Jun 24, 2013
A new, 5-year labor agreement was reached between Global Experience Specialists and the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Local 1027, who work in the warehouse on exhibits and other projects. Contract renewal negotiations originally had halted June 3 because of the union’s request for a 17-percent wage increase during a 4-year period and GES’ offer of a 15-percent increase during the same 4-year time period. Neither side disclosed specifics of the new agreement, but Frank T. Libby, president and executive secretary-treasurer for the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters,… more
Jun 24, 2013
In an effort to expand its U.S.-based portfolio, global event organizer E.J. Krause recently held the second edition of its M-Enabling Summit, which focuses on mobile technology for people with disabilities, June 6-7 in Washington, D.C. “M-Enabling Summit gained wide spread support from disability and senior organizations as well as the private industry, demonstrating the strategic importance of this rapidly growing sector,” said Ned Krause, president and CEO of E.J. Krause and Associates. He added, “Promoting M-Enabling Solutions is definitely the next frontier for the… more
Jun 22, 2013
UBM Canon hosted their 2013 east coast expo for medical design, manufacturing, automation and packaging June 18-20 in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The three-day expo boasted 1,200 exhibitors and encompassed just shy of 200,000 net square feet. UBM does not release attendee numbers but rather a number of companies represented. Those numbers will be made public in two to three weeks, according to show officials. The event is a collocated one with six expos - Atlantic Design & Manufacturing, ATX East, EastPack, MD&M East, PLASTEC East, and Pharmapack North… more
Jun 22, 2013
After two years of negotiations, Detroit’s Cobo Center and five unions working in the building have formed a new labor agreement that streamlines services and makes costs more predictable, according to venue officials. “This agreement makes Cobo’s costs more competitive with standards for the exposition and meeting industry,” said Thom Connors, general manager of Cobo Center for SMG, the venue’s management company. He added, “This is a significant step forward to clarify and maintain exhibitor rights and make our operations more efficient and competitive… more
Jun 17, 2013
The Exhibit & Event Marketers Association (E2MA)'s Red Diamond Congress will head to Chicago July 30-Aug. 1 and feature 45 high-level conference and education sessions, as well as The Expo Group’s Exhibit Manager of the Year Award (EMOTY) that will be unveiled at the event’s gala. "Definitely, the draw this year for exhibit and event managers at Red Diamond Congress (RDC) is the creative and collaborative format built around more than 45 new education and conference sessions focused on the top issues that drive exhibit marketing today,” said Michael Hatch, the… more
Jun 16, 2013
With seven months remaining until the show, the 2014 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) continues to expand. IPPE has already surpassed 350,000 net square feet of exhibit space, with more than 85 percent of the exhibit floor sold. Comprised of the three collocated shows - International Poultry Expo, International Feed Expo, and International Meat Expo - more than 790 exhibitors have registered for the 2014 IPPE as of the beginning of June. The show was sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the American Feed Industry Association and the American Meat… more
Jun 16, 2013
Nielsen Holdings N.V.’s sale of Nielsen Expositions to private equity firm ONEX for $950 million in cash consideration has been completed. Under the new owner, Nielsen Expositions’ name was changed to Emerald Expositions. “Onex’ acquisition of our business has given us a partner that will help Emerald pursue new growth opportunities while continuing to deliver exceptional value to our exhibitors and attendees,” said David Loechner, CEO of Emerald Expositions. Onex Partners III made an equity investment of approximately $350 million, of which Onex’… more
Jun 13, 2013
When the TSNN Awards kicks off Nov. 1-3 in Reno, Nev., 50 show organizers who will be feted for their fastest-growing shows won’t be the only ones celebrating that weekend. A student looking to start a career in the trade show industry also will receive the inaugural TSNN Awards Student Scholarship for $5,000 sponsored by the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority. The RSCVA (Reno Tahoe USA) will back the award for the next three years, according to John Leinen, the bureau’s vice president convention and tourism sales, who added, “When presented with the… more
Jun 12, 2013
Deerfield, Ill.-based BNP Media bought the Green Bay, Wis.-based Converters Expo from owner Susan Stansbury, who started the annual event seven years ago. The purchase includes Converting Influence, a digital newspaper that serves the industry. "The acquisition of Converting Influence and Converters Expo, both headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., complements our industry segment involvement, including some 50 industry magazines and expertise in hosting 30+ annual trade shows,” said Randy Green, group publisher for BNP Media. He added, “These two properties will give BNP a… more
Jun 12, 2013
The pace of growth may be slowing, but the trade show industry still just keeps moving in a positive direction, with the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Index showing a 1.3-percent increase to kick off the first quarter of this year, compared with the same time period last year. Even though it’s the eleventh straight quarter with an uptick, the year started out lagging behind the overall GDP, which saw 1.8 percent growth, compared with Q1 2012. The fourth quarter of 2012 ended with a more modest growth rate of 0.9 percent, according to CEIR. "Overall, the first-… 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