News

Mar 15, 2018
Clients of web and mobile solutions provider, a2z, Inc., now can enjoy free access to the company’s newest offering, MyEventPlan, a feature-rich native mobile app solution that provides event audiences with a seamless search, planning and networking experience. Powered by ChirpE, the solution is complimentary to all event organizers whose events are powered by a2z’s event management and marketing platforms, including a2zShow, ConnectTM and FloorplanGenie. MyEventPlan combines powerful branding opportunities for events within a universal app environment combined with a2z’s facilitated… more
Mar 14, 2018
South By Southwest (#SXSW) with its thousands of attendees in the interactive, tech, film and music industries is THE place for brands to roll out the red carpet and show off their latest launches. This year’s event, held annually in Austin, Texas, did not disappoint, with several companies spending some serious cash to ensure they left an impression. The ones that hit it out of the park took the time to figure out an actual ‘experience’ that attendees would have, something that trade show and event organizers, as well as exhibitors, could take a page from. Here are the brand activations… more
Mar 13, 2018
NXT Events Media Group and Meister Media Worldwide have formed Meister | NXT LLC, a new joint venture dedicated to launching events in agricultural markets. NXT Events Media Group is the events company led by industry veterans Britton Jones and Sharon Enright. In their extensive experience in the events industry, Jones and Enright combined have produced more than 100 award-winning, world-class events.  They also have a strong track record of creating new events, having launched 15 successful new shows in their 18 years of working together. In more than 150 countries, Meister Media… more
Mar 13, 2018
The record-breaking 2018 World of Asphalt Show & Conference and AGG1 Academy & Expo concluded a successful run, March 6-8, as attendees and exhibitors conducted business and discussed issues affecting future growth such as infrastructure funding, and industry experts shared best practices during well-attended education sessions. The collocated exhibitions were held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. “This was one of our best events ever that delivered it all for industry professionals: product innovations, focused education and quality networking,” said Kevin Kelly… more
Mar 13, 2018
PRINT United confirms five more independent regional and state affiliates of Printing Industries of America (PIA) have agreed to support and promote the launch of the PRINT United Expo to their respective members. With this addition to previously reported participating associations, a total of 15 PIA affiliates are now supporting the new trade show hosted by the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) in partnership with NAPCO Media, which will launch in Dallas in October 2019. Pacific Printing Industries Association (PPI), Print Media Association of St. Louis (PMA), Printing and… more
Mar 13, 2018
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibitions Industry has revealed that Global Exhibitions Day 2018 (GED18) will be held June 6.  GED inspires exhibition associations and companies to run initiatives all around, with the goal of raising the sector’s profile as a vital contributor to economic growth in cities, regions and countries. Now in its third year, GED is an opportunity to celebrate the exhibition industry and highlight the positive impact it has on jobs, business, innovation and local investment. “Global Exhibitions day is about advocacy, about raising our industry’s profile.… more
Mar 13, 2018
Event WiFi and connectivity solutions provider, Trade Show Internet (TSI), has made life a little easier for event organizers by expanding its product line, packages and services to better serve a comprehensive range of trade shows, conferences, events and brand experiences. The company’s offerings now include multi-show packages for its 4G Internet Kit, enhanced performance on its 4G Mega Internet Kit, and concierge on-site delivery and set-up in cities across North America. TSI’s new and enhanced packages and services include: 4G Internet Kit & WiFi Hotspot: a cost-effective solution… more
Mar 13, 2018
A marketing firm for trade associations and a special event rental company have made some strategic business moves this month. Fixation Marketing has expanded its services, staff and resources through a merger with FORT Group, a full-service marketing agency based in Ridgefield Park, N.J. Earlier this year, FORT acquired the company from Fixation President and CEO Jean Whiddon, who has worked at Fixation since 1993, acquired the company in 2000 and will stay on as brand communications strategist, which will allow her to focus on client relationships and business development. “We are… more
Mar 09, 2018
It’s a problem that has plagued the marketing industry for decades: how to holistically and accurately assess the impact of live, face-to-face events. To solve this nagging issue, GES has launched GES Measurement & Insight, a new service that provides the key information marketers need to understand and demonstrate the business value of their events, activations and exhibits. A proprietary, standardized methodology that analyzes four key metrics to tie event performance to business outcomes, GES Measurement & Insight provides valuable insights based on event data, a scoring system… more
Mar 09, 2018
From Warhol-themed terrariums to frequent flyer cocktails, the EXHIBITORLive 2018 conference and trade show inspired event and trade show marketing professionals to think about their companies’ engagement strategies in new and unexpected ways. Held Feb. 28-March 1 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the 30th annual conference and expo drew about 6,000 attendees and 234 exhibitors spanning 54,992 square feet of exhibition space. The event got the creative juices flowing in the middle of the new Connection Zone, where attendees could “connect with their species” and think… more
Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact