Apr 12, 2015
The International Council of Shopping Centers has added several new programs, spotlighting additional education, professional development and deal-making opportunities, to RECon 2015 on tap May 17-20 in Las Vegas.   The three-day global conference will debut a revamped educational program, a full day dedicated to professional development and the Talent Development Pavilion. RECon’s more than one million square feet of exhibiting space has expanded to include SPREE RECon, the Leasing Mall, and the Marketplace Mall – providing further ground to bolster ICSC’s estimate that approximately 50… more
Apr 11, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events held a sold out Women's Leadership Forum April 8 at the Washington Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. More than 150 attendees sold out this year's event which featured education sessions for women at all stages of their career. "We understood the need for this type of program when we created it in 2013," said IAEE President & CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. "Nonetheless, the feedback we are receiving from attendees is really amazing, and we are very satisfied with the direction this program has taken." Here are… more
Apr 10, 2015
Phoenix Convention Center is joining the Worker Identification System (WIS) that will require a national identification badge for trade show labor starting in July 2015. Workers setting up and moving shows in and out will have to display a valid WIS badge with their name, photo and a scannable barcode. Powered by the Exhibition Services Contractors Association (ESCA), the WIS program is aimed at providing a uniform form of identification for exhibition workers in a form of photo ID badges connected to a database. The system assists venues in security for their events and can also help… more
Apr 10, 2015
The Spokane (Wash.) Convention Center finished its $55-million expansion in late February, adding 91,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space. Now, the facility overlooking the Spokane River features 120,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall, as well as additional ballroom and up to 32 meeting rooms. Most of the new space features either second-level or ground-level views of the river thanks to a completely glass north side. "The physical difference in the Convention Center is, itself, exciting," said Keith Backsen, Visit Spokane vice president of sales and services. "What we're really happy about is… more
Apr 09, 2015
Editor’s Note: Every year, Trade Show News Network strives to release a comprehensive list of the Top 250 Trade Shows in the United States. As one can imagine, it is a massive undertaking and takes several months and many, many reach outs since all of the information is submitted only by show management for each show and then vetted by TSNN. I wish I could say the list is 100 percent perfection every, single time, but after many years of compiling this information, there always are a few shows that are missed or other situations that arise that TSNN has to address. This year, Penton submitted… more
Apr 09, 2015
This past month has been a busy one with several long-time industry figures switching jobs, being promoted or returning to prior places of employment. In addition, there was the sad news that Earl C. Hargrove, founder of general service contracting firm Hargrove Inc., passed away at the age of 86. A celebration of his life is planned for April 11, beginning 11 a.m. at St. James’ Church, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, Md. 20711, followed by internment. Family and friends may visit April 10, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at his home, Holly Springs Farm, 571 West… more
Apr 09, 2015
When the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum kicks off May 27 in Washington, D.C., there will be 200 CEOs, executive directors, presidents, vice presidents and other C-level executives from associations and for-profit organizers taking in a full-day of six sessions with 12 presenters. The event was founded and is run by Sam Lippman from Lippman Connects who said, “Executives from associations and independents look forward to ECEF for executive level networking and peer-to-peer information exchange.” He added, “Many of them come back each year for fresh ideas from vetted speakers and… more
Apr 08, 2015
The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) plans to hold a road show in Japan later this month. The “Thailand Connect the World: Japan Business Events Road Show 2015” will be held April 21 at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo. Through the campaign, TCEB will promote Thailand’s MICE industry and introduce its new brand communication campaign – Thailand Connect the World – to the Japanese market. The event will bring together more than 200 buyers, suppliers, international media and industry experts in a series of concurrent events – including a press conference, Thailand’s MICE… more
Apr 08, 2015
The highest-ever attended Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2015 concluded in March with huge increases in both exhibitor and visitor figures as the fair took place for the first time at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (Shanghai). More than 62,000 trade visitors (including buyers from the concurrent CHIC and Yarn Expo Spring fairs that attended Intertextile Shanghai) from 88 countries and regions came to source the latest apparel fabrics and accessories from 2,637 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions. This compares to 40,214 and 1,469 buyers and… more
Apr 08, 2015
This week, NASDAQ-listed Global Sources reported its full-year revenues for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014. Revenues in 2014 were US$198.2 million – similar to the US$197.5 million recorded in 2013. IFRS net income in 2014 was US$18.3 million down from US$32.7 million – representing a 44 percent decline in profits. Revenues from its online platforms dropped nearly 11 percent, falling from US$104.6 million in 2013 down to US$93.3 million last year. On the positive side of things, revenues from exhibitions increased from US$85.6 million to US$97 million. The company has no debt and US$98.5… 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