News

May 24, 2017
Trade show marketing firm mdg has expanded its foorptint by opening a new office in Chicago to service several clients based in the area. The downtown office will be led by Leana Salamah, account strategist and executive director, who has experience on both sides of the client/agency relationship. Salamah was proactively recruited by ownership to serve as a strategic lead for existing Chicago clients and to be a resource for other association and for-profit event clients looking for audience acquisition solutions. “Chicago, with its reputation as a world-class event destination and… more
May 24, 2017
With Outdoor Retailer looking for a new home after a public land dispute resulted in the decision to leave Utah, Denver in the hunt as one of the cities trying to capture it and the January timeframe getting crunched with different crossover shows, it makes perfect sense that Emerald Expositions would buy SnowSports Industries America’s SIA Snow Show. Now, two of the strongest shows geared toward segments of the outdoor sports industry will both be combined under one roof – the Colorado Convention Center – in Denver starting January 2018. “By merging these two January shows, we will bring the… more
May 23, 2017
By Elizabeth Johnson Out with the old? Not so fast … While digital and data may be getting all the buzz these days, a few, let’s call them “experienced” tactics, are quietly getting the job done for many event marketers. So before throwing out your old marketing plan, consider keeping some old-school workhorses that these event planners swear by. Handwritten Notes Although her company incorporates the latest technology and trends into its events, from virtual reality to artificial intelligence and interactive engagements, there are some traditional touches for reaching attendees that still… more
May 23, 2017
By their very nature, face-to-face events tend to draw and bring out the best in people with extrovert personalities. However, as Susan Cain mentions in this now very popular TED Talk “The Power of Introverts,” introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to this world, and we need to pay attention to what they think and do. Much of the focus in the industry lately has been on the younger generations. But introverts can belong to any generation, and if they are coming to your event for the first time, then you may need to figure out how to identify and draw out the… more
May 22, 2017
As a trade show organizer, you know the kind of attendee you want at your event: an influencer with buying power who actively participates and advocates for your show, an industry expert who comes every year and brings their friends, and an enthusiastic participant who possesses a robust digital presence and plays a key role in contributing positively to your show’s content and evolution. Just by their presence, such an attendee has the power to not only attract more exhibitors but also increase the brand value of your show, which in turn can result in drawing more attendees to your… more
May 22, 2017
Corcoran Expositions and SmithBucklin both have signed on new medical associations to manage. The American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) has selected SmithBucklin, the association management and services company more organizations turn to than any other, to provide full-service association management. Abigail Lynn will serve as AAST’s chief executive, and its headquarters will move July 1 to SmithBucklin’s Chicago office. Established in 1978, the American Association of Sleep Technologists is a health membership association for professionals dedicated to improving the quality of… more
May 22, 2017
UBM is set to launch a newly branded show in its medical design show series -  Advanced Design & Manufacturing (ADM) Expo Toronto, taking place May 16-18 at the Toronto Congress Centre. This event originally launched in 2011 as five separate advanced design and manufacturing industry trade shows running alongside one another. This year, under the new ADM Expo Toronto banner, UBM presents a cohesive brand experience throughout the customer journey. ADM Expo Toronto will bring together the region's five most popular industry trade shows – ATX Canada, Design &… more
May 22, 2017
Connect Meetings has launched an event specifically for medical stakeholders and continuing medical education providers to take place Oct. 24-26 in Cincinnati. Hosted by Connect at the Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel, Connect Medical is a hosted-planner, appointment-only program and education conference. The event brings together the most active planners, suppliers and experts in medical meeting planning for three days of general sessions, roundtables, workshops, preset appointments and quality networking. "We produce over 60 events a year," said Doreen Brown, CEO of the American… more
May 18, 2017
Marketplace Events has acquired the Cincinnati Home & Garden Show from Hart Productions of Cincinnati, Ohio. The Cincinnati show is the largest single-show acquisition made by Marketplace Events, known as the No. 1 producer of consumer home and garden events in North America. “We are thrilled to add a show of this size and quality to our portfolio,” said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events. He added, “I’ve been friends for decades with the Harts, so it is a special honor for me to know Marketplace Events is assuming stewardship of one of the finest home and garden shows in North America… more
May 17, 2017
The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) and The Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO) have entered into a reciprocity agreement following a meeting among several of their independent trade and consumer organiser members in Miami last month. The agreement sees both organisations supporting each other with information exchange, research insight and mutual discounts for members to attend each associations’ events. In addition, it sees the formation of a new special interest group the ‘Independent Organiser Network’ (ION). The ION is a group formed of AEO and SISO commercial event… 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