Hillary Rodham Clinton Headlines Busy United Fresh Show in Chicago alt
Jun 12, 2014
The aisles of the United Fresh 2014 show were filled with a cornucopia of mouth-watering produce , eye-popping booths, bright colors and plenty of people on the first day of the show’s opening this week at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Attendees had the opportunity to try out Pom Wonderful’s new flavorful juices and every kind of guacamole imaginable from different growers, while also taking in education on and off the showfloor, hearing high-profile speakers such as former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and networking at places like Chicago’s Millennium Park.… more
Reed Travel Exhibitions’ AIBTM Will Change Name, Scale Back Event in 2015 alt
Jun 11, 2014
Since Reed Travel Exhibitions’ AIBTM launched a few years ago in Baltimore, its model has been to have a showfoor filled with suppliers who wanted to show off what they had to offer to buyers who were hosted by the show to come into town. But now, not only has the show decided to drastically scale back its hosted buyer program from more than 1,000 attendees this year to just 250 next year, but there also will be just 250 exhibitors on the showfloor as well, compared with 508 this year. In addition, the show’s name will be changed from AIBTM to IBTM America 2015. “We have… more
World Tea Expo Founder Leaves Show to Head CannaBusiness Media alt
Jun 11, 2014
For the past 10 years, George Jage, founder and director of World Tea Expo, has been busy building up the show, as well as launching Healthy Beverage Expo and growing them both into successful events. World Tea Expo was such a success, that for several years it was named by now-defunct Tradeshow Week magazine one of the fastest-growing shows in the U.S. But now, Jage has decided to switch tea for another natural product by taking the lead at CannaBusiness Media, a division of Anne Holland Ventures, Inc., headquartered in Pawtucket, R.I., is a publishing and event company serving the medical… more
People News: New Hires Continue into Summer Months alt
Jun 10, 2014
With the colder winter days firmly in the rearview mirror and the summer months ahead, companies have kept up a brisk hiring pace into the sunnier, longer days of the season. Atlanta-based Nth Degree has named Brad Langley as president of its Events division. In this key senior leadership role, Langley will be charged with providing overall strategic direction to and overseeing growth and client service for the company’s Events business. Langley, a seasoned professional in the global meetings and events industry, has more than 20 years in executive-level leadership roles at Creative… more
Team San Jose Reupped to Oversee San Jose McEnery Convention Center/CVB alt
Jun 08, 2014
Two good pieces of news came out of San Jose, Calif., last week, with Team San Jose, an economic development organization that also serves as the city’s convention and visitors bureau, being reupped to continue to oversee both the CVB and San Jose McEnery Convention Center. The San Jose City Council approved new contracts with Team San Jose to not only take care of the center, but also other city venues such as  Parkside Hall, South Hall, City National Civic, Center for the Performing Arts, Montgomery Theater and California Theatre.  The decision to renew the contracts was… more
Exhibit Surveys Releases White Paper on How Show Organizers Can Partner More Strategically with Exhibitors alt
Jun 04, 2014
Exhibit Surveys, Inc., the leading provider of research, measurement, and consulting services for the exhibition and event industry, released a new white paper, “How Anchor Exhibitors Plan, and How Organizers Can Benefit,” by CEO and president Skip Cox. The white paper highlights how show organizers can deliver more value by better enabling exhibitors to achieve their strategic objectives.  By improving their understanding of anchor exhibitors’ event marketing strategies, including how they select shows, make investment decisions, project and calculate ROI (Return On… more
SIA Snow Show Gives Emerging Brands a Chance with CRAFT @ SIA alt
Jun 04, 2014
A few years ago, show organizers of SIA Snow Show, owned by the SnowSports Industries America, started tracking independent boutique brands that had either never heard of their show, or were too small to take a booth on the showfloor. With a huge portion of the market share already represented at the show, there still were some brands, especially in the ski and snowboard sectors, that were unfound treasures waiting to be discovered. At this year’s show, held in February at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, SIA gave those “small guys a chance”, according to Chris… more
Jun 02, 2014
JCK Las Vegas,the world’s largest diamond and jewelry trade show, rolled out the red carpet May 30- June 2 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, showing that diamonds are, indeed, forever. At the time of consolidation of the jewelry industry, the show boasted strong attendance and exhibitor numbers and took over just about every inch of available space. “While it’s a healthy industry, jewelry industry is certainly not growing in terms of a number of stores opening,” said Yancy Weinrich, group vice president of Reed Exhibitions’ JCK Portfolio. “Since moving to… more
IAAPA Attractions Expo Sticks with Orlando thru 2025 alt
Jun 02, 2014
Orlando is the place to be for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Attractions Expo, with the organization signing on thru 2025 in the sunny Florida destination. The weeklong event is the largest conference and trade show for the worldwide attractions industry, and it generates approximately $51.3 million for the Orlando-area economy. “IAAPA Attractions Expo continues to grow year after year and that’s a testament to the power of Orlando as the ideal location for our global conference and trade show,” said IAAPA President and CEO Paul… more
Center for Exhibition Industry Research Predict Conference Rolls out New Format alt
Jun 02, 2014
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research Predict Conference, on tapSept. 11 at the Intercontinental Hotel Chicago, will feature a new, fast-paced format.  The format will mirror an action-packed financial news show, featuring lively interviews, substantive conversations and provocative discussions, providing economic insights and new perspectives about the exhibition industry, according to event organizers. The focal point will be the CEIR Index and the 2014 CEIR Index Report: 2013 Results, which provides an objective measure of the annual performance of the exhibition industry… 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