News

Apr 23, 2019
America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis is about to get a major makeover. On April 16, the St. Louis City Council joined the City of St. Louis’ Board of Aldermen in approving the AC Next Gen Project, an estimated $175 billion plan that will update, modernize and expand the multi-venue complex to ensure its place as an economic and employment driver for the region.  The ACCC currently comprises the 42-year-old Cervantes Convention Center, St. Louis Executive Conference Center, The Dome at America’s Center and Ferrara Theater. Proposed last fall, the project will include the addition… more
Apr 18, 2019
Feeling powerless to make your events more sustainable? Want to make your events greener without having to ask your boss for permission or spending more money?  In her recent webinar, “5 No-Cost Ways to Green Your Events,” Julia Spangler, sustainable events consultant, offered tips for accomplishing just that, providing actions that event planners can implement right away to create more Earth-friendly events. “Sustainable, zero-waste event planning can provide unexpected cost savings related to printing, event supplies, catering orders and more,” Spangler said in the webinar. “They may… more
Apr 18, 2019
In an exhibit hall full of brands all vying for the attention of the right buyers, it can be hard for many exhibitors stand out from the pack, especially at large shows where it’s easy to get swallowed in a sea of booths and sensory overload. That’s why staying abreast of the latest exhibit trends that best support your marketing strategy can go a long way in helping you get your fair share of attention on the expo floor. We consulted a few bright minds in the world of trade show exhibit design to get their ideas about the newest, out-of-box design trends worth implementing in your next expo… more
Apr 18, 2019
Twenty-five event technology exhibitors will showcase their products and solutions at the new ConnecTECH Showcase, launching at Connect 2019 in Louisville, Ky. Set for Aug. 26-28 at Kentucky International Convention Center, the annual event for meeting and event planners will draw more than 1,500 hosted buyers from six business events segments including association, corporate, expo, specialty, sports and tour. Located on the trade show floor, ConnecTECH Showcase will provide event technology companies with guaranteed opportunities for networking, building relationships and discussing how to… more
Apr 17, 2019
Toronto’s Vantage Venues and The Globe and Mail Centre played host to the 38th edition of IACC’s Americas Connect conference April 10-11, which brought in 230 delegates. The theme of this year’s event was “Radical Innovation —Change Everything!” and as such, the education and networking opportunities took a new form. For example, organizers banned speakers from having PowerPoint slides with more than one word. In his address, Keynote Pablos Holman, a former computer hacker turned inventor, encouraged attendees to be disruptors of the events industry.. “We vowed to be different, and I… more
Apr 16, 2019
Full-service audiovisual provider ON Services has opened a new operation in Phoenix to meet the needs of its growing business. The new office will serve as ON Services’ newest Western hub, providing a full array of AV services to live events and venues in Arizona, Nevada and California.  “Our new Phoenix operation brings increased inventory and support to the Western U.S. and will allow us to better serve our growing client base and to reach new clients in support of their events across the country,” said Randy Fyfe, general manager of ON Services, a GES company.  He added, “We look forward… more
Apr 15, 2019
Back in April 1970, the first-ever Earth Day was started as a way to protest the negative impacts of industrial development on the environment. Now, nearly 50 years later, Earth Day is a globally recognized event, with an estimated 1 billion people in 192 countries taking part in the world’s largest civic-focused day of action. Monday, April 22 this year is the official day of celebration, but anyone in the events and travel industry can take inspiration from these programs and events to keep a more planet-focused mindset year round. With that in mind, here’s a round-up of what hotels,… more
Apr 12, 2019
When websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities are able to use them. However, many sites and tools are developed with accessibility barriers that make them difficult or even impossible for individuals with special needs to use. World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) asserts that the web is fundamentally designed to work for all people, whatever their hardware, software, language, location, or ability. Helping to champion the effort to make its tools more accessible, CadmiumCD has updated Abstract Scorecard, its abstracts, awards and papers submissions and… more
Apr 11, 2019
The National Pork Producers Council’s board of directors canceled World Pork Expo 2019 out of an abundance of caution, as African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread in China and other parts of Asia. World Pork Expo, held each June at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, hosts approximately 20,000 visitors during three days, including individuals and exhibitors from ASF-positive regions.  African swine fever affects only pigs and presents no human health or food safety risks. There is currently no vaccine to treat the swine disease. “While an evaluation by veterinarians and other… more
Apr 10, 2019
Once viewed as a luxury, high-speed wireless connectivity without restrictions is now an expectation of business professionals, particularly at hotels, conference and convention centers. With telecommunications infrastructure now considered an expected utility, large convention facilities are under increasing pressure to keep up with the latest in technology infrastructure, wireless solutions and security upgrades.  As a result, venues across the country have partnered with telecom companies such as Smart City Networks, known as the largest provider of telecommunications and technology in… 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