing firms that have deployed self-service technology, analyst firms, associations and media.

 

"These award winners are a prime example of the innovation that continues to come out of our industry," said Lawrence Dvorchik, General Manager for KioskCom.  "All of the entries we received exemplified how effective self service and other customer-engaging technologies can be and the ROI they bring to businesses across a variety industries and specialty areas."

 

Named by Tradeshow Week as one of the 50 Fastest Growing Trade Shows in North America three times, KioskCom Self Service Expo has continued its reputation as the most critical, strategic, largest and longest running conference and tradeshow for kiosks and self service media and technology, worldwide.  The expo has maintained more than a decade of success by delivering critical content and strategies to ensure deployment success directly from end-user companies that utilize these technologies within their organizations.

 

Building on their success, JD Events recently announced that KioskCom and The Digital Signage Show will converge to become Customer Engagement Technology World.  Beginning November 2010 in New York, this evolution will shine a spotlight on the expanding role of customer engagement in business success and improved ROI, addressing topics that are more reflective of what the industry has become and where it is going.

 

Customer Engagement Technology World will fuse the best resources and education tools KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show have to offer with new, innovative features added to an already impressive mix of sessions and reasons to continue exploring the strategies and content solutions that create successful customer engagement.

 

For more information about KioskCom Self Service Expo's spring or fall shows, please visit: http://www.kioskcom.com. 

 

For more information on The Digital Signage Show's spring or fall shows, please visit: http://www.thedigitalsignageshow.com.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @KioskCom & @DigitalSignShow 

Connect with us on LinkedIn 

 

About JD Events

JD Events is dedicated to the creation of targeted and innovative industry-leading events that deliver results. The company brings together highly qualified buying audiences, education-rich content and high-level networking opportunities -- all geared toward increasing business transactions in the markets it serves. For more information on JD Events, visit http://www.jdevents.com or contact Joel Davis at joel@jdevents.com.

 

Tradeshow Week ceases publishing

LAS VEGAS — I have in my possession the last issue of Tradeshow Week. It was in today’s mail.

On Friday it was announced that the magazine is shutting down. I read the news on my iPhone on Sunday afternoon while watching The Apprentice. I often catch up on news while watching television by going through my various iPhone Apps and bookmarks. Tradeshow Week happens to be one of the mobile bookmarks I check on a regular basis.

By now most trade show industry insiders are aware of this somewhat shocking news.

For the record, it was announced on April 16 that Tradeshow Week is no longer publishing any additional print issues and that its Web site will close on April 30. Its parent company, Reed Elsevier, announced almost a year ago, in July 2009, its intentions to substantially exit its Reed Business Information-U.S. publishing business, while retaining some specific businesses.

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NAB Show Draws Big Numbers

News from Tradeshow week…

LAS VEGAS — The NAB Show drew 88,044 attendees to the April 10-15 show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, compared with 82,650 last year, a 6-percent increase, according to the Natl. Assn. of Broadcasters. "Content professionals from across the globe turned out in force at The NAB Show, and we're delighted by the extraordinarily positive feedback from both attendees and exhibitors," said NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton.

BlogWorld signs deal with Hanley Wood Exhibitions

DALLAS — Hanley Wood Exhibitions and BlogWorld & New Media Expo today signed a partnership agreement at MTO Summit in Chicago whereby HWE will assume management responsibilities of the BlogWorld & New Media Expo event, beginning with the show scheduled for October 14-16, 2010 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.
[READ MORE]

Crowne Plaza Chicago renovates ballroom

ROSEMONT, Ill. (PRWEB) March 18, 2010 — The Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel & Conference Center, 5440 N. River Rd., has taken another step toward total transformation with the opening earlier this month of the remodeled O’Hare International Ballroom.

In conjunction with the new ballroom opening, anyone who books an event at the hotel through June 30 will receive 10 percent off the total bill, according to Patty Connolly, Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare general manager.

The 23,500-square-foot ballroom — one of the largest column-free rooms in the O’Hare area – has new high-end décor with state-of-the-art LED chandeliers and finishes mirroring the property’s recently renovated guest rooms and suites. [READ MORE]

Travelocity named official travel Partner of Vegas Uncork’d

Tickets on sale now for epicurean extravaganza, May 6-9.

