News

Jan 26, 2017
One of the largest trade show companies in the U.S., Emerald Expositions, is exploring a possible sale that would value the company at $2 billion, according to a Jan. 25 news report from Reuters citing unnamed sources. Private equity firm Onex, which owns Emerald, has brought on Bank of America to manage the sale process of Emerald, the sources said. David Loechner, president and CEO of Emerald Expositions, declined to comment. Onex bought Nielsen Expositions, which was renamed Emerald Expositions, in June 2013 for $950 million. Since then, Emerald rapidly expanded its portfolio with… more
Jan 25, 2017
As the trade show industry keeps on growing, shows and suppliers continue to find new ways of working together. CNTV (Convention News Television) recently signed a trio of contracts, two of which expand on existing business and the third picking up a new client. As an expansion of a three­year deal to produce on­site, same­day video updates at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), CNTV will now produce AAPEX TV year­round. “Our customers love it,” said Mark Bogdansky, senior director of Meetings and Events for the Auto Care Association. “When we decided to enhance the AAPEX TV… more
Jan 25, 2017
In a mere eight years, U.K.-based Informa PLC’s Global Exhibitions division has grown from a $100 million company in annual revenues with its business primarily focused in the Dubai region to now a $600 million company in annual revenues, as estimated by Deustche bank for 2017, and shows being held in countries all around the globe. Approximately half of Informa’s core business is in the United States, after a series of high-profile, strategic acquisitions, including the Hanley Wood Exhibitions portfolio, the FIME medical trade show based in Florida and the Penton portfolio of shows that… more
Jan 25, 2017
From wearable tech to connected home devices to augmented reality, the Internet of Things (IoT) has set fire to the imagination of key players in the consumer technology industry. Like any other nascent technology, IoT comes with its own unique set of implementation challenges. However, mostly because of the tremendous potential it holds, the initial setbacks did not deter the enthusiastic early adopters in the first half of this decade. In 2016, IoT made it from a fringe concept to something that is alive and buzzing in the mainstream consumer consciousness. As per a report/infographic… more
Jan 24, 2017
Make: and Reed Exhibitions are partnering up to launch Maker Faire Chicago 2017. Set for April 22-23 at McCormick Place, the two-day, family-friendly event will be collocated with the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2). Co-founded in 2006 by Maker Media, Maker Faire festivals gather together tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors to celebrate innovation, creativity and hands-on collaboration across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, performance and craft. Upon its debut,… more
Jan 23, 2017
UBM Brazil, a division of U.K.-based UBM, and HIMSS - Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, a U.S.-based association whose focus is to improve health through Information Technology, today have signed a cooperation agreement for the organizations to work together in Brazil. The agreement includes launching the HIMSS@Hospitalar summit during UBM Brazil’s Hospitalar. "HIMSS global content and expertise will reach the largest possible audience through our partnership with Hospitalar,” said Jeremy Bonfini, executive vice president of HIMSS International. He added, “… more
Jan 23, 2017
The year continued to start off strong with several show organizer and supplier companies making new hires and promotions. Atlanta-based meeting management, convention housing and travel services leader Connections Housing kicks off its 30th year by naming Mark Sussman, vice president of Business Development.   As part of a continued growth strategy focused on further strengthening and enhancing In this newly created position, Sussman will focus on developing and growing the Connections client portfolio through his vast knowledge, tenure and connections in the industry.   A 35-year… more
Jan 23, 2017
The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association will be hosting the 2017 HCEA Healthcare Marketing Summit Jan. 25-26 at the Hilton Old Town Alexandria in Alexandria, Va. “I’m really looking forward to this year’s Summit to experience the great program put together by our volunteers and staff,” said Don Schmid, HCEA President. He added, “Of course, one of the great benefits of HCEA and specifically the Summit is to network with other members and gain valuable industry insights from those that I would not normally run across in my daily job.  This is sure to be a… more
Jan 23, 2017
The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association recently released its latest white paper, The Landscape of 1:1 Meetings in the Healthcare Events Industry.   This white paper was researched and produced by Jifflenow, a sales advancement platform for the event industry.   This document explores the different kinds of 1:1 meetings, their importance in a healthcare, medical device, or pharmaceutical company’s Strategic Meetings Management Program (SMMP) and the best practices involved in planning, organizing, and analyzing these interactions. The paper organizes meeting… more
Jan 23, 2017
The San Diego Convention Center Corporation is forecasting a record-breaking calendar year in 2017 for medical meetings. A total of 21 medical events, including BIO 2017, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Association of Diabetes, will hold their annual events in San Diego during the next 12 months: that's the highest number of medical meetings ever in a calendar year. "The upcoming year will be one of our strongest ever for medical meetings," said Clifford "Rip" Rippetoe, CFE, President and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation. He added, "… 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