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Oct 17, 2017
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition has appointed Julie Coker Graham, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, as its next co-chair.
Coker Graham will join Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International, in leading the coalition and promoting the value of face-to-face meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions.
“We are very excited to have Julie be the first CEO of a convention and visitors bureau to co-chair MMBC,” Van Deventer said.
He added, “Her insights, experience and passion for our… more
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Oct 11, 2017
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has decided to withdraw from a proposed collaboration with the Kentucky State Fair Board and its National Farm Machinery Show.
Last February, AEM and the KSFB signed a letter of intent and announced a verbal agreement on the showfloor of the 52nd annual NFMS at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
Under the agreement and starting with the 2018 show, AEM would have assisted with the show’s management and co-production with the intention of elevating the exhibitor and attendee experience. The association would have also had an equity… more
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Oct 08, 2017
The phrase “Experience Design” gets tossed out repeatedly, but do we truly understand how this concept plays out in the trade show and conference arena?
This dynamic has been embraced by the consumer markets, starting in 1999 with Joseph Pine and James Gilmore’s best-selling book called “The Experience Economy: Work is Theatre & Every Business a Stage.”
What impact has this or could this have on the B2B trade show and events industry? We’re going to tackle this question with industry experts on our next #ExpoChat, Weds. Oct. 11at 1 p.m. E.T. on Twitter.
Join Experient’s Terence… more
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Oct 02, 2017
The 20 in their Twenties program, supported by the Professional Convention Management Association Education Foundation and Visit Seattle, is designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals in the business event industry. By recognizing emerging leaders, and their talents, PCMA helps to support a new generation of business event strategists around the world.
“The 20 in their Twenties program is a great way to recognize and engage rising stars in the industry,” said Rob Hampton, senior vice president of Convention Sales and Services for Visit Seattle.
He added, “It gives young… more
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Sep 24, 2017
In August, SPARGO assumed responsibility for the management of exhibit and sponsorship sales for the American Society for Cell Biology’s 2017 and 2018 ASCB|EMBO Meetings and 2019 and 2020 ASCB Annual Meetings.
Additionally, SPARGO will sell advertising in ASCB’s three publications and other digital communications.
“We are proud to partner with SPARGO,” says Alison Harris, ASCB's Director of Meetings. “Our aim is to continually improve the meeting experience for attendees and exhibitors, and we’re confident that SPARGO’s experienced team of event management professionals will help us… more
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Sep 24, 2017
The Foundation of the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FFPSA) presented a donation of $100,000 to the Greater Chicago Food Depository during PROCESS EXPO last week.
The donation, a result of its DEFEAT HUNGER Campaign, included food products donated by PROCESS EXPO exhibitors and money raised through virtual donations, which is the equivalent of 400,000 meals, and will be used to help fight hunger in the Greater Chicago Area.
The presentation took place during PROCESS EXPO, a trade show dedicated to all segments of the food and beverage processing industry, that took place at… more
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Sep 24, 2017
Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) Minneapolis, the Midwest's largest medical technology event, will host a robust conference, featuring technical sessions, case studies and panel discussions on up-to-the-minute trends and topics that are affecting the industry.
Taking place Nov. 8-9 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the MD&M Minneapolis conference is the premiere program to experience expert-led education.
"Staying ahead of the curve in regards to industry trends and knowledge is of the upmost importance to us and we plan to bring the latest and greatest in medical… more
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Sep 22, 2017
FABTECH 2017 is adding a new twist to its opening keynote presentation by embracing the popular TED Talks concept.
Featuring short, inspirational talks given by industry visionaries relaying messages about transformation, growth and the future of manufacturing, the “FABx Tech Talks” will kick off the keynotes on the first day of the annual trade show and conference for the metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing industries.
Set for Nov. 6-9 at McCormick Place in Chicago, the event is expected to attract more than 50,000 attendees and 1,700 exhibiting companies spanning more than… more
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Sep 21, 2017
A new Start-Up Pavilion has been created at ibtm world 2017 where tech and experiential start-up companies can exhibit, giving them the opportunity to showcase their product to more than 15,000 highly influential MICE industry professionals.
The three-day event takes place Nov. 28-30 at Fira Gran Via Barcelona in Spain.
Companies eligible to exhibit in the Start-Up Pavilion must be two years or younger, with five or fewer full-time employees and with an annual turnover of less than $600,000.
As part of the exhibiting package, they will receive their own personalised diary, with the… more
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Sep 07, 2017
Summertime ended with a flurry of new and existing business being contracted between suppliers and event organizers in the trade show industry, ranging from Event Advisory Group to SmithBucklin to Spargo and National Trade Productions.
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) has contracted with Event Advisory Group (EAG), an event consulting firm, to continue supporting the organization to improve the performance of their event portfolio based on the recommendations EAG made after conducting their unbiased 360° Review this past spring.
Realizing the importance of implementing EAG’s… more
Partner Voices
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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