Nov 11, 2013
"Zombie Apocalypse" and "Jesus is Lord" custom vehicles next to each other. That pretty much captures the spirit of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show that took over the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 5-8.
From a 2,000-horsepower '68 Charger to a SpongeBob Square Pants Highlander, with a whole aquarium in the back, the most outrageous rides challenged the limits of imagination and drove the business of customization at what looked like a swirling mass of people, cars and parts.
The anchor of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week,… more
Oct 21, 2013
Self-installing car seats and organic bedding wasn’t just baby talk at ABC Kids Expo, the largest maternity and juvenile products trade show that took place Oct. 15-18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
With 1 million square feet, 14,000 attendees and 1,100 exhibitors, this has been the second best year for the show. Many of its areas are growing, but with economy just barely coming back and Internet commerce rapidly gaining speed, the model for success is changing.
“Majority of our attendees used to mom-and-pop stores,” said Larry Schur, ABC Kids Expo president.… more
Oct 17, 2013
The third edition of IMEX America, a trade show and conference for incentive travel, meetings and events, brought a taste of global destinations Oct. 15-17 to the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Modeled after IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America brought about 2,700 mostly U.S.-based hosted buyers (up from 2,400 last year) and 1,700 attendees, who got a chance to connect with about 2,700 exhibitors representing 200 countries. The size of the showfloor was up 17 percent at 140,000 square feet.
“This has clearly been another year of significant growth,” said Ray Bloom,… more
Sep 23, 2013
It’s not all about tight Lycra shorts at Interbike, the largest cycling trade show and outdoor demo event in North America that took place Sept. 18-20 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
After a record warm spring in 2012 and consequent high sales, the numbers have been flat for many cycling retailers during the past several months. But a few obstacles on the course didn’t scare this hardy crowd, and the 2013 show, owned by Emerald Expositions, was on par with last year, with about 850 exhibitors, 25,000 attendees and 320,000 square feet of space.
A move to the… more
Sep 06, 2013
With SURFACES and StonExpo/Marmomacc America already key components of Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ portfolio, the company has decided to add TileExpo onto The International Surface Event to cover even more product sectors.
In addition, the company will launch The International Surface Event East Oct. 19-22 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
“We are thrilled to launch these two events. TileExpo will be the perfect complement to SURFACES and StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas,” said Dana Teague, vice president of Hanley Wood Exhibitions.
She added, “Launching The… more
Aug 28, 2013
Working around trade shows and events, the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has completed a $20 million renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The 54-year-old facility now sports a few façade, better parking, updated interior and an improved experience for attendees and exhibitors.
"The Las Vegas Convention Center is home to many of the top trade shows in the country," said Terry Jicinsky, senior vice president of operations for the LVCVA. "It is important to keep the facility fresh and offer its more than a million yearly guests the… more
Jul 28, 2013
Viad, the parent company of Global Experience Specialists (GES), saw a Q2 uptick in net income this year to $6.3 million, compared with $6.1 million in the same period last year, as well as an increase in revenue to $249.3 million, compared with $246.5 million during the same period in 2012.
“Our… more
Jul 07, 2013
The National Shooting Sports Foundation has chosen show management company ConvExx to oversee the SHOT (Shooting, Hunting & Outdoor Trade) Show, which previously was managed by Reed Exhibitions.
Las Vegas-based ConvExx also manages one of the largest shows in the U.S., the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, ranked in the top 10 on the 2012 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list.
"We're excited to have ConvExx on board as our new management partner," said Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president and chief marketing officer.
He added, "ConvExx offers a unique… more
Jun 30, 2013
The SEMA Show, produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has expanded rapidly into international markets, with more than 15,000 overseas buyers expected at the Nov. 5-8 show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“As global demand for the industry’s products soars, there is huge opportunity for our members,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of events and communications.
He added, “We have a comprehensive international relations program to help U.S. manufacturers connect with buyers in the most relevant markets.”
The SEMA Show offers… more
Jun 16, 2013
With International Pow Wow breaking records in Las Vegas recently, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and U.S. Travel Association announced the event will head back to the city in 2020.
"We plan on breaking more IPW records in 2020 by bringing even more international delegates and media to Las Vegas than ever before," said Clark County Commissioner Tom Collins, chairman of the LVCVA Board of Directors.
He added, "As the Entertainment Capital of the World, the energy and excitement that can only be found in Las Vegas is a huge draw for the delegates of IPW… 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