Offshore Technology Conference, Coverings Sees Double-digit Attendee Increases
May 13, 2012
Optimism on the showfloors from wide-ranging industries continues to abound with two more shows – the Offshore Technology Conference and Coverings – both posting substantial increases in attendance and other metrics.
The Offshore Technology Conference, held April 30-May 3 at Reliant Park in Houston drew a 30-year high attendance of 89,400, the third highest in show history and up 14 percent from last year.
Attendance surpassed the 2011 total of 78,645, and the sold-out exhibition was the largest in event history at 641,350 square feet with the addition of the outdoor pavilion, up from 603,000 sq. ft. last year.
The show also had 2,500 companies representing 46 countries, including 200 new exhibitors from places such as Bahrain, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, New Zealand and Taiwan.
“OTC 2012 was the most successful event we have had since the early 80s,” said Steve Balint, chairman of OTC.
He added, “In terms of strength of the technical sessions and technology on display, OTC reached a record-breaking number of people and offered the most ways to connect, educate and conduct business.The industry is on the rise and challenges are ahead, making it more important than ever to collaborate and share best practices with colleagues all over the world. OTC is the place to do that.”
This year’s event featured eight panel sessions, 29 executive keynote presentations at luncheons and breakfasts and 300 technical papers.
Speakers from major, independent and national operators, global government officials and academia presented their views on the current challenges and future directions of the industry.
Next year’s OTC takes place May 6-9 at Reliant Park.
National Trade Production’s Coverings show also scored high numbers, held April 17-20 at Orlando’s Orange Country Convention Center, with 22,000 attendees, 19 percent more than last year.
While all attendee segments showed double-digit increases, the fastest-growing category came from architects and designers, increasing 84 percent, compared with 2011.
The number of exhibitingcompanies also increased by 24 percentand the number of square feet of exhibits was up 14 percentcompared to Coverings 2011.
“The increases are the result of a very strategic and aggressive marketing program,” said Karin Fendrich, COO of NTP.
She added, “We left no stone - or tile - unturned to make Coverings 2012 a success, including several new initiatives to attract attendees.”
Some of those initiatives included Coverings Central, a 1,500 sq. ft. area where attendees gathered to interact and network; Contractor Days, created in collaboration with the National Tile Contractors and included tours of showfloor; and the new awards program - Coverings Installation and Design Awards - honoring projects submitted by contractors and designers.
Next year’s Coverings show will be April 29-May 2 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
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
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