News
Jul 28, 2021
Full-service production company CNTV has been helping clients tell their unique stories through dynamic video coverage experiences for nearly 14 years. To amplify those messages and further boost engagement, attendance and revenue, the company recently launched CNTV Marketing, offering a one-stop solution for the meetings, exhibitions, and events industry.
“We’ve consistently heard from clients that they are interested in more holistic offerings from CNTV, and the marketing division will provide just that,” said Carrie Ferenac, co-founder and president of the company. “It’s not only about… more
Jul 28, 2021
As live trade shows begin to take place in person, many are enjoying a surge of pent-up demand as attendees and exhibitors jump at the chance to conduct face-to-face business once again. Here are two events that not only pulled off successful iterations last month, but were also the first live, in-person trade shows representing their respective industries to take place since the pandemic began.
Sweets & Snacks Expo
It seems like a no-brainer that the Sweets & Snacks Expo would return to the world during National Candy Month. Held June 22-25 at the Indiana Convention Center in… more
Jul 27, 2021
When Josh Hotsenpiller developed the idea of a platform launching events into the virtual world, he sought a name that matched what he believed to be an out-of-this-world idea. Juno, the name of a satellite orbiting Jupiter, immediately jumped out.
JUNO, Hotsenpiller’s company, has been firing on all cylinders since launching in mid-2020. Already a successful entrepreneur through CrowdHub and three previous start-ups, Hotsenpiller saw there was space in the ever-evolving events industry to reach a new level of connection. He has not so quietly been building an all-star team to meet the… more
Jul 26, 2021
Mirroring the red-hot U.S. job market, the trade show and events industry is continuing to experience an influx of new hires and promotions as it works to get back to normal. Check out who’s moving up the ladder at a host of organizations across the events spectrum:
Clarion Events
Clarion Events has appointed 20-year trade show industry veteran Rita Ugianskis-Fishman as vice president of its Food & Beverage Group show portfolio, which includes the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo; Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show; International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New… more
Jul 23, 2021
Life at one of the busiest convention centers in the U.S. has been anything but idle over the past 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. New York City’s Javits Center closed for events last year, but it has been humming with other activity ever since, playing a key role in the recovery of the Empire State while operating as a COVID-19 field hospital then as the largest vaccination site in the U.S., administering more than 600,000 shots.
Behind the scenes, it was also busy working on the final phase of a $1.5 billion expansion that was completed in May, adding 1.2 million square feet of total… more
Jul 21, 2021
Cathy Song Novelli joined the popular event technology platform Hubilo as senior vice president of marketing and communications in April. But she is quick to point out that this is “not my first rodeo.”
Based in Silicon Valley, Novelli is rich with experience producing events, enhancing branding and delivering high-level marketing for household-name companies like MySpace and Pandora. So her BS alarm is sparked when she hears companies say platforms create events attendees love. “As a marketer, I take great offense at that,” she said. “Event organizers use all of their creativity to create… more
Jul 20, 2021
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau appointed David Whitaker as its new president and CEO following a six-month executive search by a 14-member committee comprising local business and community leaders who reflect Miami-Dade County’s rich diversity.
The appointment is a homecoming for Whitaker, who worked for the Greater Miami CVB from 1990-2007, most recently as executive vice president and chief marketing officer. He then went on to serve as president and CEO of Tourism Toronto for eight years, and then president and CEO of Choose Chicago for five years.
“David brings back… more
Jul 19, 2021
Prompted by a previous panel with four digital event platform CEOs held June 10 during UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry’s European Conference, in which eyebrows were raised when it was mentioned that digital event platforms owned customer data, UFI hosted a new panel to debate the issue last week with five top trade show organizing companies.
Held July 15 online, the "Data Ownership an Organisers Perspective" panel was moderated by trade show journalist Danica Tormohlen, with panelists Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie, Emerald CEO Herve Sedky and Clarion Events’… more
Jul 19, 2021
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lori Tenny as Editorial Director. She is an award-winning editor, writer and strategist who has worked in publishing for more than 25 years, 16 of which have been spent covering the meetings and events industry.
In her new role, Tenny will be overseeing TSNN, the No. 1 online news source for the trade show industry, and Corporate Event News, an online news publication for corporate event planners and professionals.
"TSNN and Corporate Event News are extremely fortunate to have Lori joining on as editorial director… more
Jul 19, 2021
The first time Margaret Launzel-Pennes worked on a virtual trade show, it was still a year or two before Y2K became three infamous characters. In the more than 20 years since that groundbreaking endeavor, technology has changed (particularly in the past year) but the idea of bringing communities together regardless of distance is nothing new, Launzel-Penne says.
It’s that kind of experience and knowledge that Launzel-Pennes hopes will help her new company, Pop Experiential, stand out among a crowded field of event companies. She isn’t going solo — not by a long shot — and is as prepared as… 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