News
Sep 27, 2017
A month after Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas as a category 4 hurricane, many coastal communities in the Lone Star State now are in the process of picking up the pieces. An unprecedented storm that affected thousands of people in the greater Houston area, Harvey not only flooded homes but also disrupted businesses, including area restaurants and hotels – and their employees.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 330,000 people work in the Houston leisure and hospitality industry, employees that especially are vulnerable to natural disasters like hurricanes when… more
Sep 25, 2017
Set to open in just more than two weeks, Reed Exhibitions’ JIS (Jewelers International Show) October 2017 show will relocate to Fort Lauderdale, after receiving news from the Miami Beach Convention Center that it would be unavailable to host the event because of Hurricane Irma disrupting construction activity and the building not being cleared for public occupancy.
The show now will take place during the same dates Oct. 8-11 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, just 30 miles north of Miami.
“Knowing the important role that JIS October plays in delivering… more
Sep 24, 2017
In August, SPARGO assumed responsibility for the management of exhibit and sponsorship sales for the American Society for Cell Biology’s 2017 and 2018 ASCB|EMBO Meetings and 2019 and 2020 ASCB Annual Meetings.
Additionally, SPARGO will sell advertising in ASCB’s three publications and other digital communications.
“We are proud to partner with SPARGO,” says Alison Harris, ASCB's Director of Meetings. “Our aim is to continually improve the meeting experience for attendees and exhibitors, and we’re confident that SPARGO’s experienced team of event management professionals will help us… more
Sep 24, 2017
Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) Minneapolis, the Midwest's largest medical technology event, will host a robust conference, featuring technical sessions, case studies and panel discussions on up-to-the-minute trends and topics that are affecting the industry.
Taking place Nov. 8-9 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the MD&M Minneapolis conference is the premiere program to experience expert-led education.
"Staying ahead of the curve in regards to industry trends and knowledge is of the upmost importance to us and we plan to bring the latest and greatest in medical… more
Sep 24, 2017
NACE Automechanika, a show dedicated to high-end technical and management-related training for automotive collision and service repair shops, returned to Chicago July 26-29.
More than 360 leading suppliers displayed new automotive service and repair technologies, while connecting to nearly 8,000 attendees who took part in activities throughout Automotive Service and Collision Repair Week.
"NACE Automechanika succeeded in bringing buyers and sellers together on the show floor and in the training rooms, where we provided four days of high-quality education to automotive service and collision… more
Sep 24, 2017
The Foundation of the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FFPSA) presented a donation of $100,000 to the Greater Chicago Food Depository during PROCESS EXPO last week.
The donation, a result of its DEFEAT HUNGER Campaign, included food products donated by PROCESS EXPO exhibitors and money raised through virtual donations, which is the equivalent of 400,000 meals, and will be used to help fight hunger in the Greater Chicago Area.
The presentation took place during PROCESS EXPO, a trade show dedicated to all segments of the food and beverage processing industry, that took place at… more
Sep 22, 2017
Move over photo booths and gamification – virtual reality could soon be taking the event entertainment world by storm. From exploring underwater worlds and creating large 3D drawings to battling alien spaceships or brain-eating zombies, virtual reality games and experiences at events provide attendees with immersive and engaging experiences that not only help make events more fun, but also more memorable.
Geared specifically toward corporate meetings, conventions, trade shows and private parties, VR Arcade NOLA is a mobile virtual reality entertainment company that offers interactive VR… more
Sep 22, 2017
FABTECH 2017 is adding a new twist to its opening keynote presentation by embracing the popular TED Talks concept.
Featuring short, inspirational talks given by industry visionaries relaying messages about transformation, growth and the future of manufacturing, the “FABx Tech Talks” will kick off the keynotes on the first day of the annual trade show and conference for the metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing industries.
Set for Nov. 6-9 at McCormick Place in Chicago, the event is expected to attract more than 50,000 attendees and 1,700 exhibiting companies spanning more than… more
Sep 22, 2017
Louisville’s nearly $1 billion in tourism infrastructure improvements, which includes expanding the Kentucky International Convention Center and opening the Omni Louisville Downtown, has attracted yet another big-name event – Connect Marketplace.
Connect Marketplace is a leading event in the meetings, events, travel and tourism industry and will be held in Louisville Summer 2019.
"We are more than excited to partner with our friends at Louisville CVB by bringing our largest Connect event of 2019 to its unique and inviting city," said Chris Collinson, president of Connect.
He added, "… more
Sep 21, 2017
A new Start-Up Pavilion has been created at ibtm world 2017 where tech and experiential start-up companies can exhibit, giving them the opportunity to showcase their product to more than 15,000 highly influential MICE industry professionals.
The three-day event takes place Nov. 28-30 at Fira Gran Via Barcelona in Spain.
Companies eligible to exhibit in the Start-Up Pavilion must be two years or younger, with five or fewer full-time employees and with an annual turnover of less than $600,000.
As part of the exhibiting package, they will receive their own personalised diary, with the… 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