News

Jul 24, 2017
A few years after Providence Equity Partners bought U.K.-based Clarion Events, the trade show company has changed hands again to another private equity firm – Blackstone. “We are delighted to invest in Clarion and back Chairman Simon Kimble and CEO Russell Wilcox in the company’s next chapter,” said Lionel Assant, head of European Private Equity at Blackstone. He added, “Clarion’s leading position in its markets combined with its strong management team will enable the company to continue growing both organically and through M&A. Blackstone has a significant track record of investing in… more
Jul 24, 2017
  There has been a lot of discussion in the IT world of trade shows relating the ability for all partners involved in the success of a show demonstrating the ability to share data and intelligence through an API (Application Programming Interface). Lacking this expertise – on both sides – eliminates you from the discussion of being a leading player in the exhibition marketplace. Join us and Terence Donnelly of Experient on this Wednesday’s #Expochat July 26th, 1pm ET where we’ll answer the following questions: ·        What is an API? Not… more
Jul 21, 2017
International Conference Development (lCDevents) is gearing up to launch Pet Connections Expo, a new pet industry trade show set for Oct. 3-4 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Penn. Designed to be an affordable alternative for independent retailers, vendors and other pet professionals, the event intends to provide a more intimate and relaxed community environment where pet retailers can network, share experiences and learn how to compete with the online and large brick and mortar stores in order to succeed in their businesses, according to Bill Doherty, PetCon Expo show… more
Jul 20, 2017
Smart City Networks has completed a new distributed antenna system (DAS) designed to exponentially expand the cellular service coverage and capacity at the San Diego Convention Center. “This new system is going to make a noticeable difference for everyone who attends an event or convention at the San Diego Convention Center,” said Julia Slocombe, vice president of western region operations for Smart City Networks, a telecommunications provider for the convention industry. She continued, “This was a massive upgrade, but it reiterates our commitment to deliver exceptional… more
Jul 19, 2017
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition has re-launched Worth Meeting About, an industry campaign designed to showcase the importance of face-to-face meetings for business and society. With an expanded lens that uses major world events, case studies and personal testimonials to highlight the industry’s role in driving progress and innovation, the coalition’s refreshed campaign will harness digital tactics and storytelling to emphasize the message that, “when it’s important, it’s Worth Meeting About.” “Worth Meeting About brings to life the value behind meetings and the progress… more
Jul 18, 2017
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has chosen Pittsburgh and San Francisco to host its 2019 and 2020 Convening Leaders, respectively. The event is the association’s annual education conference that attracts more than 4,200 event professionals. “Convening Leaders is the premier industry event for leading business event professionals,” said Deborah Sexton, president and CEO of PCMA. She continued, “Our participants and partners attend this event every January to network with their colleagues from around the globe and seek out innovation for their upcoming programs. Both… more
Jul 18, 2017
American Society of Association Executives will honor six associations with the 2017 Summit Award, which is the highest recognition under The Power of A Awards. The six organizations will accept their awards on October 4 during the 18th Annual Power of A — Summit Awards Dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.  The winners were selected by the Power of A Awards Judging Committee, and the committee received 149 entries. The awards are part of The Power of A  campaign, which ASAE launched in 2009 to increase awareness about issues that… more
Jul 18, 2017
Paris-based Comexposium has acquired MFV, which includes franchise trade shows and conferences in the United States (International Franchise Expo in New York, Franchise Expo West in Los Angeles, Franchise Expo South in Dallas); Franquicias Feria International, the leading annual event in Mexico; and The Franchise Show in London. A portfolio of developmental events in Latin America and Europe also are part of the acquisition. “We are delighted to welcome the Franchise events to Comexposium’s growing North & Latin American footprint,” said Steve Corrick, CEO of Comexposium Americas He added… more
Jul 17, 2017
Predictive Marketing involves using sophisticated algorithms and cloud-based computing to make smarter marketing decisions and deliver personalized content to users based on their browsing history, goal-based actions and demographic data. According to eMarketer’s “Predictive Marketing Roundup,” nearly 70 percent of U.S. marketers said predictive was the primary technology they planned to use in 2017. In addition, roughly half of marketing and media executives surveyed in North America said they believe predictive analytics and modeling to be one of the most helpful… more
Jul 17, 2017
Freeman has become a key investor data-driven event personalization company Feathr’s most recent round of funding. Feathr’s proprietary technology allows organizers and marketers to leverage their data by combining sources like registration, CRM, social followers and website analytics to launch effective multi-channel campaigns across email, landing pages, online advertising, social media and chatbots. “The Freeman Digital Ventures group is pleased to be an investor in Feathr as we believe Feathr’s offering can be beneficial to our clients allowing further personalization for events and brand… 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