News
Nov 25, 2017
Expo! Expo! 2017 is days away, and we are all geared up to share with you how “The Journey is Sweeter with a2z”. While we can’t divulge all the juicy details just yet, here is a quick preview of the delicious experience that’s in store for all Expo! Expo! attendees in a2z’s booth #707.
Get a Sneak Peek at a2z’s Exciting New ReleasesEvery year, we add many new and innovative features to our core solution. These are always designed to help show organizers reduce tedious manual work, accelerate and augment revenue, as well as provide enhanced value to their audience. Despite being known in the… more
Nov 22, 2017
For the sixth consecutive year, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has rated MGM Resorts International as among the nation’s leading companies for workplace equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) employees.
Based on the company’s policies and practices relating to LGBTQ employees, MGM Resorts earned a perfect score on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual HRC survey that evaluates major companies for their non-discrimination and benefits policies and practices with respect to LGBTQ employees.
“Diversity and inclusion are bedrocks of our company culture and… more
Nov 21, 2017
Detroit’s Cobo Center is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to sustainability by increasing its environmental initiatives for the coming year, including a living green roof observation area and new lactation suites for nursing moms.
According to Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center, the facility is planning to install a visitor observation area near its living green roof at the old heliport location on the roof deck.
“Last year, we installed honeybee hives and saw our living roof and organic herb gardens thrive,” Molinari said.
He continued, “Next year, we will create an… more
Nov 21, 2017
The inaugural Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show, Outdoor Retailer’s first combined trade show with SIA Snow Show in Denver, now is the largest annual U.S. trade show and conference for the outdoor and snowsports industries, boasting a sold-out exhibit floor.
Set for Jan. 25-28 at the Colorado Convention Center, the massive event will feature a revamped show format with approximately 1,000 brands spanning three floors, new show features and for the first time, consumer access to select marquee events.
“The positive response to the combined show has exceeded all expectations,” said Marisa… more
Nov 20, 2017
Are you attending IAEE Expo! Expo! this year? Have you started planning for your visit? Don’t stress!
Below are five beneficial things you can do today to prepare for a productive trip to San Antonio. And then you’ll be able to kick back and enjoy Thanksgiving without worrying about preparing for the Show.
Visit the Expo! Expo! 2017 Website
On the website you will find a full schedule of activities, who is exhibiting, what sessions are available, programs for young professionals, programs for first time attendees, tools for networking, San Antonio information and so much more! This should… more
Nov 20, 2017
International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) will hold its annual Expo! Expo! in San Antonio, TX November 28-30. The organization will bring in experts from both inside and outside of event industry to examine data, sales strategies, new technology and much more.
In “pit stops”, “tech huddles”, workshops and more, trade show and event organizers will have more than 50 learning opportunities during the three-day event.
“As with every year at Expo! Expo! I hope that attendees walk away with meaningful connections, ideas for the new year and actionable insights to incorporate… more
Nov 16, 2017
The 9th Annual 2018 TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence will head Aug. 10-12 to Louisville, Ky., to celebrate the top U.S. fastest-growing trade shows in net square footage and attendance just days after the massive transformation of the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville is unveiled.
The completely renovated center is just one piece of an extensive development project that includes several new hotels and renovations to existing ones, such as the Marriott Louisville Downtown, the host hotel for award attendees, as well as a bevy of new distilleries and… more
Nov 16, 2017
Event Technology collective Event Tech Tribe have unveiled the newest addition to their family of technology solutions for event planners, EventOPS, a platform that allows event organizers to plan and manage their operations and logistics from an intuitive, user-friendly dashboard, on any device.
EventOPS unveiled its partnership with the Tribe last month at IMEX America, held Oct. 10-12 in Las Vegas.
“We’re thrilled to welcome EventOPS to the Tribe,” said Event Tech Tribe COO Marie-Claire Andrews.
She continued, “They embody the best-in-craft philosophy and have a fantastic product that,… more
Nov 15, 2017
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors has approved a recommendation to retain tvsdesign/Design Las Vegas to provide design services for the Las Vegas Convention Center District Phase Two $860 million expansion project.
“The selection of tvsdesign/Design Las Vegas for the expansion project signals an exciting new era for conventions and convention business in Southern Nevada,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, LVCVA president and CEO.
He continued, “Our destination thrives on evolution and reinvention, and this design team will allow us to continue providing the world… more
Nov 15, 2017
After a relatively quiet period, the global exhibitions market has heated up in the mergers and acquisitions sector, with Hospitality Management Group, UBM and Messe Frankfurt all recently making buys.
HX: The Hotel Experience, a trade event for the hospitality industry (formerly IHMRS), announced at the opening of its 2017 show, held Nov. 12-13 in New York City, that it has transitioned to full ownership under Hospitality Management Group (HMG), a division of ST Media Group.
HX previously was co-owned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the Hotel Association of New… 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