Mar 06, 2014
Even though every day brings more uncertainty to the political turmoil in the Ukraine, U.K.-based ITE Group still went ahead with successfully hosting four collocated building events through its local business – Premier Expo. The decision to proceed with KyivBuild, Intertool Kiev, BuildTech and KIPS, held March 4-6 in the country’s capital Kiev at the International Exhibition Centre, was taken after consulting with local staff, exhibitors, government officials and embassies, according to ITE Group officials. Although visitor numbers were lower than in previous years, the… more
Mar 05, 2014
People looking to start their own businesses flocked to Houston recently for Franchise Expo South, with 11,000 attendees checking out 200 different franchise opportunities. Held Feb. 6-8 at the Reliant Center, while most of the attendees came from the local area, potential franchisees came from 38 states and 18 countries. “We were extremely pleased with the record-breaking turnout at the first Franchise Expo South in Houston,” said Tom Portesy, president of MFV Expositions, producers of Franchise Expo South. He added, “Our decision to move the Expo to Houston was a… more
Mar 03, 2014
Last year was a another strong one for U.K.-based Tarsus Group, with the company posting full-year revenues of $132 million (£79 million), a 23-percent jump, compared with same-show year 2011, when biennial events such as the Dubai Air Show and Labelexpo Europe run. With its core strategy of “Quickening the Pace” that focused on accelerating the pace of financial returns to the company’s shareholders as its cornerstone, Tarsus Group also had like-for-like revenues up 11 percent and profit before tax of $27 million (£15.9 million), compared with $5 million (… more
Mar 03, 2014
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events and the Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition, on tap June 10-12 in Orlando, renewed their partnership to offer a Hosted Buyer program for IAEE members to attend the event, as well as an education session in the AIBTM Learning Theatre. "Our initial success at AIBTM last year was very promising, and we are once again proud to partner with AIBTM on this industry event," says IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. He added, "This renewed collaboration confirms IAEE's… more
Mar 03, 2014
February was another brisk month of not only new hires, but also several companies promoted from within their own ranks. Wyndham Jade has promoted Bryan A. Scott from chief strategy officer to president of the company’s Convention Division. In his new role, Scott will continue to sit on the company’s senior leadership team and influence the strategic direction of the organization, while taking an even greater role in management oversight and innovation of new housing, registration, and meeting offerings. “We are proud to recognize Mr. Scott’s contributions to our… more
Mar 03, 2014
With a portfolio already brimming with home shows, Marketplace Events scooped up two more annual ones in Raleigh, N.C., from American Consumer Shows (ACS). The Raleigh Spring Home Show and Raleigh Home Fall Show are both held at the Raleigh Convention Center. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. "We're very pleased to be in Raleigh; it's a major growth and strategic opportunity for our company," said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events. He added, "Raleigh is the fourth fastest-growing U.S. metro area - a region with great traditions, robust corporations, a highly… more
Mar 03, 2014
Destination Marketing Association International awarded 10 new destinations the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal, designed to “illustrate a DMO's commitment to industry excellence and to raising the performance and accountability of DMOs around the world." "DMAP accreditation requires DMOs to demonstrate compliance across 16 disciplines, composed of 53 mandatory standards and is globally recognized by the destination marketing industry as the highest achievement in destination excellence," said Jack Wert, DMAP Board Chair. He added, "We… more
Mar 02, 2014
Adding to their travel online, magazine and events portfolio, Northstar Travel Media recently acquired Travel Weekly China, Travel Weekly Asia, and Events China from Contineo Media, a multi-platform information provider based in Singapore, with locations in Beijing and Shanghai. Northstar already owns Travel Weekly and, according to company officials, the additional Asia-based business-to-business brands will “create an international network with platforms serving the fast-growing global retail/leisure segment of the travel industry.” Thomas Kemp, chairman and CEO of Northstar… more
Mar 02, 2014
D.C.-based general service contracting firm, Hargrove, scored not only several new pieces of trade show, meetings and corporate business to start off 2014, but also secured a number of returning clients. The Association of American Geographers Annual Meetings has inked a two-year deal with Hargrove, with a possible reup in 2016. This year’s meeting will be held April 9-11 in Tampa, Fla. Hargrove also snagged another new piece of business, Restore America’s Estuaries for its Seventh National Summit on Coastal and Estuarine Restoration, taking… more
Feb 27, 2014
How do you drive traffic to the slow areas of a trade show and also engage potential attendees online? Western Veterinary Conference that took place Feb. 16-20 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas solved that problem by streaming live action straight from the floor. To entice attendees to come back to the floor after lunch, the show launched WVC Live!, 20-minute TED-style presentations that covered topics from Zappos corporate culture to the new products in animal care. For the first time, the talks were streamed online for non-attendees and also made available on the show's… 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