News

Sep 28, 2013
Young professionals are the future of the trade show industry and the American Society of Association Executives, along with its strategic partner Reno-Tahoe USA, recently hosted the NextGen Summit to touch on issues for this group. The NextGen Summit, held Sept. 18-21 in Reno, Nev., included guests from the ASAE Board of Directors, California Society of Association Executives, The Association Forum of Chicago and the Texas Society of Association Executives. Twenty-five individuals selected to participate were chosen from a national search process representing some of the brightest and most… more
Sep 28, 2013
SME’s manufacturing show, SOUTH-TEC, has expanded its showfloor to accommodate demand for more exhibit space at its Oct. 29-31 expo in Greenville, S.C. More than 300 companies will exhibit on the SOUTH-TEC floor at the TD Center and approximately 4,000 attendees are expected, according to SME officials. "SME SOUTH-TEC will provide attendees thousands of square feet of opportunity, bursting with a full spectrum of knowledge, innovation, training and learning," said Dennis Bray, CEO of Contour Precision Group, LLC of Clover, S.C., and president of SME. He added, "Experts… more
Sep 28, 2013
Association management company SmithBucklin recently launched Board Forward, a content source specifically designed for volunteer board members and available free of charge. The new resource features a monthly e-newsletter and Web site that will provide relevant news, information and guidance to help volunteer board members enhance the performance of their boards and organizations. "At SmithBucklin, we understand the challenges volunteer boards face every day," said SmithBucklin President and CEO Henry Givray. He added, "Our client organizations' volunteer leaders have… more
Sep 26, 2013
Strong growth in the packaging industry and the need for innovative and cost-saving solutions translated into the largest show yet for PMMI’s biennial PACK EXPO Las Vegas that took place Sept. 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “It’s a record Las Vegas year for us,” said Julie Ackerman, senior director of public relations and communications for PMMI. The show spanned  more than 740,000 square feet and attracted 1,700-plus exhibitors and 28,000 attendees. The previous PACK EXPO Las Vegas came in at 700,000 sq. ft., 1,600 exhibitors and 26,000 attendees… more
Sep 25, 2013
SnowSports Industries America puts on the largest show in its market sector every year, SIA Snow Show, but instead of focusing on getting as many people to the show as possible, they put their energies instead into ensuring that the people who are there have the most buying power.   “In our industry and other industries there is consolidation at the supplier and retailer level,” said SIA President David Ingemie. For example, he added, if a company like Sport Chalet buys up another smaller company, there are now fewer people who are going to attend the show. Even so, Ingemie… more
Sep 24, 2013
Business Journals Fashion Group will launch a new show to add to its fashion retail portfolio, EDIT, which will be focused on the premium Women’s Wear Market. The new show will be helmed by Show Director Alexandra d’Archangelo and Branding/Merchandising Manager Jennifer Park, who met at Canada’s top fashion school, Ryerson University. Their collective experience includes being buyers, designers, fashion show producers, tradeshow organizers, bloggers, marketers, merchandisers and retailers across Canada, the U.S. and in France. "EDIT will fill the need in New York for… more
Sep 23, 2013
It’s not all about tight Lycra shorts at Interbike, the largest cycling trade show and outdoor demo event in North America that took place Sept. 18-20 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. After a record warm spring in 2012 and consequent high sales, the numbers have been flat for many cycling retailers during the past several months. But a few obstacles on the course didn’t scare this hardy crowd, and the 2013 show, owned by Emerald Expositions, was on par with last year, with about 850 exhibitors, 25,000 attendees and 320,000 square feet of space. A move to the… more
Sep 23, 2013
Messe Berlin (Singapore), organizer of ITB Asia, ‘The Trade Show for the Asian Travel Market’, has announced a strategic three-year partnership with the Marina Bay Sands, starting in 2014. The next three editions of ITB Asia will take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre Oct. 29-31, 2014; Oct. 21-23, 2015; and Oct. 19-21, 2016. Through this new agreement, Marina Bay Sands will also be ITB Asia’s official hotel partner hosting international buyers, the opening receptions, VIP C-suite lunches, as well as offer free Wi-Fi to all delegates; “Marina Bay Sands… more
Sep 23, 2013
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre continues to dominate in the Asia/Pacific region, with a total of 1,180 events, including115 exhibitions and 30 conferences held there in FY 2012/2013. During the same time period, seven organizers launched new events at the venue, as well as seven of the exhibitions were held at HKCEC for the first time. Those seven first-time shows included a wide range of industries, such as real estate, bakery, diving and resort, sports and interior design. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Ltd (“HML”) is the professional… more
Sep 23, 2013
For the first time in the show’s history, ATC Global Conference and Exhibition – an exhibition for the international Air Traffic Management community - will be held in China. The event is scheduled Sept. 17-19, 2014, at the China National Convention Center in Beijing and will feature three days of business and networking. Holding the exhibition in China for the first time reflects the growing importance that the region plays within the aviation industry as a key transport hub, both regionally and internationally, whilst also recognizing its strategic location between Europe and… 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