LAS VEGAS — Vegas Uncork’d Presented by Bon Appétit, the four-day culinary extravaganza held each Mother’s Day weekend that celebrates Las Vegas as the most exciting culinary destination in the world, announces it has teamed up with travel industry leader Travelocity as its official travel partner for the third year in a row.

Vegas Uncork'd presented by Bon Appétit features a roster of Las Vegas' top culinary talent and is made possible by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and its participating anchor resorts: Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Wynn | Encore Las Vegas, joined this year by associate partner The Venetian | The Palazzo.

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San Diego Convention Center Secures Land for Expansion

SAN DIEGO— After more than 18 months of review, the Unified Port of San Diego authorized the transfer of six acres of land from Fifth Avenue Landing to the San Diego Convention Center Corp. (SDCCC), opening the door for an expansion of the San Diego Convention Center. The expansion calls for the addition of 200,000 square feet of exhibit space, 100,000 square feet of meetings rooms, 80,000 square feet of multi-purpose ballrooms and 40,000 square feet of bay-front retail space. The overall gross square footage of the expansion totals 1,266,719 square feet.

The expansion cost, including a proposed pedestrian bridge linking Fourth Avenue with the waterfront, is estimated at $752.7 million.

“This is a major milestone in our efforts to expand this regional economic engine…,” says Bob Nelson, Chairman of the SDCCC Board of Directors. “As our recent efforts to secure future bookings of Comic-Con International demonstrates, we need more space to keep our most valued clients and ensure San Diego remains a top choice for conventions into the next several decades.”

News from Ohio…

Experient honors its Top Suppliers of the Year

Award recipients recognized at Experient annual conference

TWINSBURG, Ohio — Experient, the source for integrated meeting and event solutions, recognized its top supplier partners during the Experient EnVision annual conference in Ft. Worth, Texas March 10-13.

Supplier of the Year awards recognize the best of the best of Experient partners each year and are an opportunity for Experient to honor those suppliers who demonstrate outstanding character and integrity, provide innovative ideas and solutions, and maintain high quality customer service.

"It takes great partners to help our team achieve new heights,” said Scott Durkin, Experient vice president of partner development, “and these suppliers are at the top of their class.”

Suppliers of the year are Beverly Anderson, associate director of events, Hilton Anatole; Cindy Goldberg, national sales manager, Harrah’s Entertainment; and Christian Schmidt, national sales manager, VAE.

[READ MORE]

Double Decks Unlimited to Close after 14 Years in Business

This is a surprising item posted on the Exhibitor Web site…


Double Decks Unlimited, Inc. has decided to close their doors after 14 years in business. "Our rental inventory has kept us afloat for the last few years but without the balance of rentals and purchased decks we're forced to make this very difficult decision" said Lisa Campbell, President.

As a result, their entire rental inventory is now available for sale. This includes columns, beams, struts, joists, stairs, landings, guardrail, handrail and skids with castors.

"I want to thank all my friends and colleagues who have supported us over the years. Ellie and I will miss working with everyone, especially on the complicated projects we've been involved in. Creative designers have always kept us developing new construction solutions."

Double Decks Unlimited, Inc. will officially close on April 15, 2010. Future builds will be considered on a per project basis. The above e-mail address will be way to contact them after that date.

E-mail Lisa at  lisa@doubledecks.com  for details and a complete component list


Best of luck Lisa!

Exhibitors misled at Expo! Expo!

IAEE and The International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing admonish construct Data Publishers a.s. for improperly soliciting, misleading exhibitors

 

DALLAS, 24 March 2010 - The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and The International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing (The Center) have issued a warning to all members and exhibitors of Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition after confirming indisputable evidence from several sources that Construct Data Publishers a.s. from Slovakia is actively and improperly soliciting exhibitors to participate in its fair guide "free listing."

The advertising solicitation is very cleverly composed and misleading. The offer is not a free listing at all but is an advertising order that if completed and signed, imposes a three-year-long advertising obligation costing the exhibitor several thousands of dollars.

IAEE President Steven Hacker, CAE, said, "IAEE vigorously condemns the activities of Construct Data Publishers a.s., and believes it constitutes an unfair infringement and improper intrusion into the business affairs of the IAEE. These illicit practices are confusing and detrimental to the business of IAEE and its members."

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The Wienermobile

Have not seen this in years.

