This blog is moving to blog.ConventionVendor.com

This blog is moving to blog.ConventionVendor.com.

2011 Convention Dates Announced for AES*

Roger Furness, Audio Engineering Society (AES) Executive Director, has officially announced the show dates for the 2011 AES Convention. The 130th AES Convention will officially be held in the Novotel London West Convention Center from Friday, May 13, 2011 to Monday, May 16, 2011. But Furness didn't stop there, he also announced that the 131st is confirmed for the Jacob Javits Center in New York from Thursday, October 20, 2011 to Sunday, October 23, 2011.

According to Furness, "Extraordinarily positive attendee and exhibitor feedback confirmed the success of our 129th Convention in San Francisco this past November. We received high marks on all levels, technical, social and organizational. A palpable sense of optimism permeated the entire event."

Furness went on to say that, "Our Convention Committees have already begun the year-long process of developing both these major 2011 events. The call for papers has been posted for the London Convention, and the New York Convention Chair Jim Anderson meets this week with our committee here to begin plans for October."

In closing, Furness says, "Fortunately, many of our longtime Chairs have returned to the fold. The benefit of their skills and knowledge in insuring an outstanding convention experience is incalculable. We are confident that 2011 will bring the professional audio industry continued growth. We wish our members, attendees and exhibitors a happy and healthy holiday and a peaceful and prosperous New Year."

*Rentacomputer.com is not affiliated with nor in any way authorized by the AES Convention 2011, the Novotel London West Convention Center or the Jacob Javits Center. Rentacomputer.com is an independent nationwide technology rental provider, and this page in no way implies exclusivity of our services at the AES Convention 2011, the Novotel London West Convention Center or the Jacob Javits Center.

A Tech Travel Agent from Rentacomputer.com, the Worldwide Technology Rental Company will schedule installation of projectors, computers, and office equipment on a permanent or temporary basis in over 1000 cities worldwide. Call 800-736-8772

We have 3987 Installers, Technicians and Engineers stationed worldwide to serve you.

Dates and Tentative Guestlist for the Official Star Trek Convention in Vega - Celebrating 45 years of Star Trek.

The annual Official Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas for 2011 will celebrate 45 years of Gene Rodenberry’s legacy. It will be held August 11-14 at the Rio Suites Hotel, and despite being a new location for the convention, it is not a less exciting one.

The convention will feature an impressive guest list for Star Trek fans:

William Shatner: Of course a Start Trek convention is not really a Star Trek convention unless Captain Kirk is making an appearance.

George Takei , who played Sulu, and Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura in the original Star Trek series, will be appearing Sunday.

Doming Keating and Connor Trinner of Star Trek: Enterprise will be appearing Thursday.

Gwynyth Walsh and Barbara March of Star Trek: The Next Generation will appear on Saturday.

J.G. Hertzler and Robert O’ Reilly, also of Star Trek: The Next Generation, will appear on Friday.

Also announced are Nana Visitor and Rene Auberjonois who have agreed to give a special performance. More are expected to be announced, however, all celebrity appearances are subject to change.

Also in the tentative itinerary is a Yes/No Star Trek trivia game, where fans can put all of their years of Trekkin to use in a chance to win $1750.

The Rio itself is sure not to disappoint fans either. The Rio has more than 2500 suites, each with 600 square feet of total space. Each Suite also includes a separate dressing area, couch, 32-inch TV, table with chairs, in-suite refrigerator and safe. The Rio also features free shuttle service to the Strip, a 120,000 square foot casino, four pools and a spa. So, in addition to basking in Star Trek fandom, guests of the convention and the Rio can enjoy many other things that the Rio has to offer.

Click here to find out more about this event.

Guest Updates for the 2011 Orlando MegaCon*

MegaCon, one of the largest comic book, anime, gaming and multi-media events in the Southeast, is scheduled to take place March 25 through the 27, 2011 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Comic book, gaming and anime enthusiasts in the Orlando area look forward to the Orlando MegaCon each and every year, hoping to get a glimpse of their favorite artists, writers, creators, game developers and even, hopefully, a sneak peek at upcoming video games and comic book related movies.

