Two Travel Industry Shows to Launch This Year
February 21, 2020
The ever-expanding tourism market is getting two new shows this year, one geared toward consumers with a job fair component, and one for business events professionals. Take a look.
Exceptional Experiences in Barcelona
Reed Travel Exhibitions will launch Exceptional Experiences, a two-day conference and ideas showcased on experiential marketing and live events, in Barcelona later this year.
Set for Dec. 2-3 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via conference center in Spain, the show will take place alongside the business events trade show IBTM World and bring together the creative live events community with marketers and event planners. It will also serve as a platform for one-on-one networking meetings.
“With current predictions estimating that global expenditure on the ‘experience economy’ will hit £8.2trillion [about $10.6 trillion] by 2028, marketers and event planners need to ensure they’re delivering live events and experiences that resonate on a personal and emotional level with potential and existing customers,” said Natalie Whittaker, event manager for Exceptional Experience.
She continued, “We know from our research and feedback from RTE’s customer base… that there is a huge appetite for knowledge sharing, learning and for the opportunity to engage and interact with products and services that can support brand marketers in delivering exceptional experiences. Strategically, and for our customers, it makes sense to run Exceptional Experiences alongside IBTM World in Barcelona. The content and attendees are complementary, which gives us the opportunity to provide additional value and enhance both events.”
Learn more about Exceptional Experiences here.
Port of Go in Orlando
Created in partnership with travel industry mogul R. Stan Kelly and advertising agency Othal Partners, Port of Go is a new biannual, consumer-centric show set to launch this fall in Orlando, with a second event planned for spring 2021.
Described as a cruise, destination and travel showcase, it will be designed to connect consumers with merchants in an interactive way. Kelly predicts at least 20,000 attendees and 180 vendors and sponsors at the first event, set for Oct. 10-11 at Orange County Convention Center.
Consumers should expect to see a fashion show, international wine tasting, an extensive bevy of products to sell live and online and a job fair for travel workers, says Kelly. The job fair component will help assist companies in hiring well-qualified talent to fill increasing demand.
Learn more about Port of Go here.
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
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