News

Apr 12, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released its 2018 CEIR Index Report, which analyzes the 2017 exhibition industry and provides an economic and exhibition industry outlook for the next three years. The growth of the B2B exhibition industry accelerated along with the macro economy in 2017. The CEIR Total Index, a measure of overall exhibition industry performance, increased by a moderate 2 percent, 1 percentage point higher than in 2016. All four metrics rose in 2017, with real revenues leading at 2.9 percent above 2016. Attendees and net square footage rose 2.1… more
Apr 12, 2018
In an effort to deliver even more value to its customers, digital marketing and analytics software provider, Feathr, has formed technical partnerships with Convention Data Services and CompuSystems to create unique combined solutions for event planners.  Through Feathr’s partnership with Convention Data Services, an event registration, business intelligence and lead capture solutions provider, joint customers will have the ability to easily integrate both platforms, enabling CDS clients to quickly launch Feathr campaigns and more accurately measure conversions.  “As our customer base and… more
Apr 12, 2018
If the recently unveiled design drawings of its expansion project are any indication, the nearly 60-year-old Las Vegas Convention Center has a vibrant new look in its future. Presented on April 10 by architects from tvsdesign to the Board of Directors of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the drawings depict an innovatively designed, modern-looking convention center as iconic as the city itself, according to Rossi Ralenkotter, CEO of the LVCVA. “This is one of the most important days in the history of the LVCVA,” Ralenkotter said. “Southern Nevada’s economy is driven by… more
Apr 11, 2018
I hear it all the time: “How do I effectively market my events?” This is one of the greatest challenges meeting planners face. They want to improve app adoption, engage attendees with content and on social media, and increase visibility for their sponsors and exhibitors. The thing is, many planners who are using event management and attendee engagement software already have the tools they need. Let’s take a look… What is marketing? First, let’s clarify what marketing is. According to the American Marketing Association: “Marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for… more
Apr 10, 2018
Zuant has released two new add-on product features for its mobile lead capture cloud solution, Mobile Lead Capture App: Zuant Custom Skins and Showroom Plus.  Unveiled Feb. 26 at ExhibitorLivein Las Vegas, the new features are designed to help exhibiting companies reinforce their corporate brand and personalize customer engagement while driving revenue by shortening the sales cycle.   Zuant Custom Skins: enables event marketers and sales reps to not only customize the entire app with their own brand identity but also with rich graphical backgrounds, enabling marketing and sales teams to… more
Apr 10, 2018
In its 26thyear, UBM Tech’s Game Developers Conference just keeps getting bigger and better than ever, with a record-breaking 28,000 attendees checking out the packed showfloor March 19-23 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.  The event, billed as “the world’s largest and longest-running event serving professionals dedicated to the art and science of making games,” also had approximately 500 exhibitors and plenty of new bells and whistles to excite and engage attendees this year.  “GDC really is about the business of making games,” said GDC’s Katie Stern, who oversees the show. “The typical… more
Apr 09, 2018
While some medical shows may come and go, there are others that have figured out that staying relevant, keeping ahead of trends and becoming invaluable to the audiences they serve is the secret recipe to sticking around for the long haul – in some cases, for well over a century.  Case in point is the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) Annual Meeting, which celebrated its 107thedition March 17-23 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, Canada. Known the largest gathering of M.D. pathologists in the world, the annual conference and expo attracted more than 4,700… more
Apr 08, 2018
Predict: CEIR’s Annual Exhibition Industry Conference will be held Sept. 13-14 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. This one of a kind executive-level, invitation-only conference looks to the future — three to five years out – bringing meaningful insights from experts outside the industry to align with trends occurring in the industry in an interactive and engaging format. This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Lindsey Piegza, serves as Chief Economist for Stifel Fixed Income. She specializes in research and analysis of economic trends and activity, world economies, financial markets… more
Apr 08, 2018
Destinations International Chair Tammy Blount, FCDME and president and CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau and President and CEO Don Welsh recently announced the schedule for the organization’s fall educational summits. “Destinations International is offering refreshed and new educational opportunities to provide critical learning, sharing of best practices, and network-building opportunities for every level of a destination organization,” Blount said. He added, “From board governance to visitor services and everything in between, every member of a destination team… more
Apr 08, 2018
ISA International Sign Expo 2018 closes with attendance topping 20,387 - making it the largest ISA Sign Expo in Orlando and one of the largest in ISA Sign Expo history. The showfloor also was the largest-ever footprint for the event.   “Significant weather issues throughout the country affected air travel, but attendees found a way to get here anyway,” said Lori Anderson, ISA president and CEO. She added, “And they came in a mood to buy. Exhibitors reported that sales were outstanding. This reinforces that ISA International Sign Expo is the only industry event connecting sign and print… 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