A Rising Tide ﾅ Lifts All Tradeshows
July 20, 2013
There is a very interesting tidal shift in the U.S tradeshow industry. It’s a well sailed ocean in Europe, but a new current here.
What’s the big splash? Cities investing in tradeshows. I am not talking about wooing shows to the city. I am talking about money on the table types of partnerships.
As we all know, the German Messe’s have long owned and operated tradeshows on behalf their cities. In addition, they have branched out all over the world with excellent results. Messe Deusseldorf alone has events in 13 OTHER countries (now including the U.S.) than Germany, and many of their shows IN Germany are the largest in the world in their industry. Most impressive.
If you have read this far you hopefully noticed the parenthetical above “now including the U.S.” Yep, Messe Duesseldorf North America (MDNA) is running shows in Houston and San Jose. In Houston, where MDNA will floor Medical World Americas, the city has made an investment in the show. Messe Deusseldorf knows about medical shows, hosting MEDICA the world’s largest annual medical show, with 4,500 exhibitors and 130,000 attendees.
Houston knows about medicine, as home to the Texas Medical Center (the world’s largest such organization) and its 92,000 employees and 52 partner institutions, which include the world renown University of Texas MD Anderson, Texas Heart Institute and Baylor College. Makes perfect sense. The show supports the medical community in the city and the city and the medical community support the show.
Houston also partnered in a similar fashion with VP International to bring the Total Energy USA show to the city. Energy. Oil. Houston. Makes sense.
New Orleans is doing it also. The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center dipped their toes into the show ownership pool when it partnered with Imago Productions for the launch the International Disaster Conference & Exposition. Sadly, New Orleans knows a little bit about disasters. But hey, capitalize on what you do well. No arguments there.
I applaud these cities and show organizers for diving in. This model works and it’s a brilliant opportunity for the business here in between the two oceans. I wish you happy sailing.
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
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