News

Mar 01, 2015
Even the savviest of marketers are sometimes daunted by the very thought of compressing their message to 140 short characters that comprise a tweet. If you too have been running into that challenge, a good general practice is to ensure that your tweet covers the five Ws  (Who, What, When, Where and Why) before you hit that ‘submit’ button. Sounds interesting? Read on to learn more! Who To ensure that your message reaches the right audiences, it is imperative to first determine whose attention you wish to draw. If you wish to engage a small group of people or certain brands,… more
Mar 01, 2015
Even the savviest of marketers are sometimes daunted by the very thought of compressing their message to 140 short characters that comprise a tweet. If you too have been running into that challenge, a good general practice is to ensure that your tweet covers the five Ws  (Who, What, When, Where and Why) before you hit that ‘submit’ button. Sounds interesting? Read on to learn more! Who To ensure that your message reaches the right audiences, it is imperative to first determine whose attention you wish to draw. If you wish to engage a small group of people or certain brands,… more
Feb 27, 2015
Citing currency headwinds and lower biennial revenues in an `even' year, U.K.-based UBM reported a 2014 full-year revenue dip of 6 percent to £746.3 million ($1.15 billion) this year, compared with £793.9 million ($1.23 billion) during the same time period in 2013.  The events division was on an upswing, though, reporting 6-percent growth for the company’s annual events to £429.2 million ($663 million), compared with £424.6 ($656 million) during the same time period the year before.  Biennial events saw a 39 percent decrease in revenues last year, however, to £21.3 million ($33… more
Feb 26, 2015
“This industry (trade shows and expos) has not changed for 150 years. People just used to dress better,” said David Ely, head of sales and marketing for TurnoutNow. But Ely feels change now is possible and affordable with the arrival of beacons on the scene. There is no need to guess what attendees are doing at your event. Through the use of Bluetooth beacons, real-time data now is available to trade show and expo organizers. Bluetooth beacons are transmitters that use Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 to broadcast signals that can be heard by compatible or smart devices. A typical example would be a… more
Feb 26, 2015
During one week in February in venues spread throughout Las Vegas, there are no less than 17 individual fashion shows going on at the same time. Making sure each show is memorable as a standalone event is key and often accomplished through creating a unique experience that leaves in an indelible impression. Waling the aisles at Reed Exhibitions’ The Agenda Show, held at the Venetian/Sands and serves the surf, skate and street community, an attendee instantly knows that are not at your typical show. Music is thumping, the aisles are packed with interesting booths and products, skateboarders… more
Feb 25, 2015
Trade Show News Network has unveiled the TSNN Global Trade Show Venue Directory (http://intlvenuedirectory.tsnn.com/), with more than 200 exhibit halls, convention centers and other facilities with exhibit space listed. “Trade Show News Network is committed to providing valuable data for the industry,” said Rachel Wimberly, TSNN president and Editor-in-Chief. “We designed the TSNN Global Trade Show Venue Directory to be the go-to place to find the perfect venue for show organizers’ events.” Complimentary to all users, the TSNN Global Trade Show Venue Directory is a comprehensive guide that is… more
Feb 24, 2015
The American Society of Association Executives conducted a Job Task Analysis last year that explored the core functional areas of association management. The results of this work will help in developing a comprehensive Body of Knowledge for the association field and CAE content outline.  Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) conducted the research, and the survey results confirmed identifiable competencies that reflect important elements of knowledge for those who work in associations. The results also highlighted that professionals working in associations have a broad range of… more
Feb 24, 2015
Leading healthcare professionals will convene to help address the most common and costly healthcare challenges at the MEDICAL WORLD AMERICAS (MWA) 2015 conference and expo April 27-29 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. In its second year, MWA has signed on GE Healthcare (NYSE: GE) as a Cornerstone Sponsor and PwC and Emirates Airline as Premier Sponsors, among other distinguished healthcare sponsors. GE is ranked 9th among the Fortune 500 and is known for its transformational medical technologies and services that are shaping a new age of patient care, including medical… more
Feb 24, 2015
Destination sales professionals will access planner information from Destination Marketing Association International’s empowerMINT initiative that includes improved data hygiene and supplemental meetings and contact information supplied by Columbia Books Information Services. The data platform will relaunch in summer of 2015. “Today’s planners expect sales professionals to be targeted with their prospecting, informed about their meetings, and timely in their outreach,” said DMAI President and CEO Michael Gehrisch. “As we leverage data partnerships and the competencies of CBIS, toward… more
Feb 24, 2015
The Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association (HCEA) recently hosted its annual Healthcare Marketing Summit Jan. 21-22 at the Hyatt Regency in Boston.  In addition to the one-day marketing summit, a half-day certificate program was offered in conjunction with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and St. Louis University (SLU).  The certificate program is targeted towards those who are involved in planning and reporting transparency and spend as well as for those suppliers who provide services and products to the healthcare industry.   The HMCC gives professionals a… 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