News

Nov 18, 2013
The 80th UFI Congress recently wrapped up in Seoul, drawing more than 400 exhibition leaders to a three-day conference filled with networking and educational opportunities. The event, hosted by the Association of Korea Exhibition Industry, was held Nov. 13-16 at Coex, an events center in Seoul. “We are honoured to host the 80th UFI Congress, one of the global exhibition industry’s most prestigious events. The UFI Congress presents a wonderful opportunity for Korea to present Korean exhibitions management capabilities to the elite of the exhibition industry,” said Lee Han-… more
Nov 18, 2013
The Consumer Electronics Association has tapped Yahoo CEO, President and Director Marissa Mayer and Cisco CEO and Chairman John Chambers as part of the International CES’ Tech Titans keynote series. The show, scheduled Jan. 7-10 at different sites in Las Vegas, has several high-level keynotes on tap for the series. “As a defining innovator making waves in the online and mobile space and a fresh breath for the industry, Marissa Mayer is a perfect addition to our Tech Titans keynote series,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. He added, “We’re thrilled to… more
Nov 17, 2013
Freeman recently upgraded PLANTOUR, its popular web-based tool that is designed to simplify the event planning process and enhance the marketing of on-site sponsorship opportunities. The new tool is part of the Freeman Technology Suite, Freeman’s integrated platform of tools, and is free to Freeman customers. PLANTOUR addresses the need for exhibitors, show organizers, event planners and meeting managers to more efficiently scout for an event venue, view floor plans or plan for available sponsorship opportunities without ever having to leave their desks, according to company officials.… more
Nov 17, 2013
Freeman recently upgraded PLANTOUR, its popular web-based tool that is designed to simplify the event planning process and enhance the marketing of on-site sponsorship opportunities. The new tool is part of the Freeman Technology Suite, Freeman’s integrated platform of tools, and is free to Freeman customers. PLANTOUR addresses the need for exhibitors, show organizers, event planners and meeting managers to more efficiently scout for an event venue, view floor plans or plan for available sponsorship opportunities without ever having to leave their desks, according to company officials.… more
Nov 15, 2013
With a population of 251 million and the fastest-growing economy in the G20 after China, Indonesia is a hot spot for new shows, including U.K.-based Tarsus Group and U.S.-based E.J. Krause & Associates partnership to launch CONNECT EXPO COMM INODONESIA 2014. E.J. Krause’s EXPO COMM-branded series of shows is a leader in its sector, and Tarsus already has several shows in the country, such as Connect Indonesia, which runs as part of the annual Indonesia Infrastructure Week. “Indonesia Infrastructure Week has already established itself as the major international platform to… more
Nov 14, 2013
The third annual EVENTtech attracted more than 800 attendees, nearly doubling the conference from last year. And, with more than one-third of attendees as first timers, being able to experience the technology first hand was a huge attraction.  “This year’s EVENTtech was about pushing the technology experience,” said Dan Hanover, editor at Event Marketer Magazine (the host of the event). He added, “You learn about the technology in an educational session, and then go over to the exhibitor and actually test drive it. This year, we had $2 million worth of… more
Nov 13, 2013
The largest horticulture show in the United States, Short Course Convention & Marketplace, decied to stay close to home in 2017 and 2018 when it chose Columbus, Ohio, for the site of its 2017 and 2018 events. Columbus is home to some of the offices for a newly formed association that runs the show.   In September, two national associations representing the horticulture industry – OFA and the American Landscape Nursery Association – voted to join forces as AmericanHort, effective Jan. 1. Next year’s Short Course show will be managed by AmericanHort and held in… more
Nov 12, 2013
It was a long time coming, but the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York recently celebrated the completion of its 110,000 square foot expansion, as well as renovations to the center located in the heart of New York City. Renovations included the installation of a new 240,000 sq. ft. glass curtain wall and the construction of the largest green roof in the Northeast. Billed as “the busiest convention center in the United States”, the Javits Center generated $1.4 billion of economic activity in FY 2012 for New York City and New York State. “The Javits Center fuels… more
Nov 11, 2013
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s eight fairs held in October and so far in November have brought in not only nearly 8,700 exhibitors, but also 200,000 buyers, up five percent, compared with the year before. It’s estimated that the fairs also brought in more than HK$1.4 billion to Hong Kong, not including trade orders. The eight fairs were: Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), electronicAsia, Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), Hong Kong Optical Fair, and the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, which were held at the Hong Kong… more
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
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