News
Jan 19, 2017
The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board has launched Meet L.A., a free mobile destination app for meeting and trade show professionals interested in bringing their events to the City of Angels.
Following the launch of L.A. Tourism’s immersive “Virtual Discovery L.A.” last October at IMEX America in Las Vegas, the new Meet L.A. app allows users to quickly and easily view the virtual travel platform, browse through L.A.’s diverse regions and neighborhoods, and contact L.A. Tourism sales staff with any questions or booking requests.
Developed in partnership with… more
Jan 18, 2017
Three years after Nashville’s Music City Center was built, the local Convention Center Authority just approved to expand the venue.
The center now has a $19.9 million construction budget to build a new food and beverage outlet and expand the Exhibit Hall and Davidson Ballroom concourse space.
“We are thrilled that the Authority agrees we should continue to invest in and enhance the Music City Center,” said Charles Starks, president and CEO of the Music City Center.
He added, “As we have listened to our meeting planners’ feedback over the last three years, we’ve identified these as areas we… more
Jan 17, 2017
HANNOVER MESSE USA, the newly branded North American industrial technology trade shows collocated at IMTS 2018, will feature 130,000 square feet of exhibition space and special display areas.
This marks a 44 percent increase, compared with the collocated shows’ total floor space at IMTS 2016.
For the first time since the collocated shows launched at IMTS 2012, the exhibition space and three special display areas will be located on two floors of the East Building at McCormick Place.
HANNOVER MESSE USA is organized and managed by Hannover Fairs USA (HFUSA), the U.S. subsidiary of Deutsche… more
Jan 17, 2017
A group of veteran industry professionals has launched a consultancy company – the Event Advisory Group – designed to help associations, trade show organizers, publishers and corporations improve the financial, brand and operational performance of their events.
Formed in early 2016 and officially launched six weeks ago, EAG features an executive team of five seasoned event professionals, who boast 120 collective years of event management, marketing and operational experience and a comprehensive knowledge of producing and launching events ranging from large global trade shows to small… more
Jan 17, 2017
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry has decided to expand its events accreditation scheme.
Beginning this year, quality exhibitions and events that focus on national audiences also will be able to apply for, and receive, UFI’s unique recognition – “UFI Approved Event” - opening up the industry’s gold standard to audited national quality shows.
Until recently, UFI approval was reserved for exhibitions that meet the highest global standards, provide officially audited statistics and serve an international market.
Under the new system, organizers can apply for either UFI… more
Jan 16, 2017
More than 1,200 association executives, consultants and industry professionals converged at the 2016 ASAE Technology Conference & Expo for three days of networking, education, insights and information about the latest trends, technologies, and strategies needed to take their organizations in a more forward-thinking direction.
Held Dec. 12-14 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD, the association’s 11th annual event offered 32 high-level education sessions, a host of networking opportunities and an expo that featured135 exhibiting companies spanning… more
Jan 13, 2017
SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals has launched two new technology solutions designed to transform traditional event touchscreen displays into interactive, larger-than-life formats – the iTab Core and Giant Smartphone.
The iTab Core turns any touchscreen display into a giant iPhone or Android phone, facilitating access to various apps, social media and games, as well as branding and marketing messages that can be easily uploaded and displayed in real time. Designed to promote digital engagement and customer interaction, the intuitive screen allows users to manage content… more
Jan 12, 2017
CES, the world’s largest consumer technology trade show, had yet another record-breaking year. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and venues throughout the city Jan. 5-8, the 50th annual event for the global technology industry boasted a 2.6 million net square foot showfloor occupied by 3,800 exhibitors and more than 175,000 attendees, including 55,000 from 150 countries.
Final attendance figures will be released after the show’s independent audit late this spring, according to officials from the Consumer Technology Association, which owns and produces the show.
Last year, CES attracted… more
Jan 11, 2017
The Craft & Hobby Association has transformed its CHA MEGA Conference & Trade Show into Creativation, a refreshed, reimagined event for the crafting industry. Set to debut Jan. 19-23 at the Phoenix Convention Center, the rebranded and reinvented show will feature new programs, learning opportunities and networking events; a targeted focus on innovation, collaboration and creative entrepreneurs, and at the heart of it all, a completely redesigned trade show floor.
As the annual trade show and conference for the global creative products industry, the event brings together manufacturers… more
Jan 11, 2017
For the second year in a row and much to my chagrin, I was unable to attend the Professional Convention Management Association’s Convening Leaders annual meeting.
This year, it was held in the great city of Austin, Texas, and had three days packed with education and networking events.
Of course, I had serious FOMO (fear of missing out) – but lucky for me, PCMA holds an online digital event powered by INXPO that streams throughout their live event.
In my humble opinion, it is bar none the best digital event out there that coincides with a live event.
Here are just a few of the reasons… 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