News

Jul 07, 2013
The Hawaii Tourism Authority selected Los Angeles-based AEG Facilities to manage the Hawai‘i Convention Center, marking the second recent U.S.-based venue contract win for AEG. AEG Facilities, which manages six overseas convention centers, also scored the new management contract for the Los Angeles Convention Center in June. SMG holds the current venue management contract at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, which will expire at the end of 2013.  AEG Facilities will be responsible for the management and operation of the HCC, as well as working collaboratively with the HTA… more
Jul 06, 2013
The start of summer has kicked off with a steady stream of hires and promotions at both show management companies, convention and visitors bureaus and supplier companies, signaling a continued healthy environment for the trade show industry. The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau promoted of Rachel Peavy to director of public relations. In her new role, Peavy will create and implement campaigns to support ACVB marketing, sales and tourism programs. The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, hired former Reed Exhibitions… more
Jul 06, 2013
Today, keeping up with the rapid and constantly evolving technology around us can be so challenging that even the savviest of tech users often find themselves saying ‘Whoa! When did that happen?’ While it’s difficult for anyone to stay completely up-to-date on all the changes continually, here are three great resources for tuning into of the latest news and developments in the world of technology, social media and consumer electronics. Mashable Mashable is my favorite website for reading informed opinions from industry experts on the breaking news in the social media… more
Jul 06, 2013
For the “Best of Show” award, we are leaving it up to you to tell us why you think your show is the BEST. This is the third year for this special award, and five nominees will be invited to the TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence Nov. 1-3 in Reno, Nev. The overall winner will be announced at the gala awards celebration Nov. 2. To be considered, please, submit your show HERE. There is no specific criterion for the award. Be creative! What challenge(s) did the show face? What was the “Best of Show” solution(s)? And what were the overall results and impact on the show? What… more
Jul 06, 2013
Today, keeping up with the rapid and constantly evolving technology around us can be so challenging that even the savviest of tech users often find themselves saying ‘Whoa! When did that happen?’ While it’s difficult for anyone to stay completely up-to-date on all the changes continually, here are three great resources for tuning into of the latest news and developments in the world of technology, social media and consumer electronics. Mashable Mashable is my favorite website for reading informed opinions from industry experts on the breaking news in the social media… more
Jul 04, 2013
Good news continues for the global exhibition industry; for first time since 2008, the outlook is positive, with a majority of companies in all regions declaring increases in turnover, according to UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s11th Global Barometer survey on the state of the exhibition industry. In addition, all regions indicated three companies out of four expected a turnover increase by the first half of 2014. The Americas and Asia/Pacific region has been predicting an increase since 2010, joined by the Middle East and Africa last year and now Europe,… more
Jul 01, 2013
Atlanta-based Urban Expositions recently bought Sculpture Objects Functional Art + Design Fair (SOFA) Chicago, the largest and longest running art fair in the Windy City, from The Art Fair Company. "We are thrilled to take ownership of an event that is so well known and respected by galleries, collectors, museum curators, artists, dealers and countless other members of the international art and design communities," says Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions.  Mark Lyman, SOFA Chicago founder and president of The Art Fair Company, will continue his involvement in a… more
Jun 30, 2013
The SEMA Show, produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has expanded rapidly into international markets, with more than 15,000 overseas buyers expected at the Nov. 5-8 show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “As global demand for the industry’s products soars, there is huge opportunity for our members,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of events and communications. He added, “We have a comprehensive international relations program to help U.S. manufacturers connect with buyers in the most relevant markets.” The SEMA Show offers… more
Jun 30, 2013
Topped by private equity firm ONEX’ $950 million buy of Nielsen Expositions, trade show industry deal values more than doubled in the first half of this year, compared to the same time period last year. As tracked by the The Jordan, Edmiston Group, Inc. in their “JEGI 1H 2013 M&A Overview”, the first half of 2013 saw $1.24 billion in exhibitions and conferences deals, compared with last year’s first half total of $435 million. The number of deals, however, remained relatively flat, with 30 deals in the first half of 2013, compared with last year’s same time… more
Jun 30, 2013
Already in London, New York and Las Vegas, the Consumer Electronics Association will expand its International CES Unveiled event series to two new locations – Paris and Tel Aviv. The CES Unveiled event series is a ‘taste’ of the annual event in January in Las Vegas that brings together technology companies, media and key influencers. “The events will debut global research, CES news and showcase products and technologies,” according to organizers. Tabletop product displays and networking portions of the CES Unveiled events will offer the opportunity for media,… 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