Sep 08, 2017
Smart City Networks has been playing a different kind of role in Houston this past week.
Instead of supporting the technology and data needs of trade shows at the convention facilities it serves, the company has been working overtime to help Hurricane Harvey survivors stay in touch with their loved ones and other resources at several emergency shelters throughout Texas, including the George R. Brown Convention Center and NRG Park in Houston.
“Smart City began in Houston more than 30 years ago,” explained Mark Haley, president of Smart City Networks. “It was a top priority for us to keep… more
Sep 08, 2017
Deutsche Messe is gearing up to stage its first-ever HANNOVER MESSE in the U.S. market next year with HANNOVER MESSE USA, debuting Sept. 10-15 alongside IMTS 2018 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Similar to the annual HANNOVER MESSE in Hannover, Germany, the event will focus on industrial technology and is expected to attract an estimated 550 exhibitors and more than 100,000 visitors spanning approximately 130,000 square feet of exhibit space.
All of Deutsche Messe’s Chicago-based trade shows, IAMD USA, ComVac USA, Industrial Supply USA and Surface Technology USA, which the show producer has… more
Sep 07, 2017
Summertime ended with a flurry of new and existing business being contracted between suppliers and event organizers in the trade show industry, ranging from Event Advisory Group to SmithBucklin to Spargo and National Trade Productions.
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) has contracted with Event Advisory Group (EAG), an event consulting firm, to continue supporting the organization to improve the performance of their event portfolio based on the recommendations EAG made after conducting their unbiased 360° Review this past spring.
Realizing the importance of implementing EAG’s… more
Sep 07, 2017
Attendees brought their appetites for food and knowledge to the 2017 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, which took place August 27-29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
More than 10,000 restaurant and foodservice industry professionals were on hand to explore the 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, boasting over 400 exhibitors, 220 of which were new to the show.
Newly appointed Event Director for Urban Expositions, Tom Loughran, was pleased with the turnout despite the record heat hitting the Southern California area.
“We have seen exceptional turnout for the show and a… more
Sep 07, 2017
Social Tables has released a free version of its Event Planner Essential, a digital platform that helps organizers and planners bring events to life while allowing them to collaborate with event stakeholders, venues and each other in real-time.
By giving event professionals access to this complimentary event planning package, Social Tables hopes to empower more planners to bring people together face-to-face, regardless of event technology budgets.
“Whether you’re a professional planner who needs a powerful yet easy-to-use tool to design your event, a parent volunteering at the registration… more
Sep 06, 2017
HMP, a healthcare education and events company, has acquired Imedex, a privately held global medical education company that hosts meetings in oncology, hematology and gastroenterology.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The transaction not only advances HMP’s global footprint as a major producer of healthcare events for the global healthcare community, marking a significant step in executing its “events first” strategy, but also positions it in key strategic healthcare verticals.
“The acquisition of Imedex aligns perfectly with our strategy and represents an extremely important… more
Sep 06, 2017
The Minneapolis Convention Center has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for Existing Buildings: Operation & Maintenance (EBOM).
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED rating system is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.
“Sustainability is a priority at the Minneapolis Convention Center, and we are proud to be LEED Certified,” said Jeff Johnson, MCC executive director. “It is our… more
Sep 05, 2017
Just more than a week after Hurricane Harvey wreaked devastation on the Texas Coast, Hurricane Irma now is hurtling toward a possible strike in Florida, prompting organizers to start postponing events or ending them earlier than scheduled.
With the state of Florida declaring a state of emergency in 67 counties, the opening of the Miami International Auto Show, originally scheduled to open Sept. 9 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, has been postponed.
“Our priorities are to provide any assistance that helps our community better prepare for this hurricane,” said Richard Baker, president… more
Aug 31, 2017
After a slow start to the year, the second quarter of 2017 in the U.S. trade show industry jumped into high gear, posting 2.9-percent overall growth, compared with the same quarter last year, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry’s latest Index Report.
Also, in the first time since the fourth quarter of 2016, the trade show industry out-performed the macroeconomy, with real GDP growing 2.2 percent year over year.
"The increase in the second quarter validates our prediction that economic fundamentals continue pointing to moderate growth for the exhibition industry," said CEIR… more
Aug 31, 2017
Technology companies with new products or services relevant to the meetings, incentive, conference and events (MICE) industry have until Sept. 8 to enter the ibtm world Tech Watch Award.
The Tech Watch Award 2017 winner will be announced at ibtm world 2017, taking place Nov. 28-30 at Fira Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain.
Designed to recognize the achievements of up and coming technologies in the meetings and events space, the highly competitive Tech Watch Award gives technology companies the opportunity to showcase their products to thousands of global buyers, influencers and media in 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