News

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 23, 2012
On June 28th, Michelle Bruno will be presenting a TSNN webinar on Tradeshow Technology Trends You Need to Know About.  Michelle is an TSNN blogger and Co-Producer of the EastVirtual Event Workshop. She also serves on the EIBTM TechWatch Committee – the largest event industry technology competition in the world.   Technology is changing so fast – it’s becoming nearly impossible to keep up. There are global business trends that affect the trade show industry. There are trends within the industry and there are trends within trends that affect the technology decisions… more
Jun 23, 2012
I recently read a post on trend spotting in terms of catering your next show/event from Key Events.  Now you may ask, so how do the newest drinks really translate to my booth?  Well, let me do some explaining and see if you agree.   First trend:  more hard alcohol. I honed in on this trend first. Hard alcohol is being offered at more events versus the standard beer and wine. What that means to the trade show manager: Budgets are getting a bit looser. Companies are allowing hard alcohol at their events, which costs more because of the cost of the item… 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 20, 2012
The Face2Face Series is sponsored by MarketArt. Talk to most trade show managers and executives and you might notice a common theme: they seem to have no idea what they’d be doing if they weren’t working in the trade show industry. The same rings true for 23-year industry veteran Alan Sims, who like many trade show lifers, began working in and around events right out of school, realized it was a good fit and never looked back. “Relationships are important to me and face-to-face interaction is important, so (the industry) suits my skill set well,” Sims said. He… 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
The Outdoor Industry Association and Outdoor Retailer will expand their partnership to offer more Outdoor University educational sessions at Outdoor Retailer trade shows.   Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, which takes place in early August in Salt Lake City, will feature a broadened curriculum designed to help the outdoor industry stay ahead of the curve on critical business topics. As part of the partnership, OIA's Outdoor University will work hand in hand with Outdoor Retailer to program the education curriculum at each OR trade show, with Outdoor Retailer contributing to the… 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
Jun 18, 2012
A task force comprised of snow sports industry representatives recently met in Denver to discuss and approve plans for a new trade show entitled Sourcing Snow. The new event is member-owned by the textile and material suppliersand will be collocated with the 2013 SIA Snow Showon tap Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at the Colorado Convention Center’s Mile High Ballroom. Sourcing Snow will showcase companies that manufacture materials and components essential to hundreds of snow sports brands, according to show organizers. “The dedication and commitment of SIA to its members is quite impressive,… more
Jun 18, 2012
The newly named Exhibit & Event Marketers Association (E2MA), formed by the combining of the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA) and the Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association (EACA), has unveiled plans for the 3rd annual Red Diamond Congress.   The event will be held July 10-12 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.   This year’s event will be focused on both advocacy and education issues, said Jim Wurm, executive director of E2MA.   “This will be the first meeting of these combined associations,” he added. “We will have general sessions each… 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