News
Jan 20, 2012
With a fun play on some of Hollywood's biggest films, the Society of Independent Show Organizers' SISO CEO Summit and Film Festival, on tap March 25-28 at San Diego's The Grand Del Mar luxury resort, will kick off with an opening night reception, followed by two days of education and networking events.
The Grand Del Mar, the location of the summit that is attended by for-profit C-level show organizers, has won several accolades, including being distinguished by TripAdvisor's 10th Annual Travelers' Choice Awards as the Best Luxury (4 and 5-Star) Hotel in the United States.
The Grand Del… more
Jan 20, 2012
Try calling Megan Tanel a superwoman and she'd probably just laugh in your face. But whether she'd want to take the credit or not, this hardworking mother of four daughters could be seen as a role model for women who want it all: a successful career and a satisfying family life.
And, although the vice president of exhibitions at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers has her work cut out for her, with a substantial portfolio of domestic and international construction equipment trade shows and association seminars to oversee, she appears to have established a work/life balance that fits… more
Jan 18, 2012
UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry’s latest crisis barometer report indicates that companies worldwide are pulling back their expectations of growth based on a still fragile worldwide economic situation, according to survey results.
When the economic crisis started to take hold in 2008, UFI began compiling a series of Global Exhibition Barometer Survey to track the impact on shows in different regions.
The 8th edition of this series of reports showed that, compared with previous results in 2010 and 2011, in the Americas and Asia/Pacific region, seven to eight… more
Jan 17, 2012
Both Philadelphia and Atlanta wrapped up 2011 on a high note and are looking forward to strong bookings going into 2012 and the future.
Atlanta’s 2011 fourth quarter was marked by eight large shows that accounted for 111,599 additional hotel rooms bookings and brought estimated 54,000 people to the city.
“We finished the year on a high note on the sales side and Atlanta is positioned for another strong year in 2012,” said William Pate, president and CEO of Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Atlanta’s calendar also looks bright into the future, with the… more
Jan 17, 2012
In a continued commitment to the AmericasMart Atlanta’s January Atlanta International Area Rug Market, the Oriental Rug Importers Association recently signed a three-year sponsorship agreement for the event.
In conjunction with the Atlanta Rug Market, ORIA holds the National Oriental Rug Show (NORS), a show for importers and manufacturers of hand-made, machine-made and antique rugs.
“The ORIA - AmericasMart partnership creates an important global platform for the area rug industry,” said Jeffrey DeSantis, ORIA president.
He added, “Our membership… more
Jan 15, 2012
If the opening day energy and bustle on the showfloor at Epoc Messe Frankfurt’s Intersec event, Jan. 15-17 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, was any indication, then the safety and security industry in the Middle East is healthy and growing.
The showfloor posted 15-percent growth in exhibitors, from 817 exhibitors at last year’s event to 910 exhibitors this year, who showed off their products in four main sections focusing on commercial and information security, fire and rescue, homeland and policing and safety and health.
The actual size of the… more
Jan 12, 2012
Renewed optimism and enthusiasm appeared to be the overall tenor at the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual meeting, Convening Leaders. Held at the San Diego Convention Center Jan. 8-11, the 56th annual event for meeting professionals and industry suppliers drew an all-time high in participation, with attendance expected to meet or exceed last year’s figure of 3,743, according to PCMA officials.
The event kicked off Sunday evening at the festive Welcome Reception, held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Throngs of planners, suppliers and students enjoyed… more
Jan 12, 2012
When it comes to top-notch industry education, there was something for everyone at the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual meeting, Convening Leaders.
Held Jan. 8-11 at the San Diego Convention Center, the 56th annual event for meeting planners and suppliers offered mpre than 60 education sessions for a wide range of experience levels, industry segments and categories, including workshop-style classes, panel discussions, informal group discussions and two general sessions following a TED Conference-style format.
Fine-tuning its meetings industry education to… more
Jan 12, 2012
Performance Art is a collaborative art form that came into favor in the 1960s and 1970s as a fusion of several artistic media; dance, music, video, painting, film, video, drama, and/or sculpture. As a performance presented to an audience, it can be either scripted or unscripted and include a variety of levels of audience participation. The action can be live or via media, or a mix of both.
Performance Art can be presented anywhere, in any venue or setting and for any length of time. It is never “the same old / same old” and often challenges the orthodox and cultural… more
Jan 11, 2012
In order to support small businesses looking to exhibit overseas, Hannover Fairs USA, a subsidiary of Germany-based Deutsche Messe, has partnered with the State of California to offera series of financial State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grants.
These grants are geared toward product export and international marketing services to all small businesses in the state’s information technology and manufacturing sectors in hopes to increase exports or export initiatives, according to HFUSA officials.
The STEP program is rolling out through other states as well, and HFUSA will be… 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