News

May 08, 2012
The overall unemployment figures still might be down in the United States, but the trade show industry job market seems to be very busy with several new hires and promotions announced in the first part of May.   After a three-month nationwide search, the Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau recently selected Bennish Brown as the organization’s new president and CEO. Brown has a strong background in the destination marketing industry and served the past 12 years as the executive director of Rock Hill/York County Convention and Visitor Bureau in South Carolina. Brown… more
May 08, 2012
To honor the ‘unsung heroes’ of the trade show industry, The Expo Group has launched the Exhibit Manager of the Year Awards. Nominations will be accepted through June 8 and the top exhibit managers will be feted at the TSEA-EACA Red Diamond Congress Gala July 11. Demonstrating value, marketplace engagement and multi-channel initiatives are among the criteria that will be subjectively judged by an independent panel of industry notables. “I personally am eager to hear about the accomplishments of the exhibit managers nominated,” said Ray Pekowski, president and CEO of… more
May 07, 2012
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Asian Attractions Expo 2013 will head back to Singapore June 4-7 at the Marina Bay Sands. After holding the show in Singapore in 2011, Malaysia the year before and it’s on tap in Hong Kong this year, exhibition organizers decided to take the show back to Singapore next year. “We are excited to bring Asian Attractions Expo back to Singapore in 2013,” said Andrew Lee, IAAPA’s vice president of Asia-Pacific Operations. He added, “Marina Bay Sands provides the ideal convention facilities, and… more
May 07, 2012
In a first-time collaboration between Germany’s Messe Duesseldorf and Indonesia-based PT. Wahana Kemalaniaga Makmur, INDOPRINT, INDOPACK and INDOPLAS 2012 in Jakarta scored record participation, according to organizers. Visitors mainly attended from Indonesia, Southeast Asia and other parts of Asia and 249 exhibitors from 19 nations presented their latest product developments, applications and solutions for the printing, packaging and plastics industries. Exhibiting for the first time were companies from Italy, Japan, Turkey and the U.S. National groups and pavilions from Austria,… more
May 07, 2012
The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre recently scored four awards in the national Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) Awards for a second consecutive year. The Centre’s wins were across a broad range of categories including in-house AV services, banquet and catering, as well as Corporate Social Responsibility and Education. The venue’s CEO Ton van Amerongen said he “was tremendously proud of the awards which were testament to the skill and professionalism of the Centre’s staff.” He added, “Our team is the fabric of the Centre and it is their… more
May 07, 2012
A new US$47.6 million international convention centre will reportedly be developed near the Bangalore International Airport. According to the Business Standard, the Karnataka State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC), owner of the 35 acres land earmarked for development, will oversee the execution of the project. Through a global tender that ended in August 2011, KSIIDC selected a consortium consisting of Feedback Infrastructure Services Limited and Australia-based Populous Design Pty Limited to provide concept design, architectural design and project management… more
May 07, 2012
The 22nd edition of NEPCON China (Shanghai), which ran April 25-27 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, opened with more than 500 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions. Jointly organised by Reed Exhibitions China and the CCPIT Electronics & Information Industry Sub-council, the three-day trade fair showcased new technologies, products and solutions in electronics manufacturing and the surface-mount technology industry. According to NEPCON China’s organisers, a record 34,000 square meters of exhibition space was used to host over 18,000 international… more
May 07, 2012
Vinexpo Asia-Pacific 2012, organised by Vinexpo Overseas SAS, is expected to see the record attendance of 1,050 exhibitors from 28 countries and 14,000 global buyers. The three-day trade show will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) May 29-31. Vinexpo is held annually between Hong Kong and Bordeaux in alternative years, with this year’s edition expecting around 25-percent growth in exhibition space to 10,500 square meters from 2010. Established European firms exhibiting at the show include those from Spain, Germany, Italy, the U.K., Finland, Greece,… more
May 07, 2012
Annual food and beverage trade show SIAL China, a subsidiary of France-based organiser Comexposium, is expected to open at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) with 73,200 square meters of floor space spread over 6 halls – an increase of 25 percent over its previous edition in 2011. SIAL China 2012 is expecting to attract a show record of more than 40,000 visitors and over 1,700 exhibitors, an increase of 20 percent and 15 percent respectively, compared with 2011. More than 37 international pavilions will be present this year, including those from Brazil, France, India,… more
May 04, 2012
In deeply sad and shocking news, Gary Sain, Visit Orlando’s president and CEO, passed away suddenly Friday evening.   Shortly after Sain, who was 61, gave the opening remarks as event chairman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida's Celebrate the Children fundraiser at the Orlando World Center Marriott he was stricken ill and taken to a nearby hospital where he died, according to local news reports.   The official cause of death has not been released, according to Visit Orlando officials.   “As the leader of Visit Orlando, Gary served as our… 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