News

Jan 04, 2014
This past year was a busy one for the trade show industry, especially after making it through one of the worst recessions in U.S., and global, history. Trade Show News Network was proud to be the industry’s leading online news source, and we worked hard to keep trade show professionals informed through our TSNN Weekly newsletter and TSNN.com Web site, as well as the TSNN Association Show newsletter, TSNN MedShow Monthly, TSNN Asia Exhibition News, TSNN ExpoFiles and not to mention our social media channels with 5,000-plus Twitter and another 6,000-plus LinkedIn followers. We didn… more
Jan 02, 2014
Two antiques and arts shows were headed for a showdown the same April weekend in Chicago, but Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. decided to cancel its Chicago International Antiques and Fine Art Fair. The other show – Palm Beach Show Group’s Chicago International Art, Antique and Jewelry Show – will be held April 24-28 at Navy Pier. A spokesperson for MMPI confirmed their show would not be held this April. “It's a fractured market and we thought it was best to hold off and see what happens in 2014 and what demand might be in the future,” said Vice President… more
Jan 01, 2014
The 2014 Exhibition & Convention Executives Forum, on tap May 27-28 in Washington, D.C., is packed with a lineup of high-level speakers from trade show companies, including Reed Exhibitions, Advanstar Communications and E.J. Krause and Associates. Reed Exhibitions’ Executive Vice President Greg Topalian will kick things off with a keynote titled “Avoiding Irrelevance”. “Greg’s provocative take on evolving customer expectations promises to disrupt the way industry leaders think about their events,” said Sam Lippman, president of Lippman Connects and… more
Dec 30, 2013
With the tagline - “The [R]evolution will not wait. The [R]evolution starts now.” - the Professional Convention Management Association promises an exciting lineup of keynotes, education sessions and networking events when its Convening Leaders event kicks off Jan. 12-15 in Boston. “We'll ignite passion, alter perspective and revolutionize the world of meetings and events,” PCMA officials said. The four-day event starts on a Sunday, Jan. 12, with PCMA bringing its Hospitality Helping Hands program to the Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory. Founded in 2002, Cradle… more
Dec 30, 2013
The Association For Manufacturing Technology is making plans for the Smartforce Student Summit during the week of the International Manufacturing Technology Show 2014, which will be held in September at McCormick Place in Chicago. The Smartforce Student Summit will be a place where educators, administrators, students, and parents can experience an in-depth introduction to manufacturing. The summit will feature interactive displays from leading national education organizations, manufacturing technology providers, career and technical schools, community colleges, and engineering schools.… more
Dec 27, 2013
When the Consumer Electronics Association’s opens the 2014 International CES in a few weeks, there will be 40 percent growth of the digital health footprint. Produced in partnership with Living in Digital Times (LIDT), the Digital Health Summit, a market-specific TechZone focused on the intersection of technology, health and wellness, will showcase more than 65 exhibitors with solutions for diagnosing, monitoring and treating a variety of illnesses. The 2014 CES will run Jan.7-10 in Las Vegas at several locations around the city. According to CEA’s 2014 5 Technology Trends to… more
Dec 27, 2013
The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau recently hired former Texas Medical Center executive John Kajander as a senior consultant for Healthcare and Life Sciences. Kajander will support the GHCVB’s domestic and international sales departments in booking Life Science meetings, conferences and tradeshows for Houston. “John understands our business at the GHCVB and recognizes the impact that bringing more life science meetings to Houston will have on the local health care community, expanding professional expertise and helping bring new business opportunities,”… more
Dec 27, 2013
From chemical peels to compounds that activate genes, the advances in extending a healthy lifespan and good looks took center stage at the 21st Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine (A4M) Dec. 12-15 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. Part of the Tarsus Group's medical conference portfolio, the event showed significant growth. The number of exhibitors was up to 320, compared with 250 last year, and attendance was up to approximately 4,700, compared with about 3,900 the previous year. "What's changing the landscape is our focus on… more
Dec 27, 2013
After its most successful staging ever in 2013, there is a positive outlook for the 20th MEDICAL FAIR INDIA – India’s No. 1 Trade Fair for Hospitals, Health Centers and Clinics, to be held March 14-16 at the Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre. The organizers Messe Düsseldorf and its subsidiary Messe Düsseldorf India Pvt. Ltd. expect some 400 exhibitors from 21 countries and more than 7,500 trade visitors to attend.  The trade fair has the support of important local partners and associations, including three renowned Indian associations: the Association of… more
Dec 22, 2013
Gainesville, Fla.-based association management company Naylor was acquired by RLJ Equity Partners from private equity firm Clarity Partners. Naylor provides customized communication and business services that include a full suite of print and digital media, event management, exchange event and related marketing and business services for almost 500 associations in the United States and Canada. “Naylor is the leading brand in the outsourced communications and business services marketplace for associations in North America,” said Jerry L. Johnson, managing director of RLJ Equity… 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