News

Aug 04, 2013
Atlanta pulled out all the stops to show off the city to more than 5,000 association executives, suppliers, spouses and guests at the 2013 American Society of Association Executives’ Annual Meeting & Exposition Aug. 4-6. The number of association executives grew this year, with nearly 3,000 attending, the second highest amount since 3,124 attended in 2008 in San Diego. John Graham, president and CEO of ASAE, said cities often make a lot of promises when they bid on the meeting. “Atlanta lived up to and exceeded the promises and commitments (they) made,” he added.… more
Aug 02, 2013
We know there are times you wish you could speak directly to your audience and show them how the technology you provide to them can help them plan ahead and prepare for your event. Since it is not possible to reach out to each of your users personally, the next best option is to create and publish useful support videos to help your event participants maximize their time and ROI from the event. A smartly put together video can quickly convey the key features of a productivity tool, resulting in increased user satisfaction and ultimately, in the success of your event.  Today, we would like… more
Aug 02, 2013
We know there are times you wish you could speak directly to your audience and show them how the technology you provide to them can help them plan ahead and prepare for your event. Since it is not possible to reach out to each of your users personally, the next best option is to create and publish useful support videos to help your event participants maximize their time and ROI from the event. A smartly put together video can quickly convey the key features of a productivity tool, resulting in increased user satisfaction and ultimately, in the success of your event.  Today, we would like… more
Aug 01, 2013
Less than a day after members of Local Eight of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, who work at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, went on strike and threatened a 10,000-attendee medical meeting set to come into the center, the crisis was averted. Union officials for all six unions that work in the building and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, which oversees it, signed one year collective bargaining agreement extensions. “I am very optimistic about the dialogue between the center, SMG, and the Labor Unions that emerged during… more
Aug 01, 2013
The city of Louisville, Ky., has reason to celebrate, with the booking of the world’s largest helicopter show – HELI-EXPO - March 1-3, 2016, at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The show, owned by the Helicopter Association International, attracts more than 20,000 exhibitors and attendees from around the world, including helicopter manufacturers, owners and operators, government agencies and helicopter industry products. “We know from experience that the people who attend HELI-EXPO stay for multiple nights, so it’s important for us that the host city has the room… more
Jul 31, 2013
In the midst of renegotiating contracts with the six unions that work at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, members of Local Eight of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America walked out of talks and went on strike this morning. The four other unions - electricians, riggers, laborers and stagehands – still are renegotiating, while the fifth union – Teamsters – honored the carpenters’ strike and have refused to cross picket lines. As a result, shows such as the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Annual Meeting, which… more
Jul 30, 2013
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research unveiled the speaker and session line up geared toward C-level executives in the trade show industry for its 3rd annual CEIR Predict: Inspiring Confidence in an unPREDICTable Time conference. The event will be held Sept. 12 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City and typically draws more than 125 C-level trade show industry leaders, M&A representatives, financiers, economists and sponsor suppliers. "This year's Predict will continue in the collaborative spirit for which it is known, and we have designed a program to address the hard… more
Jul 30, 2013
U.K.-based Tarsus Group, the parent company of Trade Show News Network, has scored record revenue results for the first half of 2013, with $40 million (£26 million), compared with $29 million (£19.2 million) during the same period last year. Adjusted profit before tax also more than doubled from $2.7 million (£1.8 million) in the first half of 2012 to $5.9 million (£3.9 million) in the first half of this year. Like-for-like exhibition revenue also was up 8 percent, compared with 2012, as adjusted for biennials and acquisitions. “Tarsus has delivered record… more
Jul 29, 2013
Looking to tap into each other’s resources, the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and AFIDA, the International Association of Exhibition Industry in Latin America announced a new alliance at the recent 44th Congress of AFIDA held in Bolivia. SISO has 160 members worldwide with most based in the U.S., while AFIDA has 72 supplier and exhibition organizer members in Latin America. Because most of those members do not overlap, offering memberships to each organization broadens each other’s reach. “This agreement will offer our members an unprecedented opportunity… more
Jul 28, 2013
Viad, the parent company of Global Experience Specialists (GES), saw a Q2 uptick in net income this year to $6.3 million, compared with $6.1 million in the same period last year, as well as an increase in revenue to $249.3 million, compared with $246.5 million during the same period in 2012.                                                  “Our… 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