May 11, 2017
Imagine you’re at a large trade show in a giant convention center among throngs of people and you’re starting to feel tired and stressed. Instead of just grinning and bearing it, you’ve arranged to take a break and venture to the facility’s green roof, where a sprawling garden of plants and flowers, along with birds, bees and butterflies, awaits you. As you drink in the serene, meadow-like landscape and beautiful city views, you enjoy a leisurely stroll, breathe in some fresh air and suddenly realize you’re not feeling nearly as tired or stressed out anymore. In fact, after just a few… more
May 10, 2017
The UFI Board of Directors has elected Craig Newman, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre, as the president of UFI for the 2018/2019 term. The decision was made at a board meeting during UFI European Conference in Cologne, Germany and becomes effective at the conclusion of the 83rd UFI Global Congress, running Nov. 1-4 in Johannesburg. The UFI Presidential Trio for the 2017-18 term will comprise Corrado Peraboni (Fiera Milano, Italy), President 2017-2018; Craig Newman, Incoming President and Andreas Gruchow (Deutsche Messe AG, Germany), Outgoing President. In 2014, Newman was elected onto the… more
May 10, 2017
Monterey Bay is upping their game with a multi-project renovation and expansion of various meeting spaces in the area. Whether you are looking for a good conference venue, offsite meeting spaces, locations for group activities or venues for incentive trips and team building, Monterey Bay is ready to deliver. The new Monterey Bay Conference Center: Nestled in the downtown area and only steps away from the waterfront, the Monterey Bay Conference Center is undergoing a transformation. “We are in the final stages of our $60 million renovation to the 40,000 square feet of interior space here at… more
May 09, 2017
The global event management platform, etouches, has been acquired by HGGC, a middle market private equity firm. HGGC’s investment will help the fast-growing event management software and sourcing solutions provider significantly expand its business in order to achieve a greater share of the $6 billion Event Management Software (EMS) and venue sourcing market, according to HGGC officials. “We are very excited to partner with HGGC as we continue to enhance our offering and capitalize on the large whitespace in the market,” said Oni Chukwu, etouches CEO. He continued, “The HGGC team’s experience… more
May 09, 2017
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) has appointed John Burke as its new Deputy General Manager. Burke is a senior venue operations professional with more than 25 years’ experience working across all areas of venue and event management including leadership, commercial management, construction liaison, vendor management, programme management, facility operations & engineering, and audio visual (AV) & technical systems infrastructure & development. Welcoming Burke to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre family, the Centre’s General Manager, Alan Pryor, said, “We are… more
May 09, 2017
Tarsus Group, the organizer of Labelexpo Asia, has strengthened its working partnership with the Printing and Printing Equipment Industries Association of China (PEIAC).  The agreement, signed during China Print on May 9, sees China’s leading print industry trade body working with the show on its next two editions to be held in late 2017 and 2019.  The agreement secures the long-term future and continued growth of Labelexpo Asia by bringing together the intrinsic market knowledge, expertise and resources of the Labelexpo Global Series and PEIAC to deliver a world-class professional… more
May 09, 2017
Billed as the only exhibition serving the corrugated and folding carton industry in the Southeast Asia, CCE South East Asia 2018, increased the show’s floor plan by more than 40 percent since the inaugural edition in 2016. According to Mack Brooks Exhibitions, organiser of CCE South East Asia, suppliers of corrugated and folding carton equipment and technology are continuing to book prime space at the show and it may double in size in the near future. The inaugural CCE South East Asia was held from 21st to 23rd September 2016, at BITEC in Bangkok. A total of 90 exhibitors and nearly 3,300… more
May 09, 2017
Vitafoods Asia, the only event dedicated to the nutraceutical, functional food and beverages, and dietary supplement industries in Asia, announces that its next edition now in Asia’s leading food and nutrition hub – Singapore – is expected to be twice as large as before. From Sept. 5-6, the 2017 event will take place in Singapore for the first time in the Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands, and will present more of the best innovations that the industry has to offer. The Singapore government’s efforts to grow its integrative research capabilities for food sciences,… more
May 05, 2017
The National Propane Gas Association experienced record growth in both size and exhibiting companies at its 70th Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo, held April 21-23 at the Music City Center in Nashville. Approximately 4,000 propane industry professionals participated in the annual three-day event that attracted more than 250 exhibitors to a nearly sold-out 73,300 sq. ft. expo floor, an increase in size of more than 3 percent compared to 2016, when a record-breaking 4,100 attendees and 140 exhibitors spanned a 71,000 sq. ft. expo – a showfloor increase of 11 percent… more
May 03, 2017
First quarter revenues saw a significant jump for GES of nearly 35 percent to $318 million compared with $236 million during the same period in 2016. “GES’ growth during the first quarter was driven by positive show-rotation, underlying growth at both our U.S. and International segments and contributions from our acquisition of ON Services,” said GES’ and Viad’s President and CEO Steve Moster. He added, “In addition, our investments in audio-visual and event technology continue to offer meaningful growth opportunities. This past quarter we renewed two major show organizer contracts with a… 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