News

Oct 14, 2014
Margaret Edgell Core has been tapped as vice president of industry events by the Food Marketing Institute to oversee its annual event – FMI Connect, The Global Food Retail Experience. “Margaret brings the experience, enthusiasm and inspirational leadership we need to help FMI achieve the vision we have for ensuring our premier events become game-changing experiences for the food retail industry.” said FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin. “FMI members, staff and leadership look forward to Margaret’s guidance as together we help FMI Connect reach its potential as the pivotal industry… more
Oct 14, 2014
In 2015, the American Society of Association Executives is expanding its Great Ideas Conference into Asia with the first-ever international event scheduled March 22-24 in Hong Kong. ASAE’s Great Ideas in Association Management Conference, Asia-Pacific will be sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). The event is expected to draw attendees from the Asia-Pacific region along with participants from the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. “One of ASAE’s goals is to enhance the professional development of the association community. With the growth of association contributions in the… more
Oct 12, 2014
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and DoubleDutch recently released a report: “The State of Event Apps”. The report examined adoption rates, what types of organizations are adopting apps the most and why event organizers utilize apps. To explain what brought about the mobile event app survey, Jessie States, manager of professional development at MPI, said, “In MPI’s Future of Meetings research, mobile event apps consistently appeared as a topic of discussion and interest to industry and non-industry professionals alike. As a topic of interest to our community,… more
Oct 12, 2014
Trade show planning and marketing is an extremely strategic process. Organizers have to constantly evaluate current and emerging trends to stay on top of their game. While your team’s goals and promotional tactics will be defined by the unique environment of your industry, there are some key universal strategies that should always be a part of your marketing mix. Differentiate your event In your marketing content, always make it a point to highlight the key factors that distinguish your event from others in the same vertical. Expand the appeal of your brand by highlighting the unique… more
Oct 12, 2014
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and DoubleDutch recently released a report: “The State of Event Apps”. The report examined adoption rates, what types of organizations are adopting apps the most and why event organizers utilize apps. To explain what brought about the mobile event app survey, Jessie States, manager of professional development at MPI, said, “In MPI’s Future of Meetings research, mobile event apps consistently appeared as a topic of discussion and interest to industry and non-industry professionals alike. As a topic of interest to our community,… more
Oct 12, 2014
Trade show planning and marketing is an extremely strategic process. Organizers have to constantly evaluate current and emerging trends to stay on top of their game. While your team’s goals and promotional tactics will be defined by the unique environment of your industry, there are some key universal strategies that should always be a part of your marketing mix. Differentiate your event In your marketing content, always make it a point to highlight the key factors that distinguish your event from others in the same vertical. Expand the appeal of your brand by highlighting the unique… more
Oct 10, 2014
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has selected this year's Top Public Events to be recognized at Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition on tap Dec. 9-11 in Los Angeles. The IAEE Top Public Events program was established in 2011 to honor the best consumer shows in the nation. Events that submitted applications were measured on broad criteria to include sound business practices, stability, exceptional customer service, and how the event serves the community and overall industry. With several top quality events to choose from, the judges had some tough… more
Oct 09, 2014
With business booming in the U.S., Portland, Maine-based Diversified Communications has reorganized its management structure into two leadership teams - one to support Diversified Communications’ global divisions, and another to lead Diversified Communications US. “These organizational moves will enable Diversified US to grow in the important and reliable North American market and create additional career path opportunities, while also improving corporate governance across all our divisions,” said Ted Wirth, president and CEO.  He added, “This new structure will provide additional… more
Oct 08, 2014
The 15th edition of the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, which will be held Jan. 12-15 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, has confirmed returning pavilions from Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. Organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), it also has signed exhibitors from the Chinese mainland, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and the USA.   Fiona Chiew, deputy general manager for Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd said of the continuous support from overseas companies, “The Hong Kong International Stationery… more
Oct 08, 2014
Global Experience Specialists has acquired two housing services companies – onPeak, with headquarters in Chicago, and Travel Planners, which is headquartered in New York City. The combined business will serve clients under the name onPeak, a GES Global Company (onPeak | GES). “Our clients told us that they want GES to create unique, integrated experiences delivered by just one trusted partner for their most critical event needs,” said Steve Moster, GES’ president.   He added, “We are honored to have earned our clients’ trust and are really excited to offer a complete event experience to… 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