Travel Promotion Act is Now Law

Travel Promotion Act is Now Law

 

DALLAS - 4 March 2010 - President Obama signed the Travel Promotion Act today which represents an enormous victory for the exhibitions, meetings and travel industries. The legislation, led by the lobbying efforts of the U.S. Travel Association and dozens of supporting organizations, including IAEE, took almost three years to pass through Congress.

 

"All IAEE members who visited Washington D.C., who talked with, wrote and called their Congressional representatives and senators share in this important victory," says IAEE President Steven Hacker, CAE. "Working in tandem with our partners across the industry ensured that our messages were both heard and acted upon. It is now time to go about the work of recapturing international market share for the business travelers who are so important to our domestic trade shows and events."

 

In the last decade, the U.S. lost substantial ground in the global travel market to other nations. The economic loss to the nation is estimated to be in excess of billions. Now that the Travel Promotion Act is law, the U.S. will have a source of travel promotion support for the first time.

 

The Act creates a public-private Corporation for Travel Promotion that will be supervised by the U.S. Department of Commerce and will also interact with the Departments of State and Homeland Security. An 11-member board will be created representing a broad cross-section of interests that depend upon international travelers. An executive director will run the day-to-day operations of the corporation that will create marketing and communications programs designed to attract more international visitors.

 

No taxpayer dollars will be used to support the corporation. Funding will be provided by both a new fee that will be paid by foreign travelers who are exempt from paying U.S. visa fees and annual private sector contributions.

 

In a related matter, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) is currently conducting research with Oxford Economics to determine the extent of economic losses to U.S.-based exhibitions arising from the tardy processing or denial of U.S. visas to foreign nationals. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the impact has been substantial. Results of the ground-breaking research will provide additional tools with which to modify U.S. visa and entry policies, thus enabling more business travelers to attend exhibitions and similar events in the United States.

 

For more information about the Travel Promotion Act, visit www.ustravel.org.

Jastrem retires from post as GES President

Jastrem retires from post as GES President
Dykstra to lead GES while search is conducted

PHOENIX — Viad Corp announced that John Jastrem, president of Global Experience Specialists’ business unit, has stepped down from his post and will retire. Paul Dykstra, president, chairman and CEO of GES' parent company Viad will assume the role while a search for his replacement is conducted. The announcement was made on March 22.

Jastrem has led the company since July when he replaced former GES President and CEO Kevin Rabbitt.

"I would like to thank John for his years of service at Viad, first in leading a turnaround at Exhibitgroup/Giltspur and more recently in consolidating and rebranding GES and EG," Dykstra said. “We thank him for his leadership in this role and wish him all the best.”

Dykstra served as president and chief executive office of GES from 2000 to 2006 before being named presidend and chief executive office of parent company, Viad in 2006. Jastrem will be available to the company on a consulting basis to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

“It has been a great experience for me to lead the team in revitalizing the Exhibitgroup/Giltspur organization by installing a client-centric and winning culture,” Jastrem said. “I want to thank all of the employees across Viad who have worked so tirelessly over the past several months to create the combined GES organization and I wish them great success.”

Huffington Post: Alexander Haig, Former Secretary Of State, Dies

 

		Alexander Haig, Former Secretary Of State, Dies
	WASHINGTON — Former Secretary of State Alexander Haig, a four-star general who served as a top adviser to three presidents and had presidential ambitions of...

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Telecom show is canceled

Not so great news according to Trade Show Week…  The Telecommunications Industry Assn. and USTelecom Assn. recently announced their jointly owned show, Supercomm, is canceled again.

Association spokespeople confirmed that the show’s cancellation is due to management company Expocomm Events, a Reed Exhibitions and E.J. Krause & Associates partnership, opting not to manage the tradeshow this year because of financial projections.

The show, which recently took place Oct. 21-23 at McCormick Place under the management of Expocomm, was held for almost two decades before the two associations parted ways and held separate shows in 2006. They reunited the following year under the NXTcomm brand, and changed the name to Supercomm for last year’s show.

Read more…

Soles4Soul to host celebrity signing with Scrubs star Faison and VH1 star Cobb at WSA

NASHVILLE, Tenn. and LAS VEGAS, Nev. —  [Jan. 29, 2010] Soles4Souls Inc., the international shoe charity dedicated to providing free footwear to people in need, has announced it will host a celebrity signing at their booth at the WSA tradeshow, an ENK International event on Tuesday, February 2nd from 4:30-6:00 pm at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.    

