Mar 05, 2012
The Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, which owns Chicago’s McCormick Place and Navy Pier, recently named eight new board members, none of whom directly are in the trade show industry. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel were each allotted four appointments under state law, and the new board appointments will replace the interim board that was in place to oversee changes made to MPEA’s operation of McCormick Place. The new board will be led by Chairman Jack M. Greenberg, who also is chairman of the Western Union Company and serves as chairman of… more
Mar 05, 2012
Global Sources bought a 80-percent stake of the China (Shenzhen) International Brand Clothing & Accessories Fair (SZIC), one of Asia’s largest fashion fairs, for US$17.3 million. Shenzhen is a base for garment designing and manufacturing in China and SZIC, which was launched in 2001, has grown since its inception. The 2011 event hosted about 300 exhibitors, 4,000 booths and 31,000 professional visitors. "The apparel industry in China is moving from pure manufacturing to design and innovation, driving Chinese brands to become more well-known and prestigious, ultimately… more
Mar 05, 2012
The Hong Kong Trade and Development Council’s Hong Kong International Jewellery Show continued to draw strong attendance numbers, with the recent show attracting 38,000 buyers, a 3-percent increase, compared with last year’s event. A significant portion of the attendance increase at the event, held Feb. 16-20 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, came from the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) countries, with an 8-percent increase, compared with last year’s event. Konstantin Zakirov, a buyer from Russia, said he attended the show “to source silver,… more
Mar 01, 2012
Trade Show News Network is launching its 2012 FREE Webinar Series with “Virtual/Hybrid Events: What's Working and What's Not?” at 1pm EST March 15th. Click HERE to register for the free webinar. The webinar is courtesy of MarketArt & Onstream Media Corporation - Creators of Marketplace365 During the past few years, a number of trade associations and for-profit exhibition organizers have launched virtual and hybrid events. Some initiatives have been successful, others have been less than effective in reaching the organization's objectives. Join Michelle Bruno, as she moderates a… more
Feb 27, 2012
Rumors recently had been swirling about the fate of the Trade Show Exhibitors Association, but now the organization’s fate has been sealed with its board voting to transfer its members, intellectual assets and administrative management to the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association.  Pending final approval of this agreement by TSEA’s members, the organization will be dissolved and a newly named umbrella industry association will be formed under the leadership of EACA’s Executive Director Jim Wurm. "This is a tremendous opportunity for greater visibility and… more
Feb 27, 2012
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International has decided to extend its MEET brand to all of its 2012 events and will kick the series off with HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America April 3-4 at Navy Pier in Chicago. The keynote speaker for the event also was announced - body language expert Janine Driver. HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America brings a new name and offerings to attendees: HSMAI’s TEEM UP: HSMAI's reverse trade show buyer appointment expo, which adds to the opportunities to learn about new meeting facilities and suppliers during the traditional HSMAI's MEET… more
Feb 27, 2012
UK-based UBM, through its UBM Asia division, has expanded even further in the Asia-Pacific Region, buying two trade shows and forming a joint venture to develop another one. Also, in the United States, UBM added onto its aviation division with another purchase. In China, UBM Asia formed a JV company, Shanghai UBM ShowStar Exhibition Co Ltd, with Shanghai ShowStar Exhibition Service Co Ltd, owner of the China International Exhibition & Symposium on Dental Equipment, Technology & Products, known as DenTech China. UBM acquired 70 percent of the JV company and will organize DenTech… more
Feb 27, 2012
Trade association Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute has scored more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space and 1,300 exhibitors and their event still is nine months away. The biannual event for the packaging industry also is expecting 46,000 attendees to the show when its doors open Oct. 28-31 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. “Reaching this milestone this far out from the show makes a statement about the role PACK EXPO plays in the realm of processing and packaging,” said Charles D. Yuska, president & CEO of show owner/producer PMMI. He added, “But… more
Feb 26, 2012
Alan Steel, a 30-year veteran of the trade show industry, has been named president and CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York. Steel is replacing Gerald T. McQueen, the center’s leader for the past 14 years, who resigned in October and stayed in his post until a successor was found. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with the various constituencies which interact with the Javits Center,” Steel said. He added, “It's obviously an interesting time here. My primary goals will be to make a real difference to the customer experience and… more
Feb 23, 2012
General service contractor Shepard Exposition Services has changed its ownership structure and now allows qualified employees to take part in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, known as an ESOP. In order to qualify, employees need to be full-time or part-time, working a minimum of 1.000 hours per year. Shepard has 438 qualified employees and offices that operate in 10 markets across the United States. By giving employees an opportunity to be a part of the ownership of the company, it leads to improved service, increases in revenue and company stability, according to Shepard officials.… 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