News

Jan 17, 2016
Freeman has expanded its digital service offerings with the acquisition Boise, Idaho-based Klowd.com, an audience engagement technology developer of event-focused second screen technology. “Our clients have positively responded to second screen technology, embracing the ability to increase audience engagement, create conversations and amplify content in real time,” said Richard Maranville, Freeman’s chief digital officer. He said, “Paired with its data and analytics engine that allows our clients to measure the impact of their content and presentations, we felt it… more
Jan 17, 2016
Freeman has expanded its digital service offerings with the acquisition Boise, Idaho-based Klowd.com, an audience engagement technology developer of event-focused second screen technology. “Our clients have positively responded to second screen technology, embracing the ability to increase audience engagement, create conversations and amplify content in real time,” said Richard Maranville, Freeman’s chief digital officer. He said, “Paired with its data and analytics engine that allows our clients to measure the impact of their content and presentations, we felt it… more
Jan 17, 2016
Aria Resort & Casino has collaborated with Crave Interactive, a guest service software company, to create the largest-ever installation of the provider’s in-room hotel tablets. The tablets will offer a hyper-tailored guest experience with new amenities such as digital in-room dining orders, one-touch spa service requests and an endless stream of news in multiple languages. The new tablets have been created specifically for ARIA to highlight its array of services. Here are some of the features: ·  Dining. Guests can order from a full in-room dining menu,… more
Jan 16, 2016
Freeman has expanded its digital service offerings with the acquisition Boise, Idaho-based Klowd.com, an audience engagement technology developer of event-focused second screen technology. “Our clients have positively responded to second screen technology, embracing the ability to increase audience engagement, create conversations and amplify content in real time,” said Richard Maranville, Freeman’s chief digital officer. He said, “Paired with its data and analytics engine that allows our clients to measure the impact of their content and presentations, we felt it was a ‘win-win’… more
Jan 16, 2016
The first annual SpaceCom (Space Commerce Conference and Expo) drew more than 1,700 professionals, representing the aerospace, financial, energy, medical, maritime, satellite communications and advanced manufacturing industries. The three-day event took place Nov. 17-19 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, capitalizing on an estimated $320 billion global space economy-one that's growing by the minute.   Visit Houston/Houston First Corp. and National Trade Productions (NTP) partnered to create SpaceCom.   "We could not have asked for a better launch… more
Jan 14, 2016
Association management company, SmithBucklin, acquired SDI, an incentive travel, strategic meetings and special events company based in Chicago. The announcement was made by Matt Sanderson, president and CEO of SmithBucklin, and Scott Dillion, founder and president of SDI. "Scott and his team have built a tremendous reputation for themselves and their company due to the successes they have driven for their clients, and we're excited to have SDI become part of the SmithBucklin story," Sanderson said. The transaction enhances SmithBucklin’s growing corporate event planning portfolio, and brings… more
Jan 13, 2016
Experient, a meeting and event solutions company, formed a strategic partnership agreement with Talley Management Group. This partnership allows Experient to offer its clients outstanding á la carte association management services, including comprehensive financial management, membership growth through database management, and business and administrative support. “Partnering with Talley Management Group will give our clients access to selected association management services delivered by a respected and well known association management company while still maintaining their… more
Jan 12, 2016
The status quo of holding a meeting the same old way just isn’t going to be good enough to truly capture and engage attendees in the future. Change is on the horizon, with more of a focus on helping attendees find their ‘tribe’, create spaces and events for them to eat well and be well and make content more personalized and organic. To address these imminent changes, Marriott International, as part of its Meetings Imagined initiative, partnered with the Professional Convention Management Association to review the implications on the future of meetings. Together, they assembled a group of… more
Jan 11, 2016
CES 2016 broke its own record from last year with 2.47 million net sq. ft. showfloor, up from 2.2 million last year, taking over the Las Vegas Convention Center, Sands Expo & Convention Center and the Venetian, as well as the Wynn, Aria, Vdara and Cosmopolitan. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (formerly the Consumer Electronics Association), the world’s largest technology show took place Jan. 6–9. For the first time, attendance was capped at 176,000 to help with logistics and actual attendance exceeded 170,000. Commenting on the move to cap, Karen Chupka,… more
Jan 10, 2016
Sponsorships are a critical revenue stream for most exhibitions. As shows grow, they attract more sponsors, organizers are compelled to deliver more sponsorship opportunities, and the sponsorship sales process becomes more time-consuming and complex. Moving sponsorship sales online provides organizers with a number of efficiencies and benefits. What are online sponsorship sales? As with online booth sales, there is an evolution occurring with online sponsorship sales. At one end of the spectrum, organizers exchange paper contracts with sponsors, manage sponsorship inventory and issue invoices… 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