So it isn't surprising that fans of the event try to find out as much information as possible about the show before it begins. Well, MegaCon has just dropped a tasty bit of information in the form of an update on the guest list for the 2011 show, which adds a ton of comic book guests, media guests, new events and so much more.

MegaCon unveiled this updated list of special comic book guests that included such names as: Joe Jusko (Vampirella, Wolverine/Hercules), Darwyn Cooke (Justice League: The New Frontier, Batman/The Spirit), Greg Horn (Elektra, Emma Frost) and Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies, Deadpool).

In addition to that, James Marsters (Buffy/Angel) has been added as a special media guest and a new event has been added, Speed Dating, which is slated to take place on Friday and Saturday only. Stan Lee advanced autograph tickets, and VIP tickets are now available. These tickets guarantee you an autograph from Stan Lee, legendary creator of such comics as The X-Men and Spiderman. In addition to that, autographs will be granted on a first-come first-served basis and will be limited.

MegaCon is also unveiling guests of honor Stan Lee and Star Trek icon William Shatner. William Shatner VIP special evening event tickets are also available. Other events that were included in the update include: children's events provided by the Skiffytown Heroes, paint and take room, RPG and LARP gaming events, anime events, a LAN room, belly dancing, an Indy Film Festival, movie trailers screening room, Saturday evening dance and professional panel rooms.

The MegaCon guest list is ever changing, so it would be advisable to constantly check out www.MegaConvention.com. Don't forget that the Orlando MegaCon takes place from March 25 to the 27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

*ConventionVendor.com is not affiliated with nor in any way authorized by the Orange County Convention Center or the Orlando MegaCon 2011. ConventionVendor.com is an independent nationwide technology rental provider and this page in no way implies exclusivity of our services at the Orange County Convention Center or the Orlando MegaCon 2011.

Las Vegas Conventions for January 2011

There are so many different kinds of conventions happening in Las Vegas this coming January. Conventions for Potato heads,  Geeks, Adults, Doctors, lawyers and more, every conceivable convention is in Las Vegas in January.


The first 'really big show' not counting the National Potato Council 2011 Potato Expo is the CES or Consumer Electronics Show, billed as the 2011 International CES with 120,000 geeks, I mean people are planning to attend. Dates of the CES are January 6th through the 9th.


Then 2000 people will be attending the 2001 Sin City Shootout Softball Tournament. Teams are looking for players and players are still looking for teams. There is still time for you get on a team, really, check it out. More info here: http://www.sincityshootout.com/.



Ben and Jerry's Franchise meeting is expecting 400 at the Red Rock Casino Resort Spa. I didn't know Ben and Jerry were franchising. Sounds interesting but you have to be dedicated. From their website: "What does it mean to be a Ben & Jerry's franchisee? It means you are a totally-devoted, head-over-heels Ben & Jerry's nut. You live for euphoric super-premium ice cream. You live for serving customers. And you live for giving back to the community." More info on that here: http://www.benjerry.com/scoop-shops/franchise-opportunities/


Anthony Robbins has a conference at Caesars Palace and abut 800 people are planning to attend. I can't stand his commercials on Sirus XM, he is on constantly with that 'just woke up' voice. Jez the guy is brilliant, but can you have some else speak in your commercials. Also a few sound effects would be great.


Next up with the American Osteopathic Association and Western Beauty Rep Associations with combined attendance of 1350. Unlikely that there will be much crossover traffic at these two conventions. Maybe some doctors wives.


The California Teachers Assoication and the Army Navy Military Expo will have overlapping conventions at different hotels across town, combined planned attendance is around 1650.  Here is something interesting, Let's Play Hockey has 4000 hockey players attending. Maybe they aren't all hockey players now, but at one time, haven't we all played hockey?


Now for the Biggies after the 
2011 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show is planning on 55,000 attendees! and World of Concrete 65,000! Who would know. Also World Market Cener with 50,000 planned. The last big show is January 25-27, Surfaces 2011 is expecting 25,000 who are interested in floors, tiles and other surfaces.