"Scrubs" Star Donald Faison and VH1 "The Price of Beauty" Star CaCee Cobb will be present at the booth to sign autographs for fans.  WSA attendees are invited to stop by the Soles4Souls booth during the signing hours for pictures and autographs with the celebrities.  The stars will be present at the trade show to raise awareness for the shoe charity's efforts in Haiti.

"WSA is honored to partner with Soles4Souls to support the Haitian Relief effort. We are inspired by Soles4Souls' dedication to humanitarian efforts around the world.  ENK International is committed to working together with the Footwear Industry to make a difference," said Pam Baffo, Director WSA.

Soles4Souls, in partnership with several donors from the footwear industry, has pledged more than 1 million pairs of shoes to the devastated region.  Founder Wayne Elsey explains that the commitment is part of their sustainable efforts to help the region rebuild long after the news crews leave.

"We are excited that CaCee Cobb and Donald Faison have partnered with us to raise awareness for the overwhelming need in Haiti," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls.  "Their long-time support of this charity has helped put thousands of shoes on people's feet all over the world, and will help us bring our ongoing message of hope for Haiti to the footwear industry."

Faison and Cobb are spokespersons for the charity and Cobb is currently featured in the  www.50kshoes.com campaign with fellow VH1 stars Jessica Simpson and Ken Paves.  The site is designed to raise funds for 50,000 pairs of shoes for the Haitian relief effort.

People and companies interested in donating can visit the organization's website at  www.giveshoes.org.

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Icahn acquires stalled Fontainebleau Las Vegas project

As reported in ExpoWeb…

Billionaire investor Carl Icahn’s Icahn Nevada Gaming Acquisition LLC made the winning bid to buy the bankrupt Fontainebleau Las Vegas Resort for $156.1 million. Icahn’s bid was the only qualifying offer to purchase the 63-story, 3,800-room project, which cost more than $2 billion and was about 70 percent complete when it filed for bankruptcy last June after nearly $800 million in funding from lenders was pulled. 

The sale is expected to close Feb. 9. The original hotel/condo/casino project was designed to include more than 393,000 square feet of meeting space, including a more than 105,000-square-foot ballroom. Analysts expect another $1 billion will be required to complete construction of the project.


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TSE Jan. 26, 2010

Read the latest eNewsletter from Trade Show Expo from Jan. 26, 2010.

Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Ep. 2: All Your History S1E26

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qdwvw_iZ4rU&feature=youtube_gdata

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Undercover agent posed as sales agent for an African defense minister.

The Justice Department and the FBI announced the arrest and indictment of 22 executives and employees from 16 companies that supply equipment to law enforcement and the military. The government charged them with attempting to bribe officials of an African country.

There was no African country. The whole thing was a sting operation.
The arrests were the result of a 30-month undercover investigation by prosecutors and FBI agents which resulted in 21 individuals being arrested in Las Vegas and one more in Miami.

The defendants allegedly agreed to pay a 20 percent commission to a sales agent they believed represented the defense minister for an African country. They were trying to win a multimillion-dollar deal to outfit the presidential guard.
The sales agent was actually an undercover FBI agent, and no defense minister was involved at all. Several of the indictments in the probe disclosed that at least one other FBI agent was operating undercover, posing as a procurement officer for the ministry of defense of the African nation.
Among those arrested were Amaro Goncalves, the vice president of sales for the Smith & Wesson Holding Company, officials said.
Also charged is R. Patrick Caldwell, recently named CEO of Protective Products of America, Inc. He had previously worked for the U.S. Secret Service, where he was special agent in charge of protection of the vice president of the United States.
Stephen Giordanella, the former CEO of Protective Products of America, was also charged. Giordanella was the one suspect arrested in Miami.

'What Happens in Vegas....'

The individuals in Las Vegas were arrested while they were attending the annual Shot Show convention in Las Vegas and all were arrested at a Vegas location when they believed they would be meeting the defense minister to finalize their deals according to DOJ officials familiar with the case.
"This is one case where what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas," said Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division.
Representatives for Smith & Wesson and Protective Products of America, Inc. could not be reached by ABC News.

