Aug 07, 2023
Exclusively Sponsored by Visit Tampa Bay With an award-winning airport, cutting-edge venues, a vibrant array of amenities and innovative tech grants, Tampa Bay can transform your meeting into an unforgettable success story.    Celebrated service for air travelers from around the world.   Occupying the number two spot on the J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is home to world-class service. And now it can bring an even wider range of attendees to your meeting.   The crown jewel of your meeting.   Now meetings at the waterfront Tampa… more
Jul 27, 2023
Following an extensive and competitive RFP process, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) has selected global sports and live entertainment company Oak View Group (OVG) as the new private management and food service partner for Chicago’s McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena and Arie Crown Theater.  Beginning Oct. 1 and running through Sept. 2028, the management and F&B contracts were awarded to OVG360 and OVG Hospitality, respectively, following a unanimous vote by the MPEA Board.  “I am thrilled to welcome OVG360 and OVG Hospitality to our campus,” said Larita Clark, CEO of… more
Jul 18, 2023
The Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kan., has launched a full-service program designed to show appreciation, reduce costs and elevate the live event experience for convention and trade show producers, exhibitors and general service contractors. Aptly named the OPCC Exhibition Advantage, this first-of-its-kind, industry-leading initiative features a cashback loyalty program, 50% discount at concessions, free internet access and digital content displays, live camera feeds in the show office, time-lapse video, equipment and tool sharing, swag bags, complimentary coffee and… more
Jul 17, 2023
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) signed an agreement with Walt Disney World to offer a new Gold Key Partnership, which provides exclusive benefits for trade shows, corporate events, exhibitors and attendees at OCCC.  Walt Disney World was a Gold Key Partner with OCCC prior to the pandemic, and the venue has existing partnership agreements with Universal and SeaWorld. “In June, one trade show had a buyout at Universal and hosted all its attendees for a reception at the park,” OCCC Deputy Director Eric Blanc told TSNN. “We encourage clients to embrace being in Orlando by hosting… more
Jul 11, 2023
The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center in Downtown Jacksonville, Fla., is currently undergoing extensive renovations designed to improve the appearance and functionality of its meeting and convention spaces while elevating the event experience for planners and groups attending events in Jacksonville. The renovation project, which began in April, includes a full facelift of the historic venue’s more than 200,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition spaces, including the main Exhibit Hall featuring 78,000 square feet of exhibit space, 33-foot ceilings and 22 meeting rooms of various sizes… more
Jul 04, 2023
Located near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park about 50 miles west of the Asheville Regional Airport, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in North Carolina opened the Cherokee Convention Center in 2021, adding 85,000 square feet of exhibition and meeting space. Owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Harrah’s Cherokee is managed by Caesars Entertainment.    In May, TSNN joined Caesars Entertainment for a trip to the property to find out what Harrah’s Cherokee has to offer exhibitors, trade show organizers and corporate event planners. Here are some of the highlights… more
Jun 28, 2023
Skilled trade unions are critical to the successful execution of meetings and trade shows at convention venues across the U.S. While working with organized labor such as teamsters, carpenters, electricians, stagehands and sound technicians at event venues can come with their fair share of complexities, these groups of skilled professionals can also serve as valuable partners in ensuring a successful event experience for exhibitors and attendees alike.  In its ongoing mission to be a leader in the meeting and convention venue space, Detroit’s Huntington Place has been busy launching proactive… more
Jun 19, 2023
International Market Centers (IMC) — the Blackstone company that owns and operates more than 20 million square feet of event and showroom space and produces live events in Atlanta, High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and New York City — has rebranded as ANDMORE as part of the company’s vision to transform into an omnichannel wholesale marketmaker.  With more than $991 billion of assets under management, Blackstone touts itself as the world’s largest alternative asset managers with 12,000 real estate assets and more than 230 portfolio companies, including Cvent, which was acquired for $4.6 billion in… more
May 25, 2023
In keeping with its progressive sustainability initiatives, the Overland Park Convention Center (OPCC) recently took a major step toward combatting large-scale event food waste and hunger in its local community. Last month, the Overland Park, Kan.-based facility announced it had formed a partnership with Pete’s Garden, a food recovery organization based in Kansas City, Mo. that recovers surplus prepared foods from local caterers, restaurants and food service operations, then repackages and redirects the food as healthy take-home meals for families needing assistance in the greater Kansas… more
May 23, 2023
Las Vegas tourism and business leaders officially broke ground on a $600 million renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) on May 9. Work will continue through 2025, with construction designed to accommodate and minimize disruption to scheduled trade shows. As part of the renovation project, a newly designed parking lot outside of the Central Hall will feature a Vegas Loop station to transport convention goers to and from Wynn and Encore Las Vegas when the completed project debuts in Spring 2024. The renovation will extend the contemporary design, architecture and customer… 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