News

Oct 08, 2014
Hong Kong-listed exhibition organiser, Mega Expo, reported its financial results for the year ended 30th June 2014. Revenues in the year were US$27 million, a year-on-year decrease of 6.7%. Profit dropped 46% within the year, down to US$1.8 million. Diluted earnings per share in the year were HK$0.0774 (US$0.001). The majority of Mega Expo’s revenues were generated from the exhibition organising business, amounting to US$25 million. The remaining revenues were generated from exhibition related services (US$1.3 million) and ancillary services (just US$10,000). In the reported financial year,… more
Oct 08, 2014
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced the promotion of former deputy executive director, Margaret Fong, as its newly appointed executive director. She had replaced the recently departed Fred Lam with effect from 1st October 2014. Fong joined the HKTDC in 2010. She has served as HKTDC’s deputy executive director since 2010, overseeing the international promotion of Hong Kong’s product and service industries and the HKTDC’s network of more than 40 offices worldwide. Chairman of HKTDC, Jack So, said, “Since joining us, Margaret has achieved significant success in leading our… more
Oct 08, 2014
U.K.-based international events organiser, i2i Events Group, has announced the launch of the inaugural edition of Bett Asia Leadership Summit – set to take place on 3rd to 4th December 2014 at the Marina Bay Sands. i2i is aiming to attract senior government officials, educators and technology companies from more than 20 countries to the Singapore event. Bett Asia will feature more than 80 speakers with a programme that includes a closed-door conference for VIP education leaders, networking and demonstration areas, workshops and a free to attend seminar programme. Mark Shashoua, CEO of i2i… more
Oct 08, 2014
Taiwan’s former cabinet advisor and deputy economics minister, Francis Liang, was officially appointed chairman of Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). The new chairman outlined his key objectives including further developing trade with emerging markets such as India, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, African nations and ASEAN members. Liang replaced former chairman, Wang Chih-kang, who served six years as head of the council. During Wang’s tenure, TAITRA reportedly held 32 trade promotional events in China alone as of August this year. Wang will continue to offer his expertise as a… more
Oct 07, 2014
Reed Exhibitions continues to expand into Mexico with the recent buy of event organizer Grupo Fidalex, which has 15 brands in the country. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. "In 2015, Reed will deliver well over 75,000 net square meters of exhibition volume and serve almost 2,800 exhibiting customers and more than 140,000 buyers (in Mexico)," said Nancy Walsh, president of Reed Exhibitions North America. She added, "But this isn't about being the biggest in Mexico - which we are; it's about delivering the best value to our customers in Mexico, the partners from whom we acquired the events… more
Oct 06, 2014
The Federal Communications Commission has fined Marriott International and Marriott Hotel Services $600,000 for blocking Wi-Fi at events in the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville. The FCC Enforcement Bureau’s investigation revealed that Marriott employees had used containment features of a Wi-Fi monitoring system at the Gaylord Opryland to prevent individuals from connecting to the Internet via their own personal Wi-Fi networks, while at the same time charging consumers, small businesses and exhibitors as much as $1,000 per device to access Marriott’s Wi-Fi network. The… more
Oct 05, 2014
Global Spectrum, facility managers of the Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall, awarded a contract to Smart City Networks to manage all technology and telecommunications services for both venues. Global Spectrum chose Smart City Networks due to their industry experience and depth of resources.  Smart City and Global Spectrum currently work together at two other convention venues in Cincinnati and Miami Beach. The five-year contract took effect on Sept. 1. “We are extremely honored to have been chosen by Global Spectrum to provide telecommunications services for these… more
Oct 05, 2014
Global Spectrum, facility managers of the Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall, awarded a contract to Smart City Networks to manage all technology and telecommunications services for both venues. Global Spectrum chose Smart City Networks due to their industry experience and depth of resources.  Smart City and Global Spectrum currently work together at two other convention venues in Cincinnati and Miami Beach. The five-year contract took effect on Sept. 1. “We are extremely honored to have been chosen by Global Spectrum to provide telecommunications services for these… more
Oct 02, 2014
The 5th Annual TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence will feature a bevy of well-known personalities, including CEO of the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers Franchise – Len Komoroski, who will give the luncheon keynote; Celebrity Chef Michael Symon, who will host the Sunday Brunch; and Meteorologist Betsy Kling, who will be the event’s emcee. All three will take part in a celebratory weekend Nov. 14-16 in Cleveland that will kick off Friday night with an opening party and afterglow, with a conference and luncheon the next day, followed by the awards gala and afterglow that evening and capped… more
Oct 02, 2014
A few days ago, David DuBois, president and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions & Events, sent out an e-mail giving several compelling reasons the industry should support the research done by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research. The fundraising efforts went into hyper drive, after a return e-mail to the origiginal from DuBois was sent by Chris Brown, executive vice president of Conventions & Business Operations for the National Association of Broadcasters, pledging $50,000 on behalf of his organization, which was quickly followed by Chris Dolnack, senior vice… 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