FBI Sting Operation Nails Gun Company Executives

According to Goncalves' indictment, "On or about May 21, 2009, at the Ritz-Carlton meeting in Washington, D.C., Goncalves agreed to proceed with the Country A deal, after being told that in order to win the Country A business, [Smith & Wesson] would need to add a 20 percent 'commission' to the invoices."
The cases involved two phases. In the first, the suspects allegedly sent test samples of weapons along with payments to the sales agent and minister to show that the minister would receive his cut of the bribes. Then, in the second phase, the final large payments would be made.
The cases involved two phases where the defendants would send test samples and payments to the sales agent and minister to show that the minister would receive his cut of the bribes. The Goncalves indictments allege that "Goncalves further agreed to proceed with the Phase One deal knowing that the purpose of the Phase One deal was to show Country A's Minister of Defense that the Minister of Defense would personally receive a 10 percent 'commission' on the deal."
The 22 individuals were charged in 16 indictments in an investigation run by the Justice Department, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C., and the FBI's Washington field office. Employees from a British and Israeli military supply company were also arrested in the sting.
Breuer said in a statement, "The fight to erase foreign bribery from the corporate playbook will not be won overnight, but these actions are a turning point."

Sting: FBI Nabs Firearms Execs in Vegas

Undercover agent posed as sales agent for an African defense minister.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/fbi-sting-firearms-executives-arrested-bribery-investigation/story?id=9606388

CES

CES

Waiting to hear about the last gadget standing.

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Vincent Hernandez
Trade Show Expo
Publisher
News and information for trade show, convention, meeting and exhibit
professionals.

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Ford, Intel keynotes and major product innovation launch International 2010 CES

In-vehicle technologies, social media and technology announcements highlight opening day

LAS VEGAS — The 2010 International CES opened its doors unveiling the next generation of consumer technology products from more than 2,500 global exhibitors, including a record number – more than 330 – of new exhibitors. Owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the 2010 International CES, the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow, runs through Sunday in Las Vegas.
Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA, updated CES attendees on the state of the CE industry in a keynote address Thursday morning. Shapiro announced that the CE industry will return to revenue growth in 2010, a testament to the innovation that drives the industry and creates demand for CE products.

Shapiro spoke passionately about the need for innovation to drive the economy forward through its positive impact on consumers' lives. "Our future is bright because we are innovators. We are seeing more innovation at this show than at any show in our history," Shapiro said.

Shapiro also spoke about CEA's successful launch of the Innovation Movement to give a grassroots voice to the industry and to let politicians know that action taken by the government can help or hurt innovation. Shapiro also announced the launch of CE Cares, a new initiative to bring all that CEA does to protect and promote the health, safety and well-being of consumers under one umbrella; and CEA's new Consumer Technology Enthusiast membership category, which will allow consumers to join CEA for the first time. 

Alan Mulally, president and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Company, kicked off the 2010 International CES with an opening keynote address. Mulally gave an overview of Ford's 2009 success with Sync as an example of how smart technology integration allows Ford to better serve its customers.

Mulally announced the "myFord Touch," a new in-dash customizable interface, which will help consumers better access content and control features seamlessly, minimizing driver distraction. Ford also announced exciting partnerships with leading CE industry companies that, as Mulally stated, "allow us to increase connectivity, while decreasing driver distraction." 

Ford has already shared the Sync SDK platform with Pandora, Stitcher.com and Twitter and developed apps for the new "myFord Touch" interface. Based on that success, Ford is now opening its platform to additional third party app developers for future connected innovation.

Thursday's Driving Connected SuperSession featured a cross-industry panel of well-known professionals from Pandora, ATX, Autonet Mobile, Dice Electronics, Kia Motors, SEMA, and DENSO America. The panel agreed that connected automobiles are a reality and discussed ways that automobiles will start to communicate with other devices, such as traffic lights and toll booths, to increase public safety and optimize driving conditions. They discussed the importance of thinking differently when designing and implementing automotive technology, including the introduction of new widgets for the car. Pandora announced that its serial protocol was being used by Pioneer, Aline and Ford to enable greater integration and control of Pandora's music while behind the wheel.

