News
Feb 27, 2018
If you are considering taking your event to The Netherlands – most people likely would focus on Amsterdam, but there are two other affordable and easy-to-access cities to look at as well: Rotterdam and The Hague.
“We think that Rotterdam is the new and exciting choice for event organizers, with the same level of service and quality that can be expected from all cities in the Netherlands as a destination country,” said Catherine Kalamidas, account manager for Rotterdam Partners Convention Bureau.
She added, “The good thing is that the Netherlands is such a small country that you can actually… more
Feb 27, 2018
The San Diego Convention Center has selected ON Site, a division of ON Services, as its preferred provider of audio-visual services and its exclusive provider of production rigging and in-house sound. The contract will begin May 1.
Owned by GES, ON Services is a leading provider of global live event audio visual services that include AV design, lighting, projection mapping and scenic design services. ON Site provides in-house audio-visual and technology services to convention centers, hotels and resorts across the U.S.
The SDCC hosts conventions, trade shows and community events year-round… more
Feb 27, 2018
In its 47th year and held recently at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, OFFPRICE drew in positive attendance who connected with 475 vendors, 49 of which were new to the show.
There also was a strong international presence on the showfloor.
“I had new business with a department chain based in Mexico, with almost 200 storefronts,” said Harry Nassib, OFFPRICE exhibitor.
He added, “This show, in particular, helped build awareness for my company and put my merchandise in front of buyers who I may not have reached elsewhere.”
Even with the hurricane hitting Puerto Rico late… more
Feb 26, 2018
When Kimberly Smith began as director of conferences and events at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), she already thought she was doing her part to be environmentally conscious, both in her career and personal life. Two years into her role at “the best association” she has ever worked for in her 30-year career, Smith has not only learned the true meaning of producing an authentically green event but also how much power event planners truly have when it comes to pushing the events industry in a more sustainable direction.
I had the chance to sit… more
Feb 26, 2018
ReedPOP, producer of games and pop culture live events, has expanded its business beyond event production for the first time by acquiring Gamer Network and its portfolio of events, websites and video channels.
Home to popular editorial and community websites and YouTube channels, Gamer Network boasts well-known flagship brands including Eurogamer, RockPaperShotgun, GamesIndustry.biz, VG247, Outside Xbox, Digital Foundry and USgamer.
Founded in 1999, the company also organizes EGX, the U.K.’s biggest games event, as well as indie games event, EGX Rezzed.
By combining the two portfolios,… more
Feb 23, 2018
Located in the heart of the historic city of Monterey, the new $60 million Monterey Conference Center is open for business after two years of renovations. The official ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Jan. 31, followed by a celebration that included live music, hors-d'oeuvres and guided tours of the property.
The Conference Center is a modern, LEED-certified meeting facility that features more than 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and can fit groups of up to 3,200 attendees.
The exterior of the building presents a striking first impression with natural stone, a large oval… more
Feb 22, 2018
As the events industry continues to be tasked with making the case for the value of face-to-face meetings and events, a new report commissioned by the Events Industry Council (EIC) has been released that will not only help the industry drive that case home but also prove what it has long known to be true: the meetings and events sector is critical to a healthy and thriving national economy.
According to the Economic Significance of Meetings to the US Economy, conducted by independent global advisory firm, Oxford Economics, and supported by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and other… more
Feb 22, 2018
Guidebook, Inc. has launched new Integrations and an Open API that enables event planners and organizations to seamlessly connect CRM, event registration and marketing automation software with their mobile event apps.
A self-service event app builder platform, Guidebook makes it easy for users to create, customize and manage mobile apps for events of all types and sizes using simple, built-in features and templates.
According to Guidebook officials, the company’s plug-and-play Integrations further extend the mobile app platform’s ease of use without the need for developer resources to… more
Feb 21, 2018
In the past few years, MAGIC, the biannual series of shows serving the fashion retail industry, has undergone one major change of ownership and is on the cusp of a possible other, as well as bought even more shows so that now there are a dozen running at the same time in Las Vegas.
The most recent MAGIC, held Feb. 12-14 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Convention Center, marked a further evolution in the fast-growing series of shows.
In 2016, MAGIC’s parent company, UBM, bought Business Journals Inc. and took several of BJI’s shows, including STITCH, MRket and… more
Feb 21, 2018
Trade show organizers and meeting planners strive to create experiences for both attendees and exhibitors that will provide value and be memorable. Historically, events have been designed based on what organizers felt attendees needed but in recent years, some organizers have flipped that notion on its head.
Greg Bogue, chief experience architect at Maritz Global Events, believes it’s important to think about events differently and approach planning from the attendees’ perspective.
“Walk in the shoes of your guests,” Bogue said. “Seriously consider going through the process of exactly what… 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