Jul 01, 2012
Temperatures are soaring across the U.S., and what’s typically a slower time in the trade show industry is filled instead with a bevy of industry meetings.
Destination Marketing Association International’s Annual Convention is on tap July 16-18 in Seattle and will kick off with an opening keynote by Jason Ryan Dorsey, known as “The Gen Y Guy”, who will discuss “Crossing the Generational Divide: Leveraging the Power of Generations for Your Strategic Advantage.”
Other events on the schedule for the three-day event include a volunteer activity with locally… more
Jul 01, 2012
Dallas-based Freeman will sell Cincinnati-based Fern Exposition & Event Services, which it bought just more than a year ago as part of the acquisition of Wheelhouse Solutions, to Fern’s COO Aaron Bludworth and an investment group.
Both companies chose not to disclose financial information related to this transaction.
The Wheelhouse Solutions deal in June 2011 also included Champion Exposition Services and Immersa Marketing, but while Champion was folded into Freeman, Immersa and Fern were operated for the past year as standalone brands.
“I am excited to represent Fern… more
Jun 27, 2012
For the second time in the past few years, ownership of the California Gift Show changed hands – this time from Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. to Urban Expositions.
In 2009, as part of the slimming down of dmg world media’s gift show portfolio, the event was sold to MMPI.
Urban Expositions will take over management of California Gift Show after the event’s July edition on tap at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
“We seized the opportunity to buy this show as we felt it could accelerate our efforts to rebuild the southern California gift market’s brand… more
Jun 25, 2012
Other regions of the world may be experiencing economic troubles, but according to a recent survey released by the HongKong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association, the exhibition industry in Hong Kong is thriving.
The survey tracked exhibitions in Hong Kong last year and the numbers of companies coming to Hong Kong to exhibit, the amount of exhibition space they occupied and the numbers of visitors coming from overseas to exhibitions all grew year over year, in some cases posting double-digit growth.
“This is another effective testimony to the importance of the exhibition… more
Jun 25, 2012
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, in cooperation with international exhibition and event bodies, recently held the Thailand MICE International Forum (TMIF) 2012 in Bangkok.
The Forum brought together expertise from TCEB, the Asian Federation for Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) and the U.S.-based International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE).
With the theme, “Connecting Asia, Connecting Success,” the Forum had two goals.
The first goal was to domestically enhance the appreciation among Thailand’s MICE operators of the importance and… more
Jun 24, 2012
Monica Lee-Müller will step into the role as managing director of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre’s management and operating company, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Ltd (”HML“), effective July 1.
She will replace Cliff Wallace, who will focus his attention on NWS Holding’s venue development in China and will maintain his chairmanship of the group’s venue management and operating companies in Zhengzhou and Shenyang.
Lee-Müller held the position of deputy managing director since 2007 and formerly was the HML… more
Jun 24, 2012
The second edition of the Integration. Life. Society., International Trade and Event Fair for the Physically Challenged drew not only more than 3,100 attendees, but also exhibitors from around the world.
During the three days of the trade fair, visitors who are physically challenged and their family members gathered information on support and care strategies, attended talks and played an active part in the cultural and sports programs.
“Enabling people with disabilities and special care needs to lead self-determined lives is a complex task and demands the commitment of society… more
Jun 21, 2012
Chicago trade show industry stakeholders continued to move forward on making the city’s convention venues easier to use for existing and potential shows by striking an agreement between the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, which oversees McCormick Place and Navy Pier, and two unions - the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 134, and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 2.
The agreement allows IATSE stagehands to complete a type of work previously completed by IBEW electricians.
IATSE members will now be allowed to… more
Jun 19, 2012
Trade Show News Network, a division of U.K.-based Tarsus Group, is pleased to announce the 2012 TSNN Top 50 Fastest-growing Trade Shows in Attendance and Net Square Footage Growth in the U.S. that will be honored during the 3rd Annual TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence Nov. 2-4 in Louisville, Ky.
A full list of winners can be found below and HERE on www.T-awards.com.
“During some of the most challenging years in the trade show industry, the 2012 TSNN Top 50 Fastest-growing Trade Show winners not only managed to thrive, but also by very impressive numbers,” said TSNN… more
Jun 18, 2012
EMECA, the European Major Exhibition Centres Association, and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, have signed an agreement to create the European Exhibition Industry Alliance.
This new alliance will bring together Europe’s leading exhibition associations in a coordinated effort to promote awareness of the vital contribution that the exhibition industry plays to economic development and job creation, according to UFI officials.
At the top of the EEIA’s action list is the promotion of the exhibition sectors’ common interests towards the framework… 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