Aug 24, 2015
Several companies scored new or renewed business contracts as the summer months came to a close, including Convention Data Services, Spargo and ConvExx. The international society for optics and photonics has renewed their contract with Convention Data Services, their preferred registration partner for the past 20 years. The contract calls for CDS to provide registration and lead retrieval services for SPIE’s events: Photonics West, Advanced Lithography, DSS, Optics & Photonics and Optifab. "SPIE is pleased to once again renew our contract with CDS as they provide a commitment to our… more
Aug 23, 2015
The first show to take advantage of all of the extra space at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center was one it long-time clients, UBM Advanstar’s MAGIC, which ran last week in Las Vegas. The $70 million project added 350,000 square feet onto the center, allowing shows like MAGIC to not only expand, but also opening up more space for shows looking in the city. “We have enjoyed working with the professionals at Mandalay Bay throughout the years and appreciate their willingness to help us create the most positive, productive experiences for our customers,” said Tony Calanca, executive vice… more
Aug 20, 2015
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) has unveiled the TSNN Top 50 Canadian Trade Show list of rankings. Culled from show management and data supplied to TSNN, the list represents the top 50 trade shows held last year ranked by net square footage in Canada. The full list can be found at: http://www.tsnn.com/toplists-cdn. Snagging the No. 1 spot once again was Regina Exhibition Association’s Canada's Farm Progress Show, with a whopping 1,232,670 net square foot showfloor at Evraz Place in Regina, Saskatchewan. The show, held last year in June, also drew 852 exhibiting forms, 5,368 exhibiting… more
Aug 19, 2015
Cracking down ever further, the Federal Communications Commission recently fined Smart City $750,000 for blocking consumers’ Wi-Fi at various convention centers around the United States. Last year, the FCC also fined Marriott International $600,000 for illegally blocking personal users’ Wi-Fi signals at its Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center property in Nashville. Smart City, an Internet and telecommunications provider for conventions, meeting centers and hotels, had been blocking personal mobile “hotspots” that were being used by convention visitors and exhibitors who used their… more
Aug 18, 2015
Traditionally a slower time for trade shows, companies in the industry utilized their time instead hiring new talent and promoting from within before the fall kicks off a busy season again. The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) hired Jason Means as director of membership. In his new role, Means will lead recruitment and retention programs for current and prospective ACVB members while managing the membership department. Means brings nearly 10 years of combined hospitality and event experience to his new role. “Jason’s knowledge and experience within the local hospitality… more
Aug 18, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events completed its Krakoff Leadership Institute and Krakoff Advanced Leadership Institute, held Aug. 15-18, at the Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Fla. Each two-day program provided a highly interactive curriculum that develops participants' leadership skills through group participation.  In addition, IAEE selected a "Legend of the Industry" whose contributions, innovation and leadership have been truly unique and remarkable. An informal setting then allowed each participant face-to-face interaction with this industry leader. This year… more
Aug 18, 2015
Exhibition industry leaders from across Latin America are heading to Mexico at the end of August for two major industry events: Reed Exhibitions Mexico’s ICOMEX, and the AMPROFEC annual congress. ICOMEX, a part of Reed’s global IBTM business event series, takes place Aug. 24-26 at Centro Banamex, Mexico City. It will be followed by the 18th edition of the Mexican Association of Professionals of Fairs, Expositions and Conventions’ (AMPROFEC) annual congress in San Luis Potosi Aug. 26-29.     The Latin American Chapter of global exhibitions association UFI will meet… more
Aug 17, 2015
LIGHTFAIR International, billed as the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, will return May 7-11, 2017, to Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Convention Center in 2017 for its 28th annual staging, according to Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., vice chairman, president and COO of LFI managing partner AmericasMart Atlanta. Produced annually alternately on the East and West Coasts, LFI was last staged at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in 2013.  LFI’s 2017 return to Philadelphia will follow its 2016 showing in San Diego at the San Diego… more
Aug 17, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the Russian Union of Exhibitions and Fairs. The agreement further demonstrates IAEE's and RUEF's commitment to the international exhibitions and events industry, and it provides additional global opportunities for IAEE and RUEF members to connect to develop new exhibitions and face-to-face events. "We are excited and enthusiastic about entering into this agreement with our friends and colleagues at RUEF to offer a new benefit and community for IAEE members,” said IAEE President and CEO… more
Aug 13, 2015
Detroit recently savored the long-overdue limelight when 5,300 attendees took in all that the city has to offer at the 2015 American Society of Association Executives’ (ASAE) 2015 Annual Meeting & Exposition, held Aug. 8-11 at the newly renovated Cobo Center. “(Fifty-three hundred attendees) is a great number for us,” said ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham, IV, FASAE, CAE.  “The number is consistent with the past five years. We are delighted!” From the opening night party at The Henry Ford Museum that was filled with automotive history and music from acts like “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