News

Jun 08, 2014
Over the last few years, a well-functioning smartphone app has become the primary resource that attendees on the go use to plan ahead for trade shows and conferences.  For busy event organizers too, the event app can be a handy resource for providing exemplary customer service to event participants. Here are some features that can extend the functionality of your mobile solution beyond the basic search and plan features: 1. Notifications In 2013, the venue of a key event at National Electrical Contractors Association’s annual convention and exposition had to be changed less… more
Jun 08, 2014
Trade Show News Network will be offering another of its well-regarded complimentary webinars June 12 at 1 p.m. EST. Please register HERE.  It’s now possible to identify and pinpoint people and objects on the trade show floor with incredible accuracy. Real-Time Location Systems - RFID, beacons, magnetic fingerprints, light pulses, and NFC - offer varying degrees of precision and benefits to organizers, attendees, sponsors, exhibitors and venues.   In this TSNN Webinar moderated by Michelle Bruno, a panel of geolocation and microlocation experts will discuss the science… more
Jun 08, 2014
Over the last few years, a well-functioning smartphone app has become the primary resource that attendees on the go use to plan ahead for trade shows and conferences.  For busy event organizers too, the event app can be a handy resource for providing exemplary customer service to event participants. Here are some features that can extend the functionality of your mobile solution beyond the basic search and plan features: 1. Notifications In 2013, the venue of a key event at National Electrical Contractors Association’s annual convention and exposition had to be changed less… more
Jun 04, 2014
A few years ago, show organizers of SIA Snow Show, owned by the SnowSports Industries America, started tracking independent boutique brands that had either never heard of their show, or were too small to take a booth on the showfloor. With a huge portion of the market share already represented at the show, there still were some brands, especially in the ski and snowboard sectors, that were unfound treasures waiting to be discovered. At this year’s show, held in February at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, SIA gave those “small guys a chance”, according to Chris… more
Jun 04, 2014
Exhibit Surveys, Inc., the leading provider of research, measurement, and consulting services for the exhibition and event industry, released a new white paper, “How Anchor Exhibitors Plan, and How Organizers Can Benefit,” by CEO and president Skip Cox. The white paper highlights how show organizers can deliver more value by better enabling exhibitors to achieve their strategic objectives.  By improving their understanding of anchor exhibitors’ event marketing strategies, including how they select shows, make investment decisions, project and calculate ROI (Return On… more
Jun 02, 2014
Orlando is the place to be for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Attractions Expo, with the organization signing on thru 2025 in the sunny Florida destination. The weeklong event is the largest conference and trade show for the worldwide attractions industry, and it generates approximately $51.3 million for the Orlando-area economy. “IAAPA Attractions Expo continues to grow year after year and that’s a testament to the power of Orlando as the ideal location for our global conference and trade show,” said IAAPA President and CEO Paul… more
Jun 02, 2014
JCK Las Vegas,the world’s largest diamond and jewelry trade show, rolled out the red carpet May 30- June 2 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, showing that diamonds are, indeed, forever. At the time of consolidation of the jewelry industry, the show boasted strong attendance and exhibitor numbers and took over just about every inch of available space. “While it’s a healthy industry, jewelry industry is certainly not growing in terms of a number of stores opening,” said Yancy Weinrich, group vice president of Reed Exhibitions’ JCK Portfolio. “Since moving to… more
Jun 02, 2014
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research Predict Conference, on tapSept. 11 at the Intercontinental Hotel Chicago, will feature a new, fast-paced format.  The format will mirror an action-packed financial news show, featuring lively interviews, substantive conversations and provocative discussions, providing economic insights and new perspectives about the exhibition industry, according to event organizers. The focal point will be the CEIR Index and the 2014 CEIR Index Report: 2013 Results, which provides an objective measure of the annual performance of the exhibition industry… more
Jun 01, 2014
The paint and coatings industries, as well as hospitality design, all are experiencing good times right now, which translated to busy showfloors at two recent events - the American Coatings Show and HD Expo. The American Coatings Show found success with its move to Atlanta this year, with the show breaking attendee and exhibitor records when it was held April 7-10 at the Georgia World Congress Center. The fourth edition of the American Coatings Show attracted more than 8,700 attendees and 480 exhibitors from 70 countries. The 2014 event generated an increase of 16 percent in attendance,… more
Jun 01, 2014
Exhibitors constantly are trying to find the next big thing that will make show attendees, who’ve seen it all before, stop in their tracks and take notice of the exhibitor’s booth. A new display unit by Pufferfish out of the United Kingdom just may be that next big thing. Pufferfish, the maker of PufferSphere spherical display systems, has a new smaller display called the PufferSphere M. This new sphere is powerful enough to stand out in a bright environment, such as a trade show floor. Nichole Potts, sales manager at Freeman said, “Projection mapping is all the rage now,… 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