The Twitter Revolution SuperSession on Thursday morning, moderated by Steve Broback of the Parnassus Group, featured social media thought-leaders who shared real-life examples of the power of Twitter to influence, inform and interact. The panel discussed their favorite Twitter tools and sites used to monitor and measure their company or product's reach. They stressed the three keys to successful Twittering: Share value; Be human and Interact.
Thursday afternoon's SuperSession, Staying Competitive in Turbulent Times, brought together executives from AT&T, Hewlett-Packard, Woot Inc., Contorl4 and Cisco to discuss what they've done to stay ahead and remain competitive given the current economic downturn. Each company faced challenges but used this time to innovate, branch out and target markets to stay ahead of the curve.

At CNET's Next Big Thing SuperSession, IPTV was announced as the next big thing that will have the greatest influence on consumer technology this coming year. The session focused on giving consumers choice, voice and control over their content like never before. The panelists acknowledged that many challenges exist to delivering content over the top of existing cable structures, including choice of content, piracy and DRM. Consumers want to enjoy a common experience across their devices, with the selection of content they want and an easy user experience.

Paul Otellini, chief executive officer of Intel, was the afternoon keynote speaker on Thursday. Speaking to a packed audience, Otellini stated his belief that Intel's job is to invent the future. To that end, the company demonstrated a plethora of new technologies including 3DTV, as well as IPTV, a Home Energy Management System, and a new technology Intel calls Wireless Display or "WiDi". The WiDi technology has the ability to connect a PC to an HDTV for streaming photos, videos and other content.

For more information on the 2010 International CES, visit www.CESweb.org.

Microsoft keynote and major product launces kick off 2010 International CES

LAS VEGAS — January 7, 2010 – A comprehensive keynote address from Microsoft's Steve Ballmer and innovative product announcements from top technology companies fueled excitement on the eve of the 2010 International CES, the world's largest tradeshow for consumer technology. Owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the 2010 International CES opened today in Las Vegas and runs through Sunday.
"Our pre-show events created tremendous buzz on the eve of the 2010 International CES, as the world eagerly awaits the next generation of technology innovation," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. "The 2010 International CES will be a phenomenal show with more than 2,500 exhibitors, including a record of more than 330 new companies, showcasing more than 20,000 new technology products and services. The products unveiled this week at CES will change the face of the global technology industry."
In other pre-show news, CEA released its Global CE Sales and Forecast. According to new data from CEA and Gfk, consumer electronics sales worldwide in 2010 will generate $681 billion in retail revenue.
On Tuesday evening, the 6th annual CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES kicked off the pre-CES media events at The Venetian. The event hosted a record number of more than 1,000 media. With 67 exhibitors, including Lenovo, Logitech, Parrott and Samsung Mobile, CES Unveiled featured the latest technology innovations including 3D TV, Netbooks, eBooks and robotic devices.

Product announcements continued on Wednesday with CES Press Day, featuring 14 exhibitor press conferences. CES exhibitors making new product announcements included LG, which announced an Ultra Slim 6.9 mm LED TV; Toshiba, which introduced CELL TV, converting all content from 2D to 3D; and Panasonic, which announced the world's largest – 65 inch – plasma 3D HDTV.

Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft Corporation, delivered his second pre-CES keynote on Wednesday evening at the Hilton Center. Ballmer focused on the importance of changing screens for the television and PC, cloud computing across multiple platforms and the evolving natural user interface. Ballmer, along with Ryan Asdourian, senior product manager for Windows, showed off a wide variety of innovative Windows 7-compatible PCs and software.

Next, Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division, discussed the exclusive content available in 2010 on the XBOX Live console. Bach wowed the audience by saying the popular video game series Halo will come out with a new title, Halo Reach, in the fall of 2010. Microsoft also announced that Project Natal, its revolutionary new video game that requires no game controllers, will be in stores by the holiday 2010 season.
For the latest news and developments from the 2010 International CES, visit www.CESweb.org .

Qualcomm’s Dr. Paul E. Jacobs to deliver keynote

Chief Executives of Microsoft, Intel, Ford, Hisense and Nokia also 2010 CES keynote speakers

ARLINGTON, Va., -- The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced that Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, chairman and CEO of Qualcomm, will deliver a keynote address at the 2010 International CES, rounding out an impressive lineup of speakers, including leaders from Microsoft, Intel, Ford, Hisense and Nokia. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2010 International CES, the world's largest trade show for consumer technology, is scheduled January 7-10 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Dr. Jacobs' keynote address is slated for 11 a.m., Friday, January 8, in the Las Vegas Hilton Center. The 2010 show marks Qualcomm's first International CES keynote address.

