News
Feb 07, 2023
As the trade show industry gears up for a busy 2023, event-related companies throughout the U.S. and across the pond are moving forward with strategic acquisitions and partnerships designed to empower and prepare them for a year of robust growth. Take a look!
Skyline Exhibits
Eagan, Minn.-based trade show exhibit company Skyline Exhibits kicked off the new year on a strong growth trajectory by acquiring two of its authorized dealer offices—one in New York and one in California—as part of a strategic effort to provide a seamless client experience and additional expert resources.
Serving… more
Feb 06, 2023
The global retail industry is about to get a new conference and exhibition to meet the needs of a rapidly growing marketplace. Beginning in 2024, Retail’s Big Show will expand to the Asia Pacific region with the inaugural NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific, set for June 11-13, 2024, at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in Singapore. The new event will launch six months after NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show, scheduled for Jan. 14-16 at Javits Center in New York City.
Aiming to integrate regional leaders across the retail industry to collaborate at a Pan Asia Pacific level, the new… more
Feb 03, 2023
Ungerboeck, a global leader in venue and event management software, has become Momentus Technologies, a new identity designed to unify the company’s vertical-specific software under one brand to deliver end-to-end solutions for the changing needs of the industry. “As people return to in-person events, creating positive, impactful experiences both physically and virtually has taken on greater importance,” said Alex Alexandrov, CEO of Momentus. “This new identity is rooted in the company’s heritage, technology and people—three key drivers that have made the company and its solutions what they… more
Feb 02, 2023
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released the 30th edition of its Global Exhibition Barometer research, which points to a positive outlook for 2023 and beyond following the quickening pace of the industry’s recovery in 2022.
With results indicating a full recovery expected in 2023 in most markets, with the exception of a few locations such as China, and revenues predicted to reach more than 90% of 2019 levels on average, the time has come to concentrate on thriving in a post-pandemic world while addresses the challenges that lie ahead, according to Kai Hattendorf,… more
Feb 01, 2023
Peter Nathan, founder of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and international trade show trailblazer, passed away on Jan. 28 at 89. He spent nearly 60 years working in the exhibitions, conferences and events industry and left an indelible mark in the lives of event professionals and the industry at large along the way.
After graduating from University of Connecticut, Nathan served in the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of captain. After leaving the military, he joined Clapp & Poliak and is credited for organizing the first U.S. events in the former Soviet Union and… more
Feb 01, 2023
What is the average cost of trade show labor in Las Vegas? What is the average cost of electrical labor in Orlando? What is the average cost for materials handling in New York? How do these averages by city compare to the national average?
The 2022 Material Handling & Labor Rate Survey — a new report by The Exhibitor Advocate, a non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying the voice of exhibitors — provides some benchmarks to review high-level exhibitor costs in 16 U.S. cities, from Las Vegas and Orlando to Chicago and Atlanta.
“We believe this data is a valuable and important… more
Jan 31, 2023
It’s that time of year again when we in the business world focus on setting new goals and intentions to set ourselves up for a successful year ahead. The same goes for exhibiting companies, many of which may be seeking to kick off 2023 with a fresh brand identity to amplify their presence on the trade show floor. But what if you’re one of those companies that can’t afford a complete rebrand just yet?
Consider a brand refresh instead, suggests Wendy Gibson, chief marketing officer for Skyline Exhibits, a trade show exhibit builder known for creating award-winning trade show experiences… more
Jan 30, 2023
The trade show industry is moving full steam ahead into the new year with strong hiring and promoting momentum that appears to defy national concerns of a looming economic recession. Here’s all the latest people news you need to know!
Smithbucklin
Association management company Smithbucklin has launched a new network-based organizational structure and leadership role designed to serve the dynamic and emerging needs of the association marketplace. As part of the structure, Jim McNeil has been appointed president of the company’s association management business, responsible for advancing… more
Jan 27, 2023
After closing 2022 with positive gains in visitor numbers year over year, the Las Vegas business community is poised for continued growth in 2023 with the addition of thousands of new hotel rooms, the opening of the new one-of-kind MSG Sphere and its first Formula 1 Grand Prix.
“2023 is going to be a spectacular year in Las Vegas,” said Steve Hill, CEO and president, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), at the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Preview 2023 event on Mon., Jan. 23, in the West Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).
Fountainebleu Las VegasBig Picture
Hill… more
Jan 27, 2023
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has always been the barometer of what’s trending in face-to-face marketing. At this year's show in Las Vegas, held Jan. 5-8, the the fast-changing experiential marketing landscape made it that much more exciting to see how brands chose to tell their stories and build connections at CES 2023–particularly through compelling and immersive tech activations at exhibits.
Among the key themes on the show floor, Tom Maher, director of strategy and growth for Pinnacle, an experiential marketing agency, pointed out the rise of active solutioning, where demos go… 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