News
Mar 26, 2019
The first quarter of 2019 has been a busy one for business acquisitions in the trade show industry, with a bevy of event and event-related companies scooping up shows and companies in the quest to strengthen and expand their market reach.
Last week, Marketplace Events, known as the largest producer of B2C home shows in North America, purchased two Arizona Bridal Shows from Townsquare Live Events.
Held annually at the Phoenix Convention Center in January and June, the shows represent the first foray into consumer bridal events for Marketplace, which produces 43 consumer home shows in the U.… more
Mar 25, 2019
ABCOM Technology Group, a leading provider of IT and digital signage and part of the Dubin Clark & Company, Inc. portfolio, has acquired SmartSource Rentals, an event-supporting technology company. Facilitated by a recapitalization, the acquisition is effective today.
“With more than 60 years of combined industry experience, ABCOM and SmartSource share the same focus and values when it comes to anticipating customers' ever-changing needs,” said Sanjay Kapur, CEO of SmartSource. "We look forward to growing together and using our shared ideals and culture of operational excellence to… more
Mar 25, 2019
A well-built brand gives consumers an expectation for the experience they will have. For example, we expect different offerings from The Ritz-Carlton than Motel 6, because these hotel chains have established brands that clearly communicate their unique selling propositions. Branding differentiates their hotel from the competition and makes consumers’ purchasing decisions easier.
The same principles apply to trade shows. The need for trade shows to differentiate themselves and clearly communicate their value to participants through a distinctive brand has never been greater. Merely promoting… more
Mar 22, 2019
Community Brands, a provider of cloud-based software and payment solutions for associations, nonprofits, schools and faith-based organizations, has acquired Core-apps and TripBuilder Media.
Both event management software companies bring leading mobile and onsite attendee engagement solutions that complement the Community Brands event technology portfolio.
During the last 12 months, Community Brands software has supported more than 200,000 events. The newly-acquired companies immediately complement a set of event planning solutions that already includes event registration, onsite… more
Mar 22, 2019
Today in Atlantic City, N.J, an announcement was made through a group of family, friends and associates of Gary Musich that they will produce several fundraising activities on Gary’s behalf.
Gary is a long-time member of the MeetAC team with deep roots in the convention and meeting industries.
He recently was diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing aggressive treatment.
As part of the ongoing effort to solicit donations to help the Musich family with their high medical expenses, the group announced Fishing for a Cure, which is a concert being held at the Steel Pier in Atlantic… more
Mar 21, 2019
Trade Show News Network unveiled the 2018 TSNN Top Trade Shows list, with the CES show, held in January in Las Vegas, snagging the No. 1 spot.
The Consumer Technology Association’s show spanned 2,784,167 net square feet and drew 111,854 attendees to venues that included the Las Vegas Convention Center, Sand Expo Convention Center and several others in the city.
The 2018 TSNN Top Trade Shows complete list can be found HERE.
"This recognition from TSNN speaks to the expansion of the tech industry and the way that CES continues to change and adapt to welcome new exhibitors and attendees,"… more
Mar 21, 2019
Washington, D.C.-based event management software company Streampoint Solutions will run the inaugural Event Technology Week, an online conference, from March 25-29. Designed to help event planners managing the critical, yet often overwhelming world of event technology, this five-day event will feature webinars led by industry experts.
“As events and trade shows continue to evolve, event planners are inundated with new technologies and data points,” said Dharmesh Dayabhai, co-founder of Streampoint Solutions, in a press release. “It can be cumbersome to work your way around this data to make… more
Mar 21, 2019
Messe Frankfurt will be powered completely by green energy starting next year. The world’s largest trade fair organizer is planning to source 100 percent of its electricity from renewable energy, including solar from its own solar power system, and hydropower or wind energy from its energy service provider, Mainova AG.
These clean energy sources will power the facility’s trade show booths, halls and exhibition grounds at the company’s base in Frankfurt, Germany.
With average energy needs comparable with those of a 40,000-person town, Messe Frankfurt’s switch from conventional to green… more
Mar 20, 2019
Charity is an obligation, not an option, according to Jerry Hellmann, co-CEO of AFR Furniture Rental, a national furniture rental company that provides furnishings for homes, offices, special events and trade shows, while also making corporate social responsibility a top company-wide initiative.
“Working charitably in our communities and within our industry is a part of the woven tapestry that is AFR Furniture Rental,” Hellmann says. “It’s not just words – it’s action.”
Exemplifying the company’s dedication to giving back to those in need in the communities it serves, Together We Can is AFR… more
Mar 19, 2019
Last week, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors voted on a proposal that could very well revolutionize the future of transportation in Southern Nevada.
They selected Elon Musk’s The Boring Company to design, construct and operate a people mover for Las Vegas Convention Center. The project would entail a loop of underground express-route tunnels that could carry passengers in high-speed autonomous electric vehicles and have potential to connect LVCC to Downtown Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Boulevard Resort Corridor, McCarran International Airport and beyond.
“The… 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