News

Dec 13, 2017
Play Fair, a public celebration of play and entertainment for all ages, returned to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City for its second year with a larger showfloor, more exhibiting companies and a broader itinerary of immersive, family-friendly activities. Held Nov. 4-5 and Hosted by The Toy Association in partnership with LeftField Media, the event provided a sold-out crowd of more than 20,000 children, parents, families and fans with a first glimpse of the toys, games and entertainment expected to be topping wishlists this holiday season. Play Fair 2017 attracted 75… more
Dec 12, 2017
The 13th edition of the China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair - Shanghai (Shanghai Jewellery Fair) drew 6,522 unique visitors, up 36 percent, compared with the show's 2016 edition. The increase in visitor numbers proves that the fair – East China's leading jewellery event – is growing in the right direction and steadily expanding its international reach. Held from Nov. 17-20, in conjunction with the second annual Asia-Pacific Jewellery & Watch Expo at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, the fair featured 304 exhibitors of classic and trendy… more
Dec 12, 2017
 Czarnowski, a full-service exhibit and event marketing company, recently opened an office in Shanghai.  The Shanghai office is Czarnowski’s first in China and 24th worldwide.   “Our new Shanghai office will allow us to better serve our China-based customers as well as our United States and European customers as they increase their exhibiting activity in China,” said Bob DeFacci, global managing director for Czarnowski. He added, “We will leverage local knowledge, experience and a reliable partner network to offer innovative strategy and design services to customers in this important and… more
Dec 12, 2017
The 5th edition of ProWine China, International Trade Fair for Wines and Spirits, set new records and confirmed its status as the most international event for this industry in mainland China. The trade fair attracted 14,219 trade visitors - an increase of 14.3 percent, compared with the 2016 staging. This year, about 700 exhibitors from 39 nations presented their products within 16 country pavilions and 4 regional pavilions. The number of local exhibitors grew by 30 percent, compared with last year, reflecting the upward trend on the flourishing Chinese wine market.ProWine China 2017 was… more
Dec 12, 2017
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has launched a new education program in China. The inaugural UFI-VMA Venue Management School kicked-off Nov. 20. The three-day program was hosted by the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre (SNIEC), a long-time UFI member and strong supporter of UFI’s activities in China. The program was oversubscribed with 34 students from 15 different venues across China. The program offered participants an unmatched learning environment. The curriculum included three days of lectures delivered in Mandarin by experienced senior-level… more
Dec 12, 2017
Naylor Association Solutions has partnered with TransData to facilitate the integration of EventCart’s event management platform into Naylor’s Association Management Software (AMS) Solution. As an adaptive, all-in-one event management solution, EventCart includes features, such as CRM and QuickBooks integrations, single sign-on, data syncing, digital promotional marketing strategies, market research and consulting surveys. Naylor helps associations achieve better member engagement and revenue generation through its comprehensive set of solutions that include member communications, event… more
Dec 12, 2017
Full-service global event marketing and labor management company, Nth Degree, has finalized an agreement to merge with Atlanta-based Zenith LaborNet effective January 1. The company will be headquartered in Nth Degree’s Duluth, GA office and will continue to operate in all major convention cities across the country and the globe. “This merger with Zenith LaborNet will complement our labor management offering – the combined team will offer best-in-class service in every trade show market, deeper project management talent pools for large projects and city expertise that is unparalleled in the… more
Dec 11, 2017
In his six years as vice president of Sustainability at Freeman, Jeff Chase has become quite proficient at making the case that “sustainable thinking is good for business.” Besides working alongside corporate and association clients to help them produce greener shows, the 30-year industry veteran also serves as sitting chairman of the Events Industry Council’s sustainability committee, where he is passionate about educating the industry about the far-reaching benefits of environmentally-minded shows. TSNN had a chance to sit down with Chase to discuss how far our industry has come, where… more
Dec 11, 2017
With the holiday season upon us, the trade show industry busily continues to grow its ranks and promote from within. In addition, some long-time people in the industry passed away recently. Bob Lozier, former executive vice president of sales and director of The Freeman Company, passed away peacefully at his home with his family Dec. 7 after a long-term illness. Lozier, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, was hired at The Freeman Company by Buck Freeman in 1967 after service in the United States Marine Corps. After a period of employment with Wernecke Exposition Services and United… more
Dec 11, 2017
Private equity firm Onex Corporation has agreed to acquire SMG Holdings Inc., in partnership with its existing management team. “SMG is the global gold standard in venue management,” said Amir Motamedi, a managing director with Onex. “We’re excited to work with Wes, his management team and the general managers within each of SMG’s venues to continue to provide the same world-class service their clients have come to expect.” SMG is the leading global manager of convention centers, stadiums, arenas, theatres, performing arts centers and other venues. The transaction is expected to close in… 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