News

Apr 15, 2013
To our neighbors in Boston and to the many victims and their families, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority extends its sympathies. To the first responders, including members of our own public safety team, we offer our gratitude for your brave and professional response and for the actions you are taking to insure justice and provide a sense of security in our community. Yesterday was a horrific day in Boston, and we are slowly coming back. In light of this tragedy, we are reaching out to update you on how our facilities and our events have been impacted, as well as enhanced security… more
Apr 15, 2013
Clarion Events North America has signed a collaboration agreement with Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) to be a part of Clarion’s annual ExpoProducción event in Mexico City.  The collaboration will include an IFAI Pavilion and Conference to be held within the show, beginning with the February 2014 edition. “IFAI is a world-renowned organization with a long history of producing successful events,” said David Audrain, president and CEO of Clarion Events North America. “We are extremely pleased to have them partner with us in the expansion… more
Apr 15, 2013
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events and the International Association of Venue Managers have formed a strategic alliance that will include cross-marketing each other’s educational programs and networking events and other products developed for their memberships. IAEE has approximately 1,300 member organizations and more than 8,000 individual member representatives, of which more than 50 percent are directly involved in the planning, management and production of exhibitions and buyer-seller events. "When our staffs met to discuss an alliance, several areas were… more
Apr 14, 2013
UPDATE, Tuesday Evening: ASCA show site reports "After consultation with Boston officials, we are pleased to report that they recommend that ASCA 2013 proceed as planned. ASCA staff and consultants are in Boston and on-site preparing for your arrival." Exhibitors for the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association’s annual meeting, scheduled April 17-20, were unable to move in  after two bombs exploded blocks away from the John B. Hynes Convention Center during the Boston Marathon. Mac Daniel, director of communications and marketing for the Massachusetts Convention Center… more
Apr 14, 2013
For the very first time May 30 in Washington, D.C., the International Association of Exhibitions and Events will host the Women’s Leadership Forum at the Fairmont Hotel in Georgetown. Cathy Breden, IAEE’s COO, said the decision to launch the event had been in the works for the past few years and was moved forward when IAEE Past-chair Doreen Biela appointed a task force to explore the feasibility of a program geared toward female professionals in the industry. A survey was sent out to IAEE’s female members in September last year, and “the response clearly indicated… more
Apr 14, 2013
After more than a decade of small and large businesses being scammed out of millions of dollars when were offered what they thought were free listings in a Fair Guide, the Federal Trade Commission has temporarily halted operations of the Slovakian-based guide’s publisher – Construct Data. "The sweetest justice is justice delayed," said Past-IAEE President Steven Hacker. "This has taken far too long allowing these thugs to terrorize exhibitors and take their money. The industry is a better place today." The International Association of Exhibitions and Events… more
Apr 14, 2013
When the Social Media Tourism Symposium (SoMeT13US) had to choose a host city for their annual summit, they practiced what they preached and let their community decide via Facebook voting. Voting began in March with eight cities competing in a bracket-style contest on Facebook using the Woobox voting app. The winner of each round would advance until finally, on April 2nd, the final round of voting took place. While it’s certainly an interesting and social way of selecting a host city, it’s benefits go beyond entertainment. David Serino, founder of SoMeT, explained that the voting… more
Apr 14, 2013
According to a report published by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), the primary reason attendees decide to go to a specific show is through someone they know or by word of mouth. We intuitively recognize this fact to be universally true for any given vertical. The decisions we ourselves make every day as consumers tend to be heavily influenced by the recommendations our peers make. To attract and engage new audiences and to grow their events, tradeshow organizers not only need to provide a stellar experience to their attendees, but they also should proactively… more
Apr 14, 2013
According to a report published by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), the primary reason attendees decide to go to a specific show is through someone they know or by word of mouth. We intuitively recognize this fact to be universally true for any given vertical. The decisions we ourselves make every day as consumers tend to be heavily influenced by the recommendations our peers make. To attract and engage new audiences and to grow their events, tradeshow organizers not only need to provide a stellar experience to their attendees, but they also should proactively… more
Apr 14, 2013
When the Social Media Tourism Symposium (SoMeT13US) had to choose a host city for their annual summit, they practiced what they preached and let their community decide via Facebook voting. Voting began in March with eight cities competing in a bracket-style contest on Facebook using the Woobox voting app. The winner of each round would advance until finally, on April 2nd, the final round of voting took place. While it’s certainly an interesting and social way of selecting a host city, it’s benefits go beyond entertainment. David Serino, founder of SoMeT, explained that the voting… 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