News
Jun 30, 2023
Leading event technology company Gevme introduced GoGreen, a new platform feature designed to measure and offset carbon emissions associated with event attendees’ travel. By calculating carbon emissions and providing options to contribute toward eco projects worldwide, GoGreen aims to empower event organizers and participants to impact the environment positively.
“GoGreen is a game-changer in the events industry, offering a unique opportunity for event organizers and attendees alike to embrace environmental responsibility right at the starting line registration,” said Jonathan Easton, vice… more
Jun 29, 2023
Atlanta-based private equity firm, MSouth Equity Partners, acquired Fern Exposition Services, a trade show service provider and general contractor with headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. The value of the deal was not disclosed.
Fern will join forces with Nth Degree, an existing MSouth portfolio company and provider of comprehensive trade show management, labor, and event production to some of the largest brands in the U.S. and internationally.
The combination of Nth Degree and Fern gives MSouth a prominent footprint in the in-person event and experiential… more
Jun 28, 2023
Skilled trade unions are critical to the successful execution of meetings and trade shows at convention venues across the U.S. While working with organized labor such as teamsters, carpenters, electricians, stagehands and sound technicians at event venues can come with their fair share of complexities, these groups of skilled professionals can also serve as valuable partners in ensuring a successful event experience for exhibitors and attendees alike.
In its ongoing mission to be a leader in the meeting and convention venue space, Detroit’s Huntington Place has been busy launching proactive… more
Jun 27, 2023
LightFair, North America’s largest architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, recently brought together more than 11,500 global lighting industry professionals for five days of education, discovery and networking at its most recent trade show and conference, held May 21-25 at the Javits Center in New York City.
Owned by the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the show is produced and managed by International Market Centers (recently rebranded as ANDMORE).
According to show officials, LightFair… more
Jun 26, 2023
Larry Arnaudet, executive director of the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA), announced his retirement, effective December 2023, following an impressive career in the meetings and conventions industry.
"Yogi Berra once said, 'When you come to a fork in the road, take it,'” Arnaudet told Trade Show News Network (TSNN). "Well, I’m there now and can see that fork ahead. After 53 wonderful years in this incredible industry, it’s time to hang up the coat and tie and catch up on all the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc., that eluded me over the years."
Arnaudet’s… more
Jun 23, 2023
As the industry begins to discover the significant impact artificial intelligence (AI) can have on certain aspects of event creation, three visionaries joined forces to design and produce AutonomousXP, a first-of-its-kind event that will utilize AI to make every decision possible.
Margaret Launzel-Pennes, CEO of Pop Experiential, Mark Roberts, head of experiential at POP Experiential, and Audry Hegwood, CEO and Founder of Impact Events and Marketing, are the innovators behind the three-day experience that will take place in Los Angeles Feb. 4-6, showcasing AI’s revolutionary capabilities to… more
Jun 23, 2023
With a strong turnout, robust business activity, renewed faith in the industry’s future and innovative event design, IMEX Frankfurt, which took place May 23-25 at Messe Frankfurt, was one of the show’s most impressive to date and a testament to an industry focused on new business horizons.
“The 2023 edition clearly reflected an industry pride and renewed confidence among exhibitors and, of course, a strong desire to do business with thousands of buyers,” said Ray Bloom, chairman of IMEX Group.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, added that this year’s IMEX Frankfurt gave the industry a more… more
Jun 22, 2023
The importance of making the events industry more inclusive and welcoming to all continues to be a major talking point. With June being Pride Month, it’s an opportune time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and reflect on the industry’s accomplishments and ways to overcome obstacles that it continues to confront.
We checked in with four leading event professionals to find out what their organizations are doing to be more inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ community, how they are making their events more inclusive, the major challenges within the industry, how they are personally honoring Pride… more
Jun 20, 2023
Nearly 100 industry leaders from 24 states — including representatives from leading show organizers, exhibiting organizations, venues and destinations — gathered on June 1 on Capitol Hill for Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA) Legislative Action Day. View the full list of attendees here.
During more than 100 meetings, Legislative Action Day attendees advocated for ECA’s federal public policy priorities and the vital role that the business events industry plays in helping to spur economic growth, support job creation and empower small businesses across the country.
Watch or listen to… more
Jun 19, 2023
International Market Centers (IMC) — the Blackstone company that owns and operates more than 20 million square feet of event and showroom space and produces live events in Atlanta, High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and New York City — has rebranded as ANDMORE as part of the company’s vision to transform into an omnichannel wholesale marketmaker.
With more than $991 billion of assets under management, Blackstone touts itself as the world’s largest alternative asset managers with 12,000 real estate assets and more than 230 portfolio companies, including Cvent, which was acquired for $4.6 billion 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