News

Feb 05, 2012
The U.S. government is finally taking steps to simplify the U.S. visa application process. On Jan. 19, President Obama signed an executive order with the aim of the reducing paperwork and time required to process visas. The executive order specifically sets out to reduce the waiting time of applicants from China and Brazil. It also eliminates the need for Taiwanese to apply for U.S. visas. The move will provide a clear benefit to the U.S. economy as it will be easier for millions of tourists and business travellers to enter the U.S. This also has wide ranging benefits for the U.S. exhibition… more
Feb 01, 2012
After a tough couple of years grappling with the downturn in the economy, Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ World of Concrete had a stellar show when it ran Jan. 24-27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with upticks in exhibit space and attendees, compared with the 2011 event. The show drew 52,088 total professional registrants, an increase from 48,554 last year, and showcased just more than 1,200 indoor/outdoor exhibitors on a 552,500-plus net square foot showfloor, an increase of 40,000 net sq. ft., compared with the 2011 show. “There was a very positive and optimistic buzz on the… more
Feb 01, 2012
In an effort to streamline operations and save costs, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a plan to combine the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau and Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, naming current CVB head Don Welsh president and CEO of the new entity. Joining the two organizations not only is meant to save $1.3 million in administrative costs that will be reinvested in national and international marketing campaigns, but also sets a goal of attracting 50 million visitors per year by 2020, resulting in nearly $4 billion a year in additional annual revenues for Chicago’s… more
Jan 31, 2012
Two big shows just named power keynotes: President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation, will address attendees at the 2012 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, and the National Association of Broadcasters has chosen Marina Gorbis, executive director of the Institute for the Future, to address NAB Show attendees. The NRA Show is on tap May 5-8 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, and NAB Show is scheduled April 14-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “President Clinton has a unique perspective on our nation and the world,”… more
Jan 31, 2012
U.K.-based Clarion Events has chosen David Audrain in the newly created position of president and CEO of its North American division, and Deutsche Messe has named Larry Turner president and CEO of Hannover Fairs USA.   “North America is our No. 1 target growth market, and with almost 20 years experience in the North American exhibition industry, Audrain is the perfect person to help us expand our business into this market, including targeting management contracts,” said Simon Kimble, CEO of Clarion Events.   Audrain previously headed Messe Frankfurt’s North… more
Jan 31, 2012
When the National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show opens Jan. 22.24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center next year, it will run one day shorter, from four to three, than it has in the past. In addition, the Produce Marketing Association’s three-day show will be one day less when that event runs Oct. 27-28 at the Anaheim Convention Center. This year’s show, on tap Feb. 8-11 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, is expected to draw 50,000 attendees and 800 suppliers. The show is down from a high a few years ago of more than 67,000… more
Jan 31, 2012
MCI, an association management company, has joined up with the IMEX Group, organizers of worldwide exhibitions for the meetings, events and incentive travel industry, and Meeting Professionals International to support the Future Leaders Forum.   The forum is geared toward attracting students who would like to pursue a future in the meeting industry to take part in education days, networking opportunities and internships. To mark MCI’s involvement, the initiative has been renamed the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forumand also will be promoted with new branding. In 2012,… more
Jan 30, 2012
This year, the American Meat Institute’s AMI Expo will be collocated with three other shows in Dallas, but in 2013, the show will break away from that collocation and instead team up with the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s and American Feed Association’s International Poultry Expo in Atlanta. For the 2012 show, the AMI Expo is collocated with the Food Marketing Institute’s Food Retail Show, the Untied Fresh Produce Association’s United Fresh 2012 and the U.S. Food Showcase May 1-3 at the Dallas Convention Center. This year will be the first time AMI Expo… more
Jan 29, 2012
And the good news just keeps on coming, with several shows across a broad spectrum – from fancy foods to convention managers to retail – all reporting record-breaking numbers. The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade reported that their recent Winter Fancy Food Show, which was held Jan. 15-17 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, drew the biggest crowds the show had ever had, with 18,000 buyers checking out the marketplace devoted exclusively to specialty foods and beverages on the West Coast. The showfloor also was completely sold out, covering 206,000 square… more
Jan 26, 2012
Germany-based Messe Duesseldorf posted gains in not only overall sales, from $359 million in 2010 to $382 million in 2011, but also revenue surged from $443 million in 2010 to $476 million last year.   Subject to final approval of the balance sheet, the company is reporting a post-tax result of $20 million for financial year 2011, compared with $10.6 million in 2010.    Almost one-third of the company’s total sales were generated from the Messe Duesseldorf’s ever-growing international portfolio.   “Our growing international presence and the high number of… more
Partner Voices
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