Dec 03, 2014
As part of an ongoing series, TSNN Reporter Traci Browne has been profiling trade show executives and asking them probing questions like if time travel were possible, where would you go and why? For this interview we’re lucky enough to chat with Denise Capello with Amsterdam RAI. I met Denise a few years ago at SISO and not only is she brilliant, but she’s also fun to hang out with. Denise Capello Business Acquisition Manager Amsterdam RAI Years in the industry: 12 Traci Browne: Where did you grow up? What was your adolescent experience like?  Denise Capello: I grew up in Curacao, a… more
Dec 02, 2014
Kati S. Quigley, CMP, George G. Fenich, Ph.D. and Anne Hamilton, will be honored at the 2015 Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Education Foundation Dinner Celebrating Professional Achievement on tap April 8 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington D.C. “Our 2015 Honorees each have career paths and accomplishments that both inspire and guide their peer communities,” said PCMA President & CEO, Deborah Sexton. She added, “While their past leadership has been instrumental in advancing our industry, their present and future leadership endeavors will help us ensure conventions… more
Dec 02, 2014
The Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) has extended their contract with their preferred registration partner, Convention Data Services (CDS), through 2017. Under the agreement, CDS will continue to provide full registration services, lead management and exhibitor services for the annual AISTech conference. The exhibition will feature technologies from all over the world that help steel producers compete more effectively in today’s global market. Additionally, AIST will use CDS’ X·Press eReg, a complete self-serve registration solution for specialty events, for their Galvatech… more
Dec 02, 2014
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events will hold its sixth annual Humanity Rocks: A Celebration with a Cause on tap Dec. 10 during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2014 in Los Angeles. Created in 2009 in collaboration with founding sponsor Global Experience Specialists (GES), this annual event benefits a local charity in the city where Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition is being held. This year's event will be held 9 p.m.-12 p.m. at the Conga Room. Tickets are $95 and can be purchased under 'optional events' in attendee… more
Nov 30, 2014
It was a typical busy day at the Pasadena Convention Center in October when public safety officers Zabrina Patterson and Max Pitpan heard frantic calls for help over their hand-held radios. Without hesitation, Zabrina and Max responded to where one of their co-workers was experiencing a sudden serious medical emergency.  At that moment, Patterson and Pitpan relied on their regular training they receive as part of their employment with the Pasadena Center Operating Company. The training provided them with the skills and knowledge to save a life.  The two worked in tandem to assess… more
Nov 30, 2014
SPAR Point Group, a division of Diversified Communications, will launch the Commercial UAV Expo Oct. 5-7 at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. As organizers of 3D technology events in North America, Europe and Asia, SPAR Point Group already has a position established in the data capture and imaging technology space.  “We have been listening to our customers and watching the market for some time,” said Lisa Murray, SPAR Point Group director. She added, “While it is well known that the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a game-changing technology, the regulatory environment and concerns over safety… more
Nov 30, 2014
Four of Las Vegas’ largest trade shows, including No. 1 International CES®, No. 2 SEMA Show, No. 8 World of Concrete Exposition and No. 9 ASD LV will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center. These four shows together will bring an estimated 394,000 business delegates to the destination generating nearly $518 million in non-gaming economic impact. Fresh off a successful 2014 show, the SEMA Show will return to the convention center Nov. 3-6.  The SEMA Show is part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) that brings the industry’s top products and experts from all over the world to… more
Nov 30, 2014
In its first edition since E.J. Krause & Associates bought a majority stake in the MetroCooking DC show, it increased attendance by more than 30 percent, compared with last year’s show. “MetroCooking DC experienced significant growth this year. The addition of various programming elements and a focus on visitor experience allowed us to expand the consumer base resulting in increased attendance,” said Ned Krause, CEO, E.J. Krause & Associates. He added, “Thanks to the excellent results obtained at this year’s event, we see tremendous growth opportunity for MetroCooking DC in the future… more
Nov 23, 2014
With the call to action to “Go & Be” – whether it is creative, innovative or strategic – the International Association of Exhibitions & Events will kick off its Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition Dec. 9-11 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. “We hope that attendees take away the notion that IAEE is always pushing the envelope, looking ahead to provide new and innovative ways to make your individual shows better,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois. He added, “We want our guests to have the full ‘Expo Expo Experience’, taking part in the new show features that… more
Nov 23, 2014
Held last week in Las Vegas, DEMA Show not only had a sold-out showfloor, but also saw attendance numbers trending 8 percent higher, compared with 2012, when it was last held in the city. Final attendance numbers are not yet available.  The show, held Nov. 19-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, spanned 145,790 net square feet with 644 companies, representing 5.6-percent growth, compared with the last show cycle. "DEMA is a great client, and they continue to bring fresh ideas that add value to their show each year," said Andrew Ortale, National Trade Productions' executive vice… 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