News

Sep 22, 2013
AV Concepts, a holographic and immersive technology provider, partnered with Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc. to power the Aug. 3 launch of the Jordan Super.Fly 2 sneakers at the Santa Monica Place Central Courtyard.  The shoe was unveiled to thousands of fans as an 8-by-12-foot holographic illusion while spokesperson and professional basketball player Blake Griffin discussed the footwear’s design, inspired by his high-flying style. AV Concepts also was the company behind brining rapper Tupac Shakur back to life on the Coachella music festival stage. It was an illusion… more
Sep 22, 2013
Are you still on the fence about enabling your exhibitors to add rich content such as product listings, press releases, specials and videos to their listings on your event website? Here are five compelling reasons which may just persuade you to change your mind. Save Paper By providing an online forum for exhibitors to showcase their products and services, many show organizers are significantly reducing, and in some cases completely eliminating, dependency on thick printed directories. By going digital, you will not only be saving costs and precious natural resources, but are bound to… more
Sep 19, 2013
What is likely good news for trade shows at Chicago’s McCormick Place, a 1,200-room hotel is on tap to open in 2016 next to the center, with Marriot International recently named as the operator. The hotel will be operated under the Marriott Marquis brand, the only one with this brand in the city of Chicago, according to Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority officials. “Development of this hotel is another step forward for Chicago’s thriving convention and trade show industry,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. He added, “These hundreds of additional… more
Sep 18, 2013
After 40 years with J. Spargo & Associates, John W. Spargo will step down from the CEO post and Susan Bracken, president and COO, will step in, effective Sept. 23. Spargo founded the company in 1973 that now employs 160 full-time professionals.He will retain his chair position of the company’s board of directors. The change in leadership was part of what the company called a “carefully crafted strategic plan” that was adopted by the board. “Working at the company and with its talented employees and management team for nearly 40 years has been an honor,”… more
Sep 17, 2013
At the recent Center for Exhibition Industry Research Foundation Predict conference in New York City, David Audrain, current chair of the Society of Independent Show Organizers, stood up at the end of the event and made a surprise announcement that SISO would be making a $100,000 donation to the CEIR Foundation during the next five years. "We know and understand that all of the research that CEIR produces comes at a cost,” said Audrain, who also is president and CEO of Clarion Events North America. He added, “The SISO board of directors believes in the important work CEIR… more
Sep 16, 2013
Global Experience Specialists, which has worked with Penton Media for more than 25 years, just snagged another five years on their contract covering 10 shows. “Each time we produce an event our focus is to provide all participants with a valuable experience,” Penton President of Exhibitions Sandy Voss said. She added, “In partnering with GES, we gain an experienced team, as well as robust solutions that assist us to continue to deliver exceptional shows, outstanding service to our exhibitors and world-class engagement for our attendees. We look forward to growing our… more
Sep 16, 2013
Have you ever been strolling through a trade show and all of a sudden you spot a booth that is such a great design it just stops you in your tracks? Well, now you can help that booth really show off by taking part in a new program rolled out by the International Association of Exhibitions & Events and BizBash called #Boothlove. The #Boothlove social media program was created to showcase the best booths and exhibit stands from around the world – providing a global "peek over the fence" to inspire trade show and exhibition professionals with new ideas, while spotlighting… more
Sep 16, 2013
Exhibitors who typically take part in Advanstar Communications’ Licensing Expo now will have the opportunity to also to be in the International Housewares Association’s International Home + Housewares Show, and vice versa. The two entities recently signed a collaborative agreement to cross-promote their shows in 2014. “Advanstar Licensing is thrilled to be collaborating with the leading event for the housewares market,” said Jessica Blue, vice president of Licensing Expo. She added, “When we realized that all of our exhibitors would benefit from attending… more
Sep 15, 2013
U.S.-based George Little Management’s first foray into Asia with the launch of its SURTEX brand Aug. 25- 27 in Shanghai scored a successful debut, according to Penny Sikalis, GLM vice president and manager of both SURTEX shows. The show attracted nearly a dozen top European and U.S. design studios and close to 300 manufacturers and attendees to the 5-star Kerry Hotel Pudong, Sikalis said. “We had an excellent showing of manufacturers eager to buyoriginal and trend-forward surface designs from a select group of the world’s top studios to use in a cross-section of industries… more
Sep 15, 2013
The 32nd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, held Sept. 4-8 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, attracted nearly 19,000 buyers, up 7 percent, compared with the previous year. Buyer growth came from a number of countries, including the Philippines (up 46 percent), the Chinese mainland (up 25 percent), Brazil (up 18 percent), Australia (up 16 percent) and Indonesia (up 13 percent). The five-day fair, billed by Hong Kong Trade Development Council, as “the largest show of its kind in the world”, drew more than 750 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions. The… 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