News

Feb 15, 2018
It’s no secret that younger audiences have different approaches to learning. While Baby Boomers prefer personally focused learning and classroom environments, Gen Xers are fiercely independent, self-directed and would rather learn on their own time. Millennials prefer technology and social media and expect to have the infrastructure available to work anywhere and everywhere. Now, we also have Gen Z in the mix: the generation of instant gratification. Born into a world where everything is digitized, they expect their environment to deliver a “wow” experience – and if it doesn’t, they’ll just… more
Feb 14, 2018
Concept3D, provider of location-based software and 3D services, including 3D modeling, virtual reality (VR), interactive maps and virtual tour software, has launched the Colorado Convention Center’s new interactive 3D map and virtual tour platform. On the new platform, the CCC’s 584,000 square feet of meeting and event space are mapped in highly detailed 3D renderings atop interactive software, offering event attendees, visitors, employees, exhibitors, vendors and event planners the ability to easily navigate the facility as well as find their way to and from nearby and regional locations… more
Feb 14, 2018
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) has selected global design and consultancy firm, Arcadis, to oversee a capital improvements construction program to enhance four of MCCA’s convention and event facilities. As Owner’s Project Manager (OPM), Arcadis will act as an extension of MCCA staff and lead construction management and administration activities to plan, initiate, manage and execute capital projects at Boston’s John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center; the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center; the Boston Common Garage and the MassMutual Center in Springfield… more
Feb 13, 2018
International exhibition organiser, Messe Stuttgart’s Chinese subsidiary in Nanjing, the Nanjing Stuttgart Joint Exhibition (Messe Nanjing) appointed Hans Stoter as its new managing director, effective 1st January 2018. Hans Stoter was previously managing director of Koelnmesse China and he has over 18 years of experience working in management positions in the Chinese trade fair industry. The company stated that the appointment will further strengthen Messe Stuttgart’s position in the China market. The company plans to expand its own existing events as well as launch new trade fairs in China… more
Feb 13, 2018
Last week, Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter concluded its 49th edition at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), attracting some 14,000 buyers from 76 countries and regions. Running from 15th to 18th January, Fashion Week is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Approximately 1,400 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions showcased a wide variety of fashion products. During the four-day fair, more than 20 fashion shows were held as well as a number of other seminars and presentations. HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau, stated, “We… more
Feb 13, 2018
The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2018 was held in Chiang Mai this week running from 22nd to 26th January. During ATF, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) launched the ASEAN MICE Conference which aims to connect Southeast Asia’s business events stakeholders. The conference featured prominent speakers from Thailand and around the region. Delegates shared data, ideas, perspectives and business event related statistics from across Southeast Asia. In addition to the conference, TCEB also organised a networking event bringing together NTO officers and business events stakeholders… more
Feb 13, 2018
The Philippines released details regarding its MICE Roadmap designed to attract more business events to the country. Some of the new measures include reducing the cost of organising business events as well as addressing a variety of other issues that hamper the development of the local business events industry. To reduce the cost of doing business, the Philippines have eliminated its “common carriers” tax and billings tax. Both the government and private sector will form a technical working group to develop policies, improve infrastructure, and share data aimed at supporting the industry.… more
Feb 13, 2018
Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd has acquired Thailand Lighting Fair and Thailand Building Fair to expand the worldwide portfolio of its Light + Building brand of trade fairs. Powered by Messe Frankfurt since their inception in 2015, the two fairs now will officially form part of the Light + Building family that totals 14 fairs around the globe. “The Light + Building brand of shows is well-recognised around the world for its high quality event format and its power to attract the best in the industry. Adding the Thailand Lighting Fair and Thailand Building Fair to this growing… more
Feb 13, 2018
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) opened a new regional office in Shanghai, expanding and enhancing the association's programs and services in the Asia-Pacific region. The opening of the new Shanghai office is IAAPA's first Mainland China Representative Office, and its second office in the Asia-Pacific region. "China has been experiencing tremendous growth in the attractions industry and we are excited to open a regional office in Shanghai. This will allow us to further support our local participants and connect them with our global participants,"… more
Feb 13, 2018
Exhibition research consultancy, Explori has opened a regional headquarters in Hong Kong as the company prepares for significant growth in the region throughout 2018 and beyond. The business will be led by new appointment, Joann Chan, as associate director of Research, Asia Pacific. Chan joins Explori from leading research agency YouGov. She is a multi-lingual research professional with years of experience in project management and delivery of international research projects. She previously has held senior roles with TNS and Ipsos. "I’m delighted to be joining Explori at such an exciting… 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