Here is a good listing of Las Vegas Conventions for January 2011

01/03 - 01/05 - Sales Kickoff & Servicepower Forum 2011
Red Rock Casino Resort Spa - 100 Projected Attendance

01/03 - 01/06 - Technology Training Corporation Military Wireless Communications
Flamingo Las Vegas - 80 Projected Attendance

01/03 - 01/06 - Group Photographers Association - Annual Meeting
Flamingo Las Vegas - 80 Projected Attendance

01/03 - 01/09 - SAE International - Board of Directors Long Range Planning Meeting 2011
Bally's Las Vegas - 50 Projected Attendance

01/03 - 01/10 - National Potato Council 2011 Potato Expo
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino - 1,000 Projected Attendance

01/06 - 01/09 - Adult Entertainment Expo 2011 Sands Expo & Convention Center - 30,000 Projected Attendance

01/06 - 01/09 - 2011 International CES
Las Vegas Convention Center - 120,000 Projected Attendance

01/06 - 01/10 - American Bar Association - January Board of Editors Meeting 2011
Wynn Las Vegas - 25 Projected Attendance

01/08 - 01/09 - American College of Addictionology & Compulsive Disorders   Golden Nugget - 50 Projected Attendance

01/09 - 01/11 - Palm Springs Tours & More
 Edgewater Hotel & Casino - 50 Projected Attendance

01/09 - 01/13 - Underwriters Laboratories Inc - Core Team Off Site Meeting 2011
Vdara Hotel - 21 Projected Attendance

01/10 - 01/14 - Promotional Products Association International - PPAI Expo 2011
Mandalay Bay Convention Center - 18,500 Projected Attendance

01/11 - 01/18 - 2011 Sin City Shootout Softball Tournament
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino - 2,000 Projected Attendance

01/11 - 01/18 - Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc. - Global Franchise Meeting
Red Rock Casino Resort Spa - 400 Projected Attendance

01/12 - 01/15 - Society for Technology in Anesthesia - Annual Meeting
Venetian Resort - Hotel - Casino - 500 Projected Attendance

01/12 - 01/15 - Parker Seminars--2011 Annual Winter Convention
 Las Vegas Hilton - 3,500 Projected Attendance

01/12 - 01/15 - Association of Fund-Raising Distributors & Suppliers Annual Convention
Paris Las Vegas - 500 Projected Attendance

01/12 - 01/15 - American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)
Wynn Las Vegas - 60 Projected Attendance

01/12 - 01/16 - Anthony Robbins Companies Business Mastery
Caesars Palace - 800 Projected Attendance

01/12 - 01/17 - Herff Jones PHOTOGRAPHY DIVISION - National Sales Conference
Bally's Las Vegas - 200 Projected Attendance

01/13 - 01/15 - American Osteopathic Association (AOA) - Osteopathic Medical
Paris Las Vegas - 800 Projected Attendance

01/13 - 01/15 - Western Beauty Rep Association - Western Buying Conference
Bally's Las Vegas - 550 Projected Attendance

01/13 - 01/17 - California Teachers Association Issues Conference
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino - 650 Projected Attendance

01/15 - 01/20 - Army Navy Military Expo
Tuscany Suites & Casino - 1,000 Projected Attendance

01/16 - 01/18 - Redken Laboratories, Inc. - 2011 Annual Symposium
Mandalay Bay Convention Center - 2,000 Projected Attendance

01/17 - 01/19 - Let's Play Hockey International Expo
Red Rock Casino Resort Spa - 4,000 Projected Attendance

01/17 - 01/19 - Field Kick-Off
Caesars Palace - 6,500 Projected Attendance

01/17 - 01/20 - Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week
Mirage - 1,800 Projected Attendance

01/18 - 01/21 - 2011 Shooting, Hunting & Outdoor Trade Show
Sands Expo & Convention Center - 55,000 Projected Attendance

01/18 - 01/21 - World of Concrete 2011
Las Vegas Convention Center - 65,000 Projected Attendance

01/19 - 01/22 - Jafra Cosmetics International, Inc. - National Conference 2011
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas - 2,000 Projected Attendance

01/20 - 01/22 - National Association of Dental Laboratories 2011 Vision 21
Paris Las Vegas - 800 Projected Attendance

01/23 - 01/26 - Society of Exchange Counselors 2011 National Meeting
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino - 120 Projected Attendance

01/24 - 01/26 - MarketingSherpa Annual Email Summit
Caesars Palace - 500 Projected Attendance

