News

Sep 04, 2014
U.K.-based UBM has consolidated its events-led marketing services businesses in North and South America into a single organization with a streamlined management structure.  UBM Americas will be headquartered in New York and led by Sally Shankland, who previously was CEO of UBM Connect, UBM’s non-technology-related business in the U.S. and Mexico.   The integration of UBM Tech and UBM Connect is effective immediately, with UBM Brazil following in January 2015. “The formation of UBM Americas will help the events-led marketing services business in the U.S. grow to its potential,… more
Sep 03, 2014
Lew Shomer, the executive director for the Society of Independent Show Organizers, will be stepping down from the organization that represents for-profit show organizers when the current management agreement with his management company, Shomex Productions, expires Sept. 30, 2015. Shomer told the SISO Board of Directors at the last meeting in Atlantic City that "it's time to change leadership and continue the growth of SISO." SISO Chairman Rick McConnell said, "With the help of Lew, SISO is in the best possible shape and is a great organization, with lots of upside still to come." He added… more
Sep 02, 2014
Home to the latest technology ideas and innovations, the Eureka Park Marketplace at the 2015 International CES will expand by more than 50 percent, compared with the 2014 event and feature exhibits from 300 startups.   The 2015 CES, owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association, is scheduled to run Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas.   Returning for its fourth year, the Eureka Park Marketplace will highlight entrepreneurs and their home-grown innovations across the consumer technology spectrum. The Eureka Park Marketplace is expected to span 35,000 net square feet of… more
Sep 02, 2014
Global trade show company Reed Exhibitions has appointed Chet Burchett CEO of the company, and Mike Rusbridge, who previously held that title, will remain in his other role as executive chairman. “Reed Exhibitions has an exciting future ahead with strong growth expected and a clear plan of what will be required to realize our goals over the coming years,” Rusbridge said. He added, “I believe, as both chairman and CEO, now is the right time to separate these two roles to ensure we remain focused on our strategic direction, while executing well on the objectives we set ourselves each year.”… more
Sep 02, 2014
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has selected the Pennsylvania Convention Center as the location for its 2019 annual conference, according to the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. APIC, which is the leading professional association for infection preventionists with more than 15,000 members, will hold its annual conference in Philadelphia for the first time in 2019. “Philadelphia has always been a great destination and now that SMG has worked out some of the past challenges with the new CSA we are looking forward to treating our… more
Sep 01, 2014
Unless one has been stranded on a remote island somewhere recently, one is sure to have heard about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The viral campaign has captured the imaginations of millions of people across the globe and some of the numbers being reported are truly mind boggling. Last week, the ALS Association reported that more than $100 million have been donated by more than 3 million people in just a month through the Challenge. Facebook reported that 28 million users were talking about the challenge between June 1 and August 17 and that during that time frame, 2.4 million Ice Bucket… more
Sep 01, 2014
Unless one has been stranded on a remote island somewhere recently, one is sure to have heard about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The viral campaign has captured the imaginations of millions of people across the globe and some of the numbers being reported are truly mind boggling. Last week, the ALS Association reported that more than $100 million have been donated by more than 3 million people in just a month through the Challenge. Facebook reported that 28 million users were talking about the challenge between June 1 and August 17 and that during that time frame, 2.4 million Ice Bucket… more
Aug 30, 2014
Cox Business/Hospitality Network, a provider of telecommunications to the commercial services and gaming-resort verticals, doubled the speed of three tiers of its wired internet packages available to exhibitors, show management and other users at the Las Vegas Convention Center. While the internet speed is doubling, there will be no additional costs for the faster service, creating an immediate value to end-users of the wired high-speed Internet product. "As the provider of Advanced Convention Services, Cox Business is extremely pleased to implement a no-cost speed increase at the Las… more
Aug 30, 2014
Cox Business/Hospitality Network, a provider of telecommunications to the commercial services and gaming-resort verticals, doubled the speed of three tiers of its wired internet packages available to exhibitors, show management and other users at the Las Vegas Convention Center. While the internet speed is doubling, there will be no additional costs for the faster service, creating an immediate value to end-users of the wired high-speed Internet product. "As the provider of Advanced Convention Services, Cox Business is extremely pleased to implement a no-cost speed increase at the Las… more
Aug 29, 2014
Sparkling water infused with dragonfruit, citrus and flowers were a hit at the launch of the wellness-focused Stay Well Meeting rooms Aug. 18 at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The program was created in collaboration with Delos, dubbed a pioneer in wellness real estate, and Dr. Deepak Chopra, an alternative medicine guru. “With the creation of the Stay Well Meetings program, we have made a breakthrough in the design and approach of business meetings,” said Delos Founder Paul Scialla. “These features not only provide health benefits to attendees, but also lead to increased… 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