News

Jan 31, 2018
ASAE Foundation names the five awardees for the Innovation Grants Program (IGP). Each grant recipient will receive $10,000, and they will be recognized during ASAE’s 2018 Great Ideas Conference March 11–13 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo. These grants are funded by support from the SunTrust Foundation, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston L.L.P. and GEICO. The five awardees are: American College of Rheumatology “Uniting Collaborators for Innovation” Atlanta, Ga. Association of College and University Housing Officers - International “Centralized Digital Signage Management”… more
Jan 31, 2018
The 2018 International Home + Housewares Show sold out in late December, more than 10 weeks before opening day March 10 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, according to the International Housewares Association, the show’s owner and operator. “The high demand to be a part of our world-class marketplace continues for our IHA member suppliers,” said Phil Brandl, IHA president & CEO. He added, “We look forward to bringing the industry together at the premier global housewares industry event.” The Show will host more than 2,100 exhibitors from around the world, including 400 new companies… more
Jan 31, 2018
In a move that is quite a departure from their usual investment in events, Diversified Communications recently completed a collaborative project with ReVision Energy and Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) to build a 1.5 Megawatt solar energy farm. The new system will provide electricity for Brunswick Landing, a business park located at the former Naval Air Station Brunswick in Brunswick, Maine. As its largest solar installation in the Pine Tree State to-date, Portland-based ReVision Energy completed the 10-row, six-acre installation of more than 4,500 photovoltaic panels just… more
Jan 30, 2018
Ready to source fabric and network with industry peers, buyers flooded into Texworld USA Winter 2018 edition in record numbers. Held Jan. 22-24 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City and organized by Messe Frankfurt, the sourcing event for apparel fabric buyers, research and product development specialists, designers, merchandisers and overseas sourcing professionals takes place biannually in the Big Apple in January and July. Collocated Apparel Sourcing USA, Texworld USA hosted 4,500 attendees, 371 exhibitors and covered 47,000 net square feet. In its 12th year, the Winter edition… more
Jan 30, 2018
ConferencePulse is a technology platform that provides sales and marketing intelligence to help event professionals secure sponsors, speakers and venues, as well as determine the right conferences and exhibitions to exhibit at, sponsor and attend. As a new player in the industry that has only been in business for just over a year, ConferencePulse has rapidly gained recognition. The company has garnered impressive public references for its platform, including winning the prestigious ibtm Technology Watch management and marketing award in Nov. 2017. We are focused on addressing the pain… more
Jan 30, 2018
Informa has made it official, formally offering $5.5 billion in a cash-stock deal for UBM, creating the largest exhibition company in the world. "It is clear that the B2B market is moving to operating scale and industry specialisation,” said Stephen A. Carter, Informa’s CEO. He added, “Our recommended offer for UBM promises to create a leading B2B information services group with the international reach and market capabilities to take full advantage of these trends." Under the terms of the offer, UBM shareholders will receive 1.083 Informa shares for each UBM share and $2.26 in cash.… more
Jan 26, 2018
In a celebration of kids, cars and Motown, the 2018 North American International Auto Show’s (NAIAS) Charity Preview raced to the finish line with almost $5.1 million in funds raised for children’s charities in the Detroit area. Held Jan. 19 at the Cobo Center, more than 13,000 people attended the black-tie gala, recognized as the largest annual single-night fundraiser in the world, according to NAIAS officials. “Earlier in the week, we saw a powerful lineup of products and leaders come together to advance our industry’s mobility-focused future,” said 2018 NAIAS Chairman Ryan LaFontaine at… more
Jan 26, 2018
Exhibiting companies now have more digital solution options to help them connect with targeted audiences, create brand awareness and facilitate one-to-one engagements before, during and after trade shows and events. Digital Bullseye is a suite of geo-framing and IP targeting solutions designed to increase and extend exhibitor reach and ramp up one-to-one engagements by bridging offline events with online connections at every stage of an event. “While using some patented technologies for other industries and applications, we realized there was potential to apply the same technology and… more
Jan 25, 2018
As part of an organizational restructuring that began in January 2016, The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s CEO Rossi Ralenkotter announced the hiring of Steve Hill to fill the role of president and COO.  As part of the restructuring, the organization developed a c-suite structure for the executive office to better prepare for succession planning and create an organizational structure to better mirror and partner with the resort community. Ralenkotter also announced the promotion of Cathy Tull to CMO and Ed Finger to CFO. Previous additions to the c-suite included Barbara… more
Jan 25, 2018
The European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is designed to harmonize all existing regulations to provide a higher level of security for citizens of the European Union (EU). Slated to take effect on May 25, the GDPR will apply to any organization that does business with citizens of the EU, regardless of that organization’s location. The GDPR includes regulations on the collection, use, transfer, monitoring, tracking and even viewing of personal data. The “personal data” bucket is a big one and includes information you might not have taken into consideration. In addition to data… 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