News

May 14, 2016
EMS 2016 took place in Denver May 4-6 at the Colorado Convention Center, and with it, more than 1,300 attendees and 125 exhibitors, an increase from 2015.  “As the industry evolves, so does the Experiential Marketing Summit,” said Event Marketer Magazine Group Editor Jessica Heasley. “We continue to focus on the content and the overall experience.” Both the Pepsi and Chobani keynotes were the topic of conversation with attendees, especially the insights brought by Chobani Chief Marketing Officer Peter McGuinness.  “Everything done well can be an experience for your customer, and… more
May 14, 2016
Margaret Pederson entered the exhibition world by happenstance, like many in the field.  She studied marketing (along with international business and law), but not exhibitions 101, 201 or 301.  Pederson’s education included the University of Virginia, London School of Economics and Harvard Business School, none of which had a single course in exhibitions, conferences or events.  Yet, HBS did have Bob Krakoff as an alumni and that fortuitous meeting was her introduction to the exhibition world. Pederson shed some light on her time in the industry to TSNN. TSNN: How did you get… more
May 12, 2016
For the seventh year in row, Trade Show News Network will hold its prestigious and original TSNN Awards program that honors the top fastest-growing shows in attendance and net square footage Oct. 28-30 in Atlantic City, N.J. The list of 50 shows that will be feted during the three-day, celebration-filled weekend can be found listed below and also HERE.  “The Top 50 fastest-growing show winners were chosen by their show’s growth rate between 2013-2015 in attendance and net square footage,” said TSNN President and Editor-in-Chief Rachel Wimberly. She added, “We are really excited to fete… more
May 11, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced today the release of the second report in its newest series, 2016 Attendee Retention Insights Part Two: Exhibition Floor Features that Build a Loyal Alumni Attendee Audience. This landmark body of research offers organizers a comprehensive resource to help understand the profile of attendees that visit an exhibition repeatedly and the content that turns them into loyal customers. "Response to this new study is strong,” said CEIR President and CEO Brian Casey, CEM. “Clearly organizers are looking for direction on… more
May 10, 2016
Candied bacon and cold beer were just some of the offerings that whet the appetites of attendees at the Reed Exhibitions’ National Hardware Show that took place May 5-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. A global gathering of products for DIY home improvement, the event spanned about 600,000 net sq. ft., similar to last year, and featured 2,800 exhibitors, including 700 first-timers. It’s expected to attract about 30,000 attendees. “All our buying categories, from garden retailers to wholesales, are up,” said Rich Russo, industry vice president for the National Hardware Show. “The sentiment… more
May 10, 2016
Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2016's trade showfloor continues to grow at a record-breaking rate with 11,500 net square meters of exhibit space reserved by more than 350 companies. The strong interest by international manufacturer and supplier companies to showcase their new products and services is reflective of the growth of the attractions industry in the Asia-Pacific region and China specifically. AAE 2016 takes place June 13-16 at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre in China, with the showfloor open June 14-16. The event is the region's premier global conference… more
May 10, 2016
The digitization of events, as well as the proliferation of platforms, applications, and devices designed to “retool” traditional trade shows, is proceeding much more quickly than many are prepared for. In his forthcoming book, “Future of the Tradeshow Industry, the Modern Digital Tradeshow (MDT”), Francis Friedman dives deep into digital transformation, increasing competition from online marketing channels and private corporate events, and the need to redouble efforts on improving the customer experience. In this TSNN Webinar, moderator Michelle Bruno will lead a discussion… more
May 10, 2016
jwc GmbH of Germany has been selected through public tender to develop the Master Plan for the new venue in Shenzhen, the Shenzhen International Convention & Exhibition Center (SZICEC), by SZICEC Construction Headquarter. Located in Shenzhen Airport New Town, in the heart of the Pearl River Delta and Guangdong Free Trade Zone, the new exhibition venue is set to become the largest exhibition venue in the world. By its completion, it will offer 500,000 square meters of indoor exhibition and conference space. Phase 1 of construction, scheduled to start in September 2016, will result in 400,… more
May 10, 2016
Last week, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its 31st Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), and the 11th Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). Both fairs ran April 27-30, attracting a total of more than 64,000 buyers from 134 countries and regions. Co-organised with the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association (HKEA), the Gifts & Premium Fair featured a record of more than 4,300 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions, with first time participants from Estonia and South Africa.… more
May 10, 2016
Following its success in 2015, the 12th edition of Meat Expo China is scheduled to run Nov. 14-16, once again at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in China. Organised by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and Circulation Industry Promotion Center of the Ministry of Commerce of P.R. China (CIPC), the annual show compiles one of the most comprehensive showcases on cutting-edge technologies and machinery, meat and meat-based products as well as total solutions for the meat-processing industry in China. Richard Li, general manager of Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd, 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