"Through Paul's vision, Qualcomm has become a leader in wireless technologies, connecting consumers around the globe and providing access to information and entertainment," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. "We are excited to welcome Paul to the 2010 CES keynote stage and look forward to hearing his plans for Qualcomm and the future of wireless technology."

Dr. Paul E. Jacobs is chief executive officer of Qualcomm Incorporated and chairman of the company's board of directors. He has been the primary driver of Qualcomm's focus on enabling wireless data services, which make the wireless phone a tool not only for voice communications, but also for entertainment, computing and information access.

Dr. Jacobs joins other confirmed CES keynote speakers, including Microsoft's Steve Ballmer, Ford's Alan Mulally and Intel's Paul Otellini, as well as Nokia's Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo and Hisense's Zhou Houjian, who will both speak as part of the CES Technology and Emerging Countries Program. For more information on the 2010 International CES, or to register, visit www.CESweb.org.

CES this week! Lots of gadgets!

Today I woke up in a panic trying to think of all the things I needed to do before driving to the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 2010 CES. I worked on the Trade Show Expo eNewsletter and was unable to finish. I will finish this later today.

I got a call from a counselor from the Art Institute Pittsburgh online school and she led me on a tour online of the Web design program. It looks great and there are lots of interesting and helpful courses. But, after 90 minute of discussing the school and looking at the online tour, I got tired and needed to hang up. I will consider this online school but I am also looking into other universities and online degrees. Next week I visit ITT in Summerlin.

Well, time got past me and I needed to shower and drive to the LVCC. After a finishing a few errands, including a stop at Jack in the Box, I arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center. As I walked to the Media Room I realized there was still a lot of work being done at the LVCC for CES. I thought the show opened today but I was wrong. The floor opens tomorrow.

When I arrived at the Media Center I was told I did not have press credentials. Thankfully the women at the window was very helpful and after showing my ID and business card I was able to acquire the correct press credentials. I got my lunch tickets but more importantly I received my ticket for the FREE CES Computer bag.

More tomorrow but now I have my badge and I can breath a bit easier. For more CES and trade show news. visit: Trade Show Expo. Also, follow me on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Print Story: Tablets and netbooks to be electronics show stars - Yahoo! News

Tablets and netbooks to be electronics show stars - Yahoo! News

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CES highlights include apps, Green Technologies, location based services and gaming

ARLINGTON, Va. [Dec. 28, 2009] — A record number of new exhibitors –more than 330 companies – will join more than 2,500 exhibitors in unveiling their latest technology innovations at the 2010 International CES. With more than 20,000 new products on display, the International CES is the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow. CE Spotlights throughout the CES show floor will feature key market categories including apps, green technology, gaming, location based services and more. Owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the 2010 International CES returns to Las Vegas, January 7-10, 2010.

"With a record number of new exhibitors, scores of new product introductions, several new Spotlights on the show floor and a dynamic lineup of keynotes sessions, the 2010 International CES will be our best show yet," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. "More technology deals will be made during the four days of CES than anywhere else on earth. In fact, each CES attendee has an average of 12 meetings while at the show, reinforcing CES as the business hub for technology. Innovation is flourishing within the technology industry and the 2010 CES is the only place to see it all."

Several CE Spotlights covering a variety of technology categories will be housed on the 2010 CES show floor. These include: the iLounge Pavilion, featuring all things iPod, iPhone and Mac related; Living in Digital Times, highlighting technology relevant to all lifestyles; EHXCES with custom CE products for home and commercial installation; Sustainable Planet, featuring the latest green technologies including advances in green building, alternative energy technologies and smart grid technologies and the Gaming Showcase with the latest gaming hardware and software. For a complete list of CE Spotlights visit CESweb.org/exhibits/displays/default.asp.

The 2010 CES will feature 20 market-specific TechZones highlighting the latest trends and emerging markets. New CES TechZones include the eBooks, Experience 3D, Femto, Lifestyle Gadgets, Mobile DTV, Netbooks and Safe Driver TechZones.

