Comeback News

Has your company hosted, or are you a supplier who has helped host, a safe, well-executed trade show, meeting, convention or other event? Tweet us using the #comebackstories hashtag to @TSNN_com_us and we’ll share your role in the recovery of a lifetime.

Nov 05, 2021
The event and hospitality industries are rallying behind a new bill that would help restore communicable disease coverage within event cancellation insurance and keep jobs and businesses protected during future pandemics and public health emergencies. Reintroduced in Congress on Nov. 2 by U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), the Pandemic Risk Insurance Act of 2021 (PRIA), a version of which she first proposed in May 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is music to the ears of those in industries still reeling from billions in pandemic-related financial losses.  If passed, the bill… more
Nov 03, 2021
Atlanta Apparel recently wrapped up its last 2021 market reporting pre-pandemic buyer attendance, its largest-ever number of resources spurred on by the expansion of temporary exhibits to five floors and record-breaking order-writing that fueled growth across all market sectors.  Featuring the latest looks in contemporary, young contemporary, fashion accessories and specialty categories, including children’s, plus-size, bridal and social occasion, the show, which took place Oct. 12–16 at AmericasMart Atlanta, continued its 2021 upward attendance trajectory, attracting buyers from 44 states,… more
Oct 27, 2021
Held Sept. 22-25 at The Venetian Expo and Convention Center, Vision Expo West, the annual trade show and conference for the eyecare and eyewear industries, brought together thousands of ophthalmic professionals, who perused more than 280 exhibiting companies and took advantage of cutting-edge continuing education and engaging programming.  Presented by co-owners RX and The Vision Council, the bustling event attracted motivated attendees focused on conducting serious business, facilitating transactions and establishing meaningful business connections, according to RX officials. “We are… more
Oct 20, 2021
The Biden Administration has set Nov. 8 as the official date the U.S. will reopen its borders to fully vaccinated international visitors arriving by air, land and sea. The news was met with enthusiastic praise from officials throughout the tourism, trade show and event industries. The original announcement in September of the intention to lift the travel ban in November for international visitors flying into the country was followed with an announcement last week by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that the Canada and Mexico borders would also reopen to international arrivals by land… more
Oct 15, 2021
Regional government representatives from Southeast Asia, trade association leaders and major global exhibition organizers joined together Oct. 5-7 at the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore for the Joint Leadership Summit (JLS), aimed at paving the way for the return of in-person exhibitions in the region. Supported by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and co-organized by Singapore Association for Convention & Exhibition Organizers & Suppliers (SACEOS), Association of Event Organizers (AEO), Society for Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition… more
Oct 11, 2021
While the Delta variant has certainly thrown a wrench in the industry’s recovery machine, major trade shows are continuing to happen in person—pandemic or no pandemic. Check out two recent events that not only took place safely and successfully but also exceeded expectations.  Utility Expo As the largest premier event for utility professionals and construction contractors, The Utility Expo (formerly ICUEE) is known for showcasing the latest and greatest in cutting-edge industry technologies, innovations and trends. This year, the biennial event not only did just that but also in an… more
Oct 08, 2021
CEDIA Expo, the leading trade event in smart home technology, joined the list of other shows that returned to an in-person format this year, pulling off a safe and impactful event that was amplified by a successful influencer program.  Held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Sept. 1-3, CEDIA Expo 2021, produced by Emerald, brought residential technology integrators, designers and trade professionals together face-to-face for the first time in two years to connect and discuss topics within the industry.  “For the return of this year’s in-person show, we selected a powerful… more
Sep 29, 2021
NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organization and CVB for New York City’s five boroughs, is aiming to get event professionals in a New York state of mind. The organization recently unveiled “It’s Time to Make It NYC,” a marketing and sales initiative designed to highlight the city’s vibrant comeback and major new developments and invite event professionals to choose the destination for in-person gatherings. “This new campaign is a signal to planners and [organizers] everywhere that it’s time to return to NYC for face-to-face meetings, conventions, trade shows and events… more
Sep 22, 2021
Officials throughout the tourism, exhibitions, conferences and events sectors overwhelmingly applauded the Biden Administration’s announcement this week that U.S. travel restrictions for vaccinated international visitors will be eased in November. The move reopens the country to millions of people and paves the way for a massive boost to the industry’s recovery. Starting in early November, travelers from anywhere in the world will be able to fly directly into the U.S. if they show proof of full vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding their U.S.-bound flight. No quarantine… more
Sep 21, 2021
In what was perhaps the strongest argument to date calling for the full return of in-person professional gatherings, leaders from the business and travel sectors joined together Sept. 15 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to deliver a powerful, data-driven, science-backed message: Travel for and participation in professional meetings, exhibitions and events can safely resume, and doing so will significantly accelerate America’s economic recovery.   Under the Let's Meet There initiative, the broad alliance included representatives of the American Society of Association Executives… 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