Association Show News
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Nov 15, 2011
For the fourth time since its founding in 1925, UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry headed to Valencia, Spain, for its annual Congress.
As a founding member of UFI in 1925, Feria Valencia hosted UFI’s annual Congress in 1933, 1949, 1992 and most recently Nov. 9-12.
This year’s theme, “Bridging Continents – Linking People” brought together almost 400 delegates from 52 countries, which breaks the record for an UFI Congress in Europe, to examine key industry issues from a global point of view, as well as from an in-depth perspective,… more
Nov 15, 2011
After 30 years serving as the head of the Religious Conference Management Association, Dr. DeWayne Woodring has announced his departure as the organization’s executive director, effective Dec. 31.
The RCMA board unanimously appointed its vice president of the board, Rev. Harry Schmidt, as the new executive director. Schmidt has served as president of Christian Life College, Mt. Prospect, Ill., for almost two decades.
Replacing Schmidt as RCMA board vice president is Melvin Tennant, president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis, Official Convention and Visitors Association, marking the… more
Oct 31, 2011
For the first time, the Craft & Hobby Association is opening up its Winter Conference & Trade Show to exhibitors who are not members of the organization.
The strategy behind the decision, according to CHA officials, is to be aligned with the show’s renewed focus on the power of building a creative community and commitment to serving the entire industry.
By allowing nonmembers to exhibit at the show, Jan. 29-Feb. 1 at the Anaheim Convention Center, CHA is inviting the entire industry to participate in and experience the craft and hobby community first-hand and participate… more
Oct 04, 2011
The American Society of Association Executives’ ASAE University, formerly known as CenterU and CenterU online, now will offer association professionals the capability and flexibility to take online courses using mobile devices.
“By adding the mobile component, it gives the association community the opportunity to participate in our online courses and enhance their knowledge and skills when and where it is most convenient for them,” said ASAE Chief Learning Officer Anne Blouin, CAE.
She added, “Our members have demanding schedules, and this allows them to… more
Oct 04, 2011
Attendees of the upcoming IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011, Nov. 14-18 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, will have the opportunity to play golf, ride a motorcycle or go for a run to support the local Give Kids the World organization.
GKTW Village is a resort that creates special moments for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, according to IAPPA officials.
“IAAPA is proud of our more than 15-year partnership with Give Kids The World,” said Chip Cleary, IAAPA President and CEO.
He added, “These unique and exciting events are ways… more
Oct 04, 2011
Qualcomm’s Dr. Paul E. Jacobs has been chosen to deliver the opening keynote at the Consumer Electronic Association’s 2012 International CES on tap Jan. 10-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Jacobs' keynote will be part of the Technology and Evolving Countries (TEC) Program at the show, which focuses on the role mobile technology plays in global innovation and economic growth in consumer electronics.
His keynote will be held Jan. 10 at the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino following a state of the consumer electronics industry keynote address delivered by Gary… more
Aug 07, 2011
The American Society of Association Executives’ Annual Meeting & Exposition, on tap Aug. 6-9 in St. Louis, attracted 5,400 total participants, which was slightly more than the 5,270 participants that came to last year’s event in Los Angeles.
“We surpassed Los Angeles last year, and we’re really excited about that,” said Kathleen “Kitty” Ratcliffe, president of the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, at a press conference on the meeting’s third day.
There also were 672 booths and 400 companies on the showfloor at America… more
Mar 27, 0018
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has selected Grapevine, Texas, as the destination for its World Education Congress (WEC) in 2020.
The association will collaborate with the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau to host the conference, which is scheduled for June 6–9, 2020, at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.
Grapevine is centrally located between Fort Worth and Dallas, where MPI is headquartered.
WEC is MPI’s signature event through which it delivers premier education, business and networking opportunities in North America.
It attracts more than 2,000… 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