01/24 - 01/26 - INSPIREDESIGN at World Market Center
World Market Center Las Vegas - 2,500 Projected Attendance

01/24 - 01/26 - Commercial Finance Association's Asset-Based Capital Conference
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas - 125 Projected Attendance

01/24 - 01/28 - Families and Schools Together - International FAST Conference 2011
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino - 20 Projected Attendance

01/24 - 01/28 - Barbershop Harmony Society - 2011 Midwinter Convention
Riviera Hotel & Casino - 1,900 Projected Attendance

01/24 - 01/28 - World Market Center - Winter Las Vegas Market
World Market Center Las Vegas - 50,000 Projected Attendance

01/25 - 01/27 - Surfaces 2011
Sands Expo & Convention Center - 25,000 Projected Attendance

01/26 - 01/28 - 2011 American Society For Training & Development Techknowledge
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino - 1,600 Projected Attendance

01/26 - 01/29 - Dove Chocolate Discoveries
Paris Las Vegas - 250 Projected Attendance

01/27 - 01/28 - Entrepreneurs Organization - Presidents Meeting 2011
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - 40 Projected Attendance

01/28 - 02/03 - ACLU Nationwide Staff Conference
Flamingo Las Vegas - 325 Projected Attendance

01/31 - 02/02 - International Air-Conditioning Heating Refrigerating Exposition (AHR) Expo
Las Vegas Convention Center - 40,000 Projected Attendance

01/31 - 02/04 - Southern Nevada Chapter, International Code Council (SNICC)
Orleans Hotel and Casino - 800 Projected Attendance

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ASHA Convention in Philadelphia

This year's ASHA Convention is November 18–20, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The ASHA, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 140,000 members and affiliates who are speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the United States and internationally.

Vision
Making effective communication, a human right, accessible and achievable for all.

Mission
Empowering and supporting speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists by:

Advocating on behalf of persons with communication and related disorders
Advancing communication science
Promoting effective human communication

This year's Convention theme, "Leadership into New Frontiers," will help us focus on what we need to do as professionals to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Knowing that leadership is not positional, we hope the Convention will help each person discover her/his potential for leadership in every day work and living. Under the guidance of program co-chairs, Shari Robertson and Tony Cacace, the Program Committee is working hard on program sessions with innovative speakers and topics that can meet the varied interests of ASHA members.

ASHA President

Tommie L. Robinson, Jr.

Convention Centers Are Driving Away Business with Exclusive AV Contracts

Convention organizers are finding ways to keep costs in line by finding "Free Trade Convention Centers"

Exclusive contracts cost convention organizers and their guests millions of dollars in higher cost for AV and Computer Rental equipment. Exclusive contracts cause some convention organizers to change venues due to high costs. This has recently hit home with the McCormick Place and Navy Pier in Chicago when the State of Illinois passed a law that effectively ordered the convention centers to stop overcharging.

Ian MacCosley recently posted an article about convention centers overcharging for everything from plasma flat screens to internet connections. Convention centers have a captured audience and they try to capitalize on that effect by offering exclusive contracts to vendors who also pay hefty fees for the privilege of being the only game in town.

At the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) executive conference, held August 9-11, 2010 in Boston, MA, the SISO board and its members sent a powerful message to convention centers and hotels who are in the business of hosting trade shows. SISO said they strongly opposed “any policies whereby facilities require show organizers to use only that facility’s appointed and exclusive in-house vendors for services that would otherwise be widely available in the marketplace.”

They added, “Policies whereby the organizer is limited in its choice of contracting for services will, inevitably, drive both exhibitor and organizer costs needlessly higher, endangering loss of business to the city and the facility by driving shows to more friendly venues without such restrictions.” - Source: Trade Show News Network

All Convention Vendors want is Free Trade

Independent Audio Visual and Computer Rental companies want fair, open competition. Some in the industry are voicing their opinion about the illegal trade obstructionist policies by many convention centers and hotels. Convention Vendor will be recommending to all our clientèle ‘FREE TRADE’ hotel and convention center venues.

Get an Apple Laptop Rental today from Rentacomputer.com.
Call us at 800-736-8772.