Association Show News
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Jul 16, 2015
This year’s Summer NAMM show drew 13,936 attendees July 9-11 in Nashville, which was a 13-percent increase, compared with 2014.
The National Association of Music Merchants show saw another increase in exhibiting companies, making it the largest mid-year event since 2006, with 494 exhibiting companies representing more than 1,600 brands.
“With a tremendous respect for our industry's hand-crafted traditions combined with an exciting look to the future of music and audio, this Summer NAMM was perhaps the most important (and the most fun!) in recent memory,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of… more
Jul 10, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events Public Events Council will be accepting applications until Sept. 30 for its Top Public Events Recognition Program, which recognizes best practices in the business-to-consumers segment of the exhibitions and events industry.
Events will be judged by an impartial panel of consumer event experts on specific event criteria and general areas such as demonstrated sound business practices, stability and exceptional customer service.
The Top Public Events program criteria will remain the same as year's past, but the submission process… more
Jul 08, 2015
The 2015 Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Leadership Conference will not only take a look at what the Millennials really want, but also what it takes to be a CEO and how the SXSW grew into the massive festival it is today, among a host of other topics.
“This Leadership program is the most comprehensive we have ever had for younger professionals taking on more responsibility,” said SISO Executive Director Lew Shomer.
He added, “Our emphasis is to teach by example with major industry leaders such as Don Pazour, Chris Brown, Charles McCurdy and Carina Bauer. The emphasis is certainly… more
Jul 07, 2015
Even with Greece throwing the Eurozone into uncertainty and the China stock market dipping precipitously, the trade show industry in these two regions, and the majority of others worldwide, is reporting positive gains, according to UFI’s 15th Global Barometer survey.
An average of 6 companies out of 10 declared increases in their businesses.
When compared to 2014, the situation is stable for the Americas and Europe, but it reflects a slight slowdown in Asia/Pacific or Middle East and Africa, who had higher levels of growth in 2014.
However, both the United States and China outperform their… more
Jul 06, 2015
The U.S Travel Association’s President and CEO Roger Dow issued a strong statement after an article came out by The Washington Post that said the U.S. Justice Department was launching an investigation into whether some of the top airlines have colluded to keep prices high.
The article states that prices were driven up by limiting routes and affordable seats. The article also states that representatives from Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines confirmed they were among those being investigated and said they were complying with Justice Department requests… more
Jun 18, 2015
When the recent United Fresh 2015 annual convention and expo wrapped up at Chicago’s McCormick Place, United Fresh donated 39,019 lbs. of produce and 207 lbs. of assorted dry food to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Volunteers helped collect donations from the convention floor, which is filled with fresh produce companies, to benefit those in need serviced by Greater Chicago Food Depository partner agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchen, and other emergency feeding centers.
"United Fresh and exhibitors at the show are proud to support the Feeding America network of food banks," said… more
Jun 16, 2015
The American Society of Association Executives’ (ASAE) 2015 Marketing, Membership, & Communications Conference (MMCC), held June 1—2, at the Walter E. Washington (D.C.) Convention Center, recorded the highest number of participants in its history, With more than 1,000 attendees and more than 60 exhibiting companies.
“We had another great MMCC conference this year. Along with its record breaking attendance, participants were energized and found ideas and solutions to questions they were seeking because of the high-level content, opening and closing general speakers, and… more
Jun 15, 2015
Las Vegas will once again host the largest travel trade show in North America in 2020, the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW.
IPW is the travel industry’s premier international marketplace and the largest generator of travel to the U.S.
"IPW is a tremendous opportunity to showcase Las Vegas to the world and there is always something new to experience," said Lawrence Weekly, Clark County Commissioner and Chairman of the LVCVA Board of Directors.
He added. "Since the show was last here just two years ago, we’ve seen new resorts open like the SLS Las Vegas, The Cromwell and The Delano, new… more
Jun 15, 2015
Kai Hattendorf Named New Managing Director of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry named Kai Hattendorf as its new managing director to replace Paul Woodward, who will be stepping down in November.
The announcement was made on the opening day of the UFI Open Seminar in Europe, June 15-17 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hattendorf currently is vice president, Digital Business & Entertainment at Messe Frankfurt and was selected in a in a process led by the UFI president, Andrés Lopez-Valderrama and his Executive Committee, and supported by the international search firm, Heidrick & Struggles.
“I am personally very pleased… more
Jun 11, 2015
The Exhibitions Mean Business’ 2nd Annual Exhibitions Day, held June 9 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., brought together 112 participants from 19 states to participate in industry-related events, including nearly 100 meetings with policy influencers and members of Congress.
The meetings focused on key issues that could affect the more than $71 billion contribution the trade show industry has to the GDP.
Some of those issues included Jolt Act, Open Skies, Trade Promotion Authority and government employee attendance at trade shows and events (see more HERE about issues), according to David… 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