News
Nov 24, 2020
It isn’t easy being green, but convention centers that remain steadfast in their commitment to sustainability can certainly reap the rewards from time to time. Case in point: Detroit’s TCF Center, which received a 2020 U.S. Green Building Council Leadership Award during the closing event of the annual Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, held Nov. 10-12 in a virtual format this year. Awarded annually, the USGBC Leadership Award recognizes exceptional work advancing sustainable, healthy, resilient and equitable buildings, cities and communities.
According to USGBC officials, the 2020… more
Nov 23, 2020
Nearly three-quarters of the meeting professionals surveyed in the most recent Meetings & Events Pulse Survey conducted by Global DMC Partners (GDP) expect their events to be held in a virtual or hybrid format in 2021. The surveyed planners also see having a coronavirus vaccine in place as the most important factor in bringing back face-to-face events.
Conducted Sept. 14-30, the Q3 survey polled 447 people in the meetings and events industry including third-party/independent planners and those from the pharmaceutical industry, associations, technology, finance, insurance and law.
More… more
Nov 19, 2020
Event technologies everywhere are stepping up to the plate in 2020, attempting to ease meeting planners’ woes that virtual experiences can never quite measure up to face-to-face events. Yet one element that hasn’t been addressed is the virtual awards show — until now.
MeetingPlay, a Maryland-based technology company for events and conferences founded in 2011, has launched a new feature designed to nearly replicate the experience of an in-person awards night, both for recipients and attendees.
The impetus for designing this feature came from MeetingPlay listening closely to its clients. “A… more
Nov 18, 2020
From presidents and board of directors to fine-cuisine-minded appointments in the Midwest, here’s the latest news about professionals in the trade show industry that you need to know.
Fernando Fischer was named president of Reed Exhibitions Americas on Nov. 11. Previously CEO of Reed Exhibitions Brazil for three years, he had joined Reed Exhibitions as U.S. president in January this year. In his new role, Fernando continues to directly lead the company's operation in the United States and adds Latin America under his regional management, where he has Claudio Della Nina, managing director of… more
Nov 17, 2020
In an industry-wide #GivingBack effort, TSNN, CEN and Tarsus CARES are participating in a fundraiser leading up to Global Giving Day (also known as GivingTuesday – a worldwide generosity movement set for Dec. 1), and we are inviting you to be a part of it!
This year, TSNN’s charity of choice is Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT). Why? Because they’re on a mission to help empower the next generation of leaders and we want to help!
A striking number of Black, Latinx and Native Americans remain vulnerable during and after college, and they walk a tenuous path to economic mobility.
In… more
Nov 17, 2020
Messe Frankfurt Inc. and the Food Processing Suppliers Association have entered into a joint venture to align their resources and co-produce PROCESS EXPO, the U.S’s largest horizontal trade show for the food and beverage processing and packaging industry. Through FPSA’s strong industry relationships and MFI’s international reputation as a leading event producer servicing the food technology and processing markets, the biennial PROCESS EXPO will benefit from an expanded global reach as well as a customized attendee and exhibitor experience, according to show officials.
Last spring, MFI was… more
Nov 17, 2020
The city of Grapevine, Texas, played host to Meeting Professionals International’s World Education Congress, held in hybrid format Nov. 3-6. “Reunite for Recovery” was the theme of the event, which took place at Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center and drew nearly 700 in-person attendees and 1,000 virtual participants.
Grapevine CVB partnered with MPI in developing Duty of Care procedures that allowed for safe general sessions, breakout sessions and one-on-one appointments. The goal was to demonstrate the new standards for a safe return to live, in-person meetings and conferences. In… more
Nov 16, 2020
The Puerto Rico Convention Center hosted its first event since achieving GBAC STAR accreditation — the only Caribbean facility to do so — last month. The meeting of the Puerto Rico Chapter of the Association of General Contractors of America (AGC) on Oct. 17 featured a debate among local governorship candidates as well as the organization’s annual convention. More importantly for tourism officials and event organizers, it served as a testimony to Puerto Rico’s ability to produce a safe and successful gathering.
“We hope that our event will serve as an example for other associations and… more
Nov 13, 2020
Hervé Sedky is leaving Reed Exhibitions, where he is president of the Americas and ReedPop divisions, and stepping into a new leadership position as president and CEO of Emerald. Sedky will assume his new role on Jan. 5, 2021.
Brian Field, Emerald’s Interim president and CEO, will continue to serve as the Emerald’s COO.
“We are thrilled to have Hervé join the Emerald team,” said Kosty Gilis, chairman of Emerald’s board of directors.
He added, “His long and successful career in leadership roles serving the business travel and events markets, along with his strategic acumen, transformative… more
Nov 12, 2020
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opened its Hong Kong Optical Fair on 7th November at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) featuring a record of 810 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions.
Now in its 26th edition, the Optical Fair will run until 9th November and it will feature 10 thematic zones. Exhibitors will be showcasing the latest design trends and eyewear products. The 16th Hong Kong Optometric Conference was held on 8th November and its theme was “The Contemporary Role of Optometrists in Primary Care.”
Benjamin Chau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director,… 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