American Coatings Show, HD Expo Both See Record Attendance Gains
June 1, 2014
The paint and coatings industries, as well as hospitality design, all are experiencing good times right now, which translated to busy showfloors at two recent events - the American Coatings Show and HD Expo.
The American Coatings Show found success with its move to Atlanta this year, with the show breaking attendee and exhibitor records when it was held April 7-10 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
The fourth edition of the American Coatings Show attracted more than 8,700 attendees and 480 exhibitors from 70 countries.
The 2014 event generated an increase of 16 percent in attendance, compared with last year’s show that was held in Indianapolis, and a 20 percent uptick in exhibit space to 110,000 net square feet.
“Nearly 25 percent of ACS attendees are international, so Atlanta was the optimal choice in terms of accessibility,” said Andy Doyle, president of the American Coatings Association.
Doyle added, “With the world’s busiest passenger airport in our host city, attendees from around the world could travel to the show with ease, which resulted in the most attended ACS in its history.”
Besides the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offering flights to more than 150 domestic and 70 international destinations, the city also is a two hour direct flight from 80 percent of the U.S. population.
“Thanks to Atlanta’s robust infrastructure and collaborative hospitality community, major events like the ACS can enjoy seamless success” said William Pate, president and CEO of Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
He added, “Atlanta has more to offer in terms of ease of access, places to meet, and things to do than ever before.”
Emerald Expositions’ HD Expo, held May 14-16 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, also broke attendance records at this year’s event, with a 15-percent increase, compared with last year.
“This year, it was clear that there is a revitalized excitement in the state of the industry. We saw our most significant attendance numbers to date and welcomed new and innovative exhibitors, as well as leading designers who are changing what we do,” said Liz Sommerville, group show director for the Hospitality Design Group.
She added, “This show was a clear indication that we are the preeminent destination to learn, connect and grow your business all under one roof.”
The show also featured more than 900 brands, including Kohler, Durkan, Rohl, Tai Ping, Aceray, to name a few.
In addition, the show had some new highlights this year such as a Social Hub in the center of the floor, designed by the Morgans Hotel Group and the Creativity Corner, where show organizers said attendees could “connect with their inner creative genius.”
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
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