News

Dec 06, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) will feature a series of emerging technology solution use cases at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition, taking place Dec. 11-13 in New Orleans.  Already proven in the exhibitions and events marketplace, these Tech Use Cases are designed to give exhibition and event producers an opportunity to explore a wide range of solutions to answer the challenges they face in the fast-paced and ever-changing landscape that is the exhibitions and events industry. IAEE’s Technologies Committee comprises technology domain experts… more
Dec 04, 2018
By Kai Hattendorf, UFI CEO 2018 has become a memorable year for the exhibition and business events industry around the world – with much of the attention on M&A, on changing event formats or “festivalisation”, and on a changing global landscape. As every year, the UFI team has used our association’s Global Congress as well as many separate conversations all around the world to isolate and identify the core themes that we feel will impact the global exhibition industry in 2019. So today, let me share with you “UFI’s 5 trends to watch in 2019”: Shifting trade patterns and a jittery… more
Dec 04, 2018
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), in partnership with Balluun, has launched CONEXPO Connect, an online B2B marketplace serving the global construction industry.  The new platform was unveiled at the AEM Annual Conference, held Nov. 28-30 at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca. Powered by Balluun’s digital market network solution, CONEXPO Connect is an online destination that allows equipment manufacturers and contractors to connect and engage 24/7, 365 days a year.  By bringing the most valuable parts of AEM’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG trade show online, CONEXPO Connect… more
Dec 04, 2018
Speak with Tammi Runzler for just a few minutes and it’s obvious she’s one of those special individuals with a deep passion for making a difference. A 30-year veteran of the meetings, events and destination marketing industries, Runzler recently co-founded CSRconnections, a corporate social responsibility program planning company that connects organizations with customized CSR opportunities designed to engage attendees while positively impacting the destinations that host their events.  As an enthusiastic proponent of CSR at events, I was excited to sit down with Runzler to hear about her… more
Dec 04, 2018
Diversified Communications has added Digital Construction Week to its building, construction and technology portfolio of events.  Known as the U.K.’s leading trade show dedicated to digital construction, engineering, design, manufacturing and operation, Digital Construction Week complements Diversified’s event portfolio with market reach across four countries, including GEO Business in London; Commercial UAV Expo Europe in Amsterdam; DesignBUILD in Sydney and in the U.S.: AEC Next Technology Expo & Conference and SPAR 3D in Anaheim, CA; International LiDAR Mapping Forum in Denver and… more
Dec 03, 2018
U.K.-based Tarsus Group has promoted Tarsus Media President Rachel Wimberly to EVP of Business Development, Tarsus US.   As part of her new role, Wimberly will oversee mergers and acquisitions in the Tarsus U.S. trade show division. “Tarsus has expanded rapidly in the Americas in the last few years with the addition of connect, EJ Krause Mexico, Expo Restaurante and ETourism,” said Tarsus Group Managing Director Douglas Emslie. He added, “We have plans to continue to add to Tarsus’s largest geographic division and have appointed Rachel Wimberly to lead the charge. As well as continuing as… more
Nov 30, 2018
The winners of the IBTM World 2018 Tech Watch Awards were announced at the IBTM World event in Barcelona this week. Zenus and Fielddrive were the joint recipients of the Tech Watch Award, while Kubify took home the inaugural “People’s Choice” award for its Learning Toolbox.  A panel of well-known industry experts selected Zenus and Fielddrive for their pioneering and impactful work in bringing facial recognition software to the events industry.  “Zenus is the creator of the software and Fielddrive has been a significant implementor of the product by exploring and measuring the onsite best… more
Nov 29, 2018
In a significant mergers and acquisitions deal on the supplier side of the trade show industry, Personify, a provider of technology solutions for associations and non-profit organizations, has acquired a2z, Inc., an award-winning events management and optimization platform for event planners and show organizers. The acquisition provides Personify and a2z clients with an enhanced constituent experience, improved productivity in back office processes and increased connectivity with their members, donors and event attendees, according to company officials. “I am delighted to have a2z join… more
Nov 29, 2018
Reed Exhibitions (RX) has postponed its Agenda Winter Long Beach trade show and will transform the event into a consumer experience. Originally scheduled for Jan. 3-4 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Ca., Agenda Long Beach has been considered one of the preeminent B2B events in the action sports and streetwear industries for more than 15 years, according to RX officials. Announced last month, the decision to postpone and reimagine the show was made after careful consideration and feedback from the show’s exhibiting brands, retailers and media, according to Ron Walden, RX… more
Nov 29, 2018
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will organise four events for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SEMs) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) next month. The SmartBiz Expo and Hong Kong International Franchising Show will take place from 5th to 7th December. More than 520 exhibitors from about 40 countries and regions will join the second edition of SmartBiz Expo, showcasing the latest business solutions, technology applications and operational support serving SMEs in the region. The Franchising Show, now in its fourth edition, will feature some 130… 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