News
Oct 31, 2016
If you have not been to the TSNN Awards to participate in the industry's original weekend for Celebrating Success, let us help you gain some of the same Education and Inspiration by taking part in #Expochat – an industry Twitter chat session – Nov. 2 at 1pm ET.
Here are some questions that will be discussed:
1. Theme Parties: What makes them work or not work? Is this the kind of tribal event that can be a boon for attendee retention and word-of-mouth marketing?
2. Keeping Your Exhibitors: An all-star panel of CTSMs shared insights for how they like to work with trade… more
Oct 30, 2016
It’s not often that a round of golf inspires the launch of an international business, but that’s what happened to Jamshed “Jim” Khodayar in 1989.
Khodayar had been wanting to start his own business when he learned about the shipping industry from a golfing buddy. He opened Transit Air Cargo on Nov. 1, 1989, in Garden Grove, Calif.
While his experience was engineering, not logistics, he was an enthusiastic salesperson.
In those early days, there were only about five employees in a small office with a few pieces of furniture. Everyone had to chip in and wear multiple hats to get… more
Oct 30, 2016
During this year’s IMEX America, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism) launched Virtual Discovery L.A., a new virtual reality travel platform that provides meeting professionals with immersive 360-degree viewing experiences of more than 50 only-in-L.A. venues and locations across Los Angeles – the most comprehensive virtual tour of any destination in the world.
In partnership with XplorIt, one of the nation’s leading pioneers in virtual technology, L.A. Tourism’s exciting new platform takes meeting professionals throughout the city’s… more
Oct 29, 2016
Trade show industry veteran Ken McAvoy was named to a new position, executive vice president, Corporate Development of Global Exhibitions Division of Informa.
In that role, McAvoy will have responsibility for corporate development, operations and procurement, including venue/hotel selection and negotiations and other vendor management, with a particular focus on North America.
“Ken is a proven leader in our industry and his capabilities will further strengthen and broaden our senior management team as we accelerate growth in North America and globally,” said Charlie McCurdy, president… more
Oct 27, 2016
More than 100 show organizers and their guests, as well as a bevy of industry suppliers and association executives all are heading Oct. 28-30 to Atlantic City, N.J., to celebrate the fastest-growing shows in the U.S. at the 2016 TSNN Awards.
“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the success of these amazing shows, as well as The Show Manager of the Year Awards and TSNN Industry Icon Honoree David Loechner who heads Emerald Expositions,” said TSNN President and Editor-in-Chief Rachel Wimberly.
She added, “Meet AC and their local partners, including the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention… more
Oct 26, 2016
Manufacturing has contributed $99.8 billion to Ohio's Gross Domestic Product and is the largest of the 20 sectors in the state's economy.
Building on this growth, UBM, which has a large portfolio of advanced manufacturing shows such as MD&M West and EastPack, will launch Advanced Design & Manufacturing (ADM) Cleveland March 29-30 at the Cleveland Convention Center.
"Our goal is to give our attendees the best opportunity possible to be exposed to the latest technology within their industry, learn from one another, develop new ideas, and connect… more
Oct 26, 2016
Las Vegas is geared up to welcome thousands of trade show attendees for Fall 2016, with meetings and conventions expected to bring in more than $300 million in direct visitor spending.
“Las Vegas has been the No. 1 trade show destination in North America for 22 consecutive years. We host nearly 22,000 meetings and conventions annually, proving that Las Vegas is a versatile destination for serious business,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
He added, “The fall conventions maintain Las Vegas’ place on the forefront of business and product… more
Oct 25, 2016
The International Association of Venue Managers has named Ronald Melton as the organization’s new COO/CFO.
“We are thrilled to have Ron leading vital teams inside our organization.” said Brad Mayne, CFE, IAVM President and CEO.
He added, “Ron’s background in our industry, coupled with his operational expertise, gives our members a strong proponent in professional growth and greater success as an association. I personally look forward to working with Ron as we look for new ways to bring more value to our members.”
Melton will be joining the staff mid-November and oversee all operational and… more
Oct 25, 2016
In a room last week at IMEX America in Las Vegas, 135 people gathered to learn about the official launch of the Exhibitions and Meetings Safety and Security Initiative (EMSSI), which was founded to address safety and security concerns at venues around the United States.
“Everywhere we go in (the trade show and meetings industry), safety and security keeps us up at night,” said International Association of Exhibitions and Events President and CEO David DuBois.
The initiative is a joint effort between IAEE, International Association of Venue Managers, and the Exhibition Services &… more
Oct 25, 2016
Aimed at filling a void and helping smaller, more entrepreneurial organizers, trade show industry veteran Britton Jones, who recently sold not only Business Journals Inc, but also LeftField Media, is back in the business again with the launch of a new event production and digital content company – NXT Events Media Group.
“I have never been more excited about a career opportunity,” Britton Jones said. “I look forward to helping to fill a real void in the industry. Up until the launch of NXT Events Media Group, owners of smaller show production companies have primarily had only the industry’s… 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