Top executives of the biggest names in technology and business will take the stage at the 2010 International CES with keynote addresses from Microsoft's Steve Ballmer, Ford's Alan Mulally, Intel's Paul Otellini and Qualcomm's Dr. Paul Jacobs, as well as Nokia's Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo and Hisense's Zhou Houjian, who will speak as part of the CES Technology and Emerging Countries Program.

Additionally, the 2010 CES will feature more than 250 sessions and 800 expert speakers as part of the CES conference program, which will cover a range of industry topics from social media to safe driving to technology policy. Conference programs for the 2010 International CES include, "Up Next at CES: Creativity, Content and Cash," focused on addressing the major challenge of how to monetize new media and the "Tech Policy Summit," which will discuss critical policy issues including broadband deployment and spectrum allocation. To search for CES conference sessions, visit CESweb.org/sessions/search/default.asp.

For more news about the 2010 International CES before, during and after the show, visit CESweb.org. Journalists are encouraged to arrive in Las Vegas by Tuesday, January 5, to take advantage of all the CES press events, including CES Unveiled from 4-7 p.m. on January 5.

Skip Cox selected for CEIR Board

RED BANK, NJ – December 21, 2009 - Exhibit Surveys, Inc., the leading provider of research and measurement services exclusively for the exhibition and event industry, today announced that Exhibit Surveys' CEO and president Jonathan "Skip" Cox has been named to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) 2010 Board of Directors.

Members of CEIR's board were selected by a nominating committee and announced during the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) annual meeting earlier this month.

"It is gratifying to be nominated and selected to participate on the CEIR Board," commented Mr. Cox. "I look forward to working with this dedicated Board of Directors to accomplish CEIR's goal of increasing awareness of the exhibition industry."

"We are pleased to welcome Skip Cox to the CEIR Board of Directors," commented Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP, executive director, CEIR "His extensive knowledge of exhibition research and measurement and commitment to the industry will be a tremendous benefit to us."

Aria is open

Come on in.

Aria

City Center

City Center CEO Bobby Baldwin addresses the crowd at the Aria dedication ceremony.

Aria opening

Great day for an outdoor press conference.
Nice colorful fountain.

City Center Vdara

The food here is unbelievable. The trout is awesome. I sampled a lot from the menu.

QUITE A PLACE

Vdara

View fro the 39th floor.

City Center

Today I am getting a tour of the new City Center. It was a maze just getting here and locating Vdara.

U.S.-Chinese gather for largest assembly ever held of its kind

Fremont, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2009) – Smart Business Services, Inc. announces the first-ever U.S.-China Business Summit at The Venetian in Las Vegas Jan. 3-5, 2010. More than 1,000 minority business owners, entrepreneurs, delegates and government officials will network with fellow attendees and convene at what is expected to be the largest American-Chinese business assembly in history.

The 2010 U.S.-Chinese Business Summit has received support from notable political officials, including Gao Zhansheng, the Chinese Consul General in San Francisco, Brian K. Krolicki, Lieutenant Governor of Nevada, Oscar B. Goodman, Mayor of Las Vegas, Judy Chu, Congresswoman, David Hinson, national director of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and Gary Locke, U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

The event's key panel features a round table discussion on Globalization and Minority-Owned Businesses in the U.S., and will highlight the role of the more than three million Chinese entrepreneurs to today's global economy. The panel will discuss the importance of the economic relationship between the U.S. and China in the changing global economy.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke said the U.S.-China Business Summit is an important step toward furthering one of the largest and most important trading relationships in the world. "I visited China several times last year and had a chance to see the tremendous opportunities available to American and Chinese businesses in new growth industries," Locke said. "This conference is an important part of that ongoing dialogue."

The Summit offers 140,000 square feet venue and over 60 conferences and networking opportunities; and expects attendance of officials from the U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Agency, the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the National Restaurant Association, Association of China Investment, and others.

For a complete schedule or to register, please visit www.ChineseBusinessSummit.com.

About the Summit Organizer

Smart Business Services, Inc. (www.s-b-s.net) is specialized in the niche ethnic market of the Chinese-American business community and people involved with US-China trade; and is committed to increasing their clients' business success through trade magazines, database marketing services, industrial portal websites, eBusiness solutions, and global sourcing expertise.

Cow Chip Bingo

Thank you to our fund-raiser participants!

IAAPA

PIZZA!

G2E Las Vegas

Vincent makes a new friend at G2E Las Vegas.

G2E

Good hot dog. Decent crowd.