Association Show News

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Oct 14, 2012
The 2014 International Buyer Program (IBP) application process is now open. Interested shows have until Dec. 10 to apply. The International Buyer Program is a joint government-industry effort designed to increase U.S. export sales by promoting international attendance at major U.S. industry exhibitions. Exhibitors always are looking to connect with qualified buyers. If your show has exhibitors who are interested in exporting their goods and connecting with pre-screened buyers from outside the U.S. you might want to take a close look at this program. “Our core value proposition is our… more
Oct 14, 2012
UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry’s Congress, coming up Nov. 6-9 in Abu Dhabi,United Arab Emirates, is on track to break all-time attendance records that were set at the 2010 event in Singapore that drew 425 attendees (including all delegates, speakers, staff and accompanying persons). “We are now a few past that and aiming for 450-plus,” said Paul Woodward, UFI’s managing director. “There are already over 50 countries represented. This is, to put it mildly, really encouraging!” Last year’s event in Valencia, Spain, drew 405… more
Oct 14, 2012
Meeting Professionals International helped kick things off at last week’s IMEX America in Las Vegas with “Smart Monday”. Ray Bloom, chairman of the IMEX Group, said that attendees “would not lack for inspiration or a sense of value” during the day-long program. Nearly 1,000 participants took part in an 8-hour line up of free education sessions, brainstorms and deep dives intended to expand their personal and professional development and effectiveness, according to IMEX officials. Smart Monday began with a keynote featuring Debra Benton, author of eight… more
Oct 07, 2012
By Anna Huddleston Holographic card dealers, CSI-themed slots and a "Judge Judy" mock courtroom were just some of the dazzling offerings at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E), the premier trade show and conference for the gaming and entertainment industry that took place Oct. 1-4 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. Organized by the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions, the event is back to its 2008 numbers, with 413 exhibitors taking more than 259,000 square feet of exhibit space – an increase of about four percent, compared with the 2011 event. The… more
Oct 01, 2012
PMMI recently hired AJ Janosko as director of expositions to fill a newly created position handling much of the day-to-day show management for the Pack Expo trade shows. “The Pack Expo trade shows are among the largest and most highly-regarded in the country, and having the chance to work on them is what drew me to PMMI,” Janosko said. Janosko’s new position allows Jim Pittas, PMMI vice president of trade shows, to focus more intently on executing PMMI’s Strategic Vision. “Pack Expo and PMMI are growing,” Pittas said. “Pack Expo International… more
Oct 01, 2012
The American Bus Association has selected Louisville, Ky., to host the ABA’s 2016 Marketplace Jan. 9-12 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville. The ABA’s Marketplace in 2016 is the organization’s 38th annual gathering, but it marks the first time Louisville has hosted this prestigious event, according to the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau officials. One year earlier, the ABA’s 2015 Marketplace will be held in St. Louis Jan. 10-13 at the America's Center Convention Complex. "The American Bus Association is always… more
Sep 30, 2012
Whether its natural products, surf gear, bikes or anything and everything having to do with pets, all four industries are thriving, with their recent shows scoring impressive increases in several metrics. New Hope Natural Media’s Natural Products Expo East, held Sept. 19-22 at the Baltimore Convention Center, had upticks across the board, including a 9-percent increase in not only attendees to 21,590 and exhibitors, which scored another 8-percent increase to 1,195, but also a bigger showfloor from 145,180 net square feet last year to 154,520 net sq. ft. this year. “A lot of it… more
Sep 30, 2012
After a grueling time trying to get labor reforms passed at Chicago’s McCormick Place, those days are in the past and there are plenty of reasons to celebrate with two big shows – the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and the International Manufacturing Technology Show - both renewing their contracts to stay in the Windy City. The National Restaurant Association will remain in Chicago through 2021, which is a five-year extension on the organization’s current contract. After a thorough review of options, the agreement was signed with the… more
Sep 25, 2012
Just as the giant haul trucks and excavators the size of a three-story building, MINExpo International 2012 was impressive with its sheer size and was billed as a largest collection of mining equipment ever gathered. Produced by the National Mining Association, the premier quadrennial event for the mining industry spanned 860,000 square feet, up 40 percent from its previous show in 2008. The show featured a total of 1,890 exhibitors, also up nearly 45 percent, and attracted more than 58,359 attendees, an increase of more than 45 percent. MINExpo was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center… more
Sep 17, 2012
Liza Mundy, award-winning reporter and New York Times best-selling author of three books including, “The Richer Sex and the Rise of Women’s Economic Power", will be the luncheon speaker at the 2012 In Honor of Women (IHOW) event, which celebrates women who have made an impact in the association industry through their leadership and contributions. The full-day educational program and awards luncheon is Oct. 31 at the Capitol Hilton in Washington, DC.  Mundy will discuss her newest book, “The Richer Sex and the Rise of Women’s Economic Power”, which… 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