Sep 22, 2014
Newton, Mass.-based Questex Media Group, which has more than over 100 digital media products and over 50 conferences, tradeshows and events, was bought by L.A.-based Shamrock Capital Advisors for an undisclosed sum.
The company was acquired in partnership with senior management.
“Shamrock Capital is the perfect partner for Questex at this point in our evolution,” said Kerry Gumas, Questex Group president and CEO.
He added, “They have a deep understanding of the media, communications and entertainment sectors and the customers we serve. They support our ongoing business initiatives and they… more
Sep 22, 2014
With UBM confirming it’s in discussions to possibly buy Advanstar Communications and Questex Media Group being bought last week by Shamrock Capital Advisors, yet another trade show organizer, U.K.-based Clarion Events, also is rumored to be on the sales block, according to The Sunday Times.
Clarion, which currently is controlled by Veronis Suhler Stevenson, is the largest trade show organizer in the U.K., and the sales price is reported to be $327 million.
Clarion's Executive Chairman Simon Kimble and VSS Managing Partner Jeffrey Stevenson have not responded to a request for comment.… more
Sep 18, 2014
U.K.-based UBM confirmed that it is in talks to acquire Advanstar Communications that “may, or may not, lead to a transaction.”
The statement was made after Reuters reported that UBM was in advanced stages to buy Advanstar for a $900 million pricetag. Representatives for Advanstar declined to comment.
Advanstar serves the fashion, licensing, life sciences and powersports industries with its portfolio of 54 trade shows, 100 conferences, 30 publications, and nearly 200 electronic products and Web sites, as well as educational and direct marketing products and services.
It runs the two largest… more
Sep 18, 2014
The 25th edition of Tarsus Group’s Labelexpo Americas, held Sept. 9-11 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., was the busiest one yet, with 16,029 attendees flocking to the showfloor to see the latest innovations in the labels and labeling industry.
This year’s attendance figure broke records and was up 12 percent, compared with the 2012 edition of the biennial event.
The showfloor also saw an increase of 10,000 net square feet this year to 195,000, and the number of exhibitors also increased to from 413 in 2012 to 441 at this year’s event.
On the second day of the… more
Sep 17, 2014
Global Experience Specialists has continued to expand its offerings by acquiring Blitz Communications, an audio visual (AV) services provider for the live events industry in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
Blitz Communications has offices in London and Manchester, U.K. and is the in-house AV service provider at five major U.K. conference and exhibition venues – ExCeL London, Earls Court, Olympia, Manchester Central, and the NEC.
“The addition of Blitz Communications allows us to provide a full suite of AV services across the U.K., Europe and the Middle East,” said Steve Moster… more
Sep 17, 2014
The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) delivered on its theme, “come together, leave inspired” to more than114,000 attendees during the course of their show, which took place Sept. 8-13 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
Pre-registration numbers were at 98,169 attendees and by the close of the show registration was at 114,147 attendees, representing 112 countries. Those numbers are a 13.9 percent increase, compared with IMTS 2012.
IMTS covered more than 1.3 million net square feet of exhibit space and hosted 2,035 exhibiting companies.
Peter Eelman, vice president of exhibitions… more
Sep 16, 2014
Still two months away, and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Attraction Expo 2014 already has a sold out its showfloor at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.
Nearly 1,000 exhibitors from approximately 40 countries will showcase their latest products and services for more than 17,000 attraction industry buyers on the 500,000 net square foot showfloor when the show runs Nov. 18-21.
The IAAPA Attractions Expo trade showfloor is the global industry's largest marketplace, where owners, CEOs, and managers of amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment… more
Sep 16, 2014
TSNN is excited to unveil this year’s shows that are in the running to be named TSNN’s “Best of Show” for 2014.
It’s pretty simple – Please fill out the form located HERE. One vote per e-mail is allowed. WE encourage the shows to use social media, their own inner networks and any other means available to get out the vote!
The overall winner will be announced onstage at the 2014 TSNN Awards, which is on tap Nov, 14-16 in Cleveland, during the gala celebration.
Here are the five nominees and what they were chosen:
NY International Carpet Show: Why a TSNN Finalist? Because of … more
Sep 16, 2014
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) entered into a reciprocity agreement with the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) during the recent IEIA Open Seminar in Hyderabad, India. The agreement demonstrates IAEE's and IEIA's commitment to the international exhibitions and events industry, and it provides additional global opportunities for IAEE and IEIA members to connect to develop new exhibitions and face-to-face events.
"I am excited about entering into this agreement with our friends and colleagues at IEIA to offer a new benefit and… more
Sep 15, 2014
The National Retail Federation’s annual show for the industry – Retail’s BIG Show – definitely takes after its moniker; The show IS big, in fact this year’s, which was held in January at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, broke all-time attendance records with 30,000 people, an uptick from 27,500 last year.
There also were 555 exhibiting companies, up from 494 last year, and 205,000 net square feet, up from 168,000 net sq. ft. last year.
But, even the though show is growing, Susan Newman, NRF’s senior vice president of conferences, and Mark Bogdansky, NRF’s vice president… 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