News
Feb 01, 2023
Peter Nathan, founder of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and international trade show trailblazer, passed away on Jan. 28 at 89. He spent nearly 60 years working in the exhibitions, conferences and events industry and left an indelible mark in the lives of event professionals and the industry at large along the way.
After graduating from University of Connecticut, Nathan served in the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of captain. After leaving the military, he joined Clapp & Poliak and is credited for organizing the first U.S. events in the former Soviet Union and… more
Feb 01, 2023
What is the average cost of trade show labor in Las Vegas? What is the average cost of electrical labor in Orlando? What is the average cost for materials handling in New York? How do these averages by city compare to the national average?
The 2022 Material Handling & Labor Rate Survey — a new report by The Exhibitor Advocate, a non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying the voice of exhibitors — provides some benchmarks to review high-level exhibitor costs in 16 U.S. cities, from Las Vegas and Orlando to Chicago and Atlanta.
“We believe this data is a valuable and important… more
Jan 31, 2023
It’s that time of year again when we in the business world focus on setting new goals and intentions to set ourselves up for a successful year ahead. The same goes for exhibiting companies, many of which may be seeking to kick off 2023 with a fresh brand identity to amplify their presence on the trade show floor. But what if you’re one of those companies that can’t afford a complete rebrand just yet?
Consider a brand refresh instead, suggests Wendy Gibson, chief marketing officer for Skyline Exhibits, a trade show exhibit builder known for creating award-winning trade show experiences… more
Jan 30, 2023
The trade show industry is moving full steam ahead into the new year with strong hiring and promoting momentum that appears to defy national concerns of a looming economic recession. Here’s all the latest people news you need to know!
Smithbucklin
Association management company Smithbucklin has launched a new network-based organizational structure and leadership role designed to serve the dynamic and emerging needs of the association marketplace. As part of the structure, Jim McNeil has been appointed president of the company’s association management business, responsible for advancing… more
Jan 27, 2023
After closing 2022 with positive gains in visitor numbers year over year, the Las Vegas business community is poised for continued growth in 2023 with the addition of thousands of new hotel rooms, the opening of the new one-of-kind MSG Sphere and its first Formula 1 Grand Prix.
“2023 is going to be a spectacular year in Las Vegas,” said Steve Hill, CEO and president, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), at the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Preview 2023 event on Mon., Jan. 23, in the West Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).
Fountainebleu Las VegasBig Picture
Hill… more
Jan 27, 2023
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has always been the barometer of what’s trending in face-to-face marketing. At this year's show in Las Vegas, held Jan. 5-8, the the fast-changing experiential marketing landscape made it that much more exciting to see how brands chose to tell their stories and build connections at CES 2023–particularly through compelling and immersive tech activations at exhibits.
Among the key themes on the show floor, Tom Maher, director of strategy and growth for Pinnacle, an experiential marketing agency, pointed out the rise of active solutioning, where demos go… more
Jan 26, 2023
TSNN is growing its team with two new hires. Long-time trade show journalist Danica Tormohlen has joined as Vice President of Content for Tarsus Media (encompassing TSNN and Corporate Event News), and Bridgett Maddux has joined as National Sales Manager for Tarsus Media.
“I have known Danica for a long time, and she is bar none one of the most passionate people covering the trade show industry,” said Tarsus Media President Rachel Wimberly.
She added, “We are very fortunate that she will be a part of our team, along with Bridgett Maddux, who is a seasoned sales professional in the industry… more
Jan 24, 2023
Emerald has officially entered the B2C space with the recent acquisition of Lodestone Events, an event solutions company specializing in consumer lifestyle events and producers of the Overland Expo series of vehicle-based, adventure travel consumer shows.
According to Emerald officials, the acquisition supports Emerald and Lodestone’s shared mission to connect buyers and sellers, and builds on Emerald’s decades of experience in outdoor recreation via its Outdoor Retailer trade shows, the largest global B2B events serving the outdoor and winter sports industry. The deal also bolsters Emerald… more
Jan 23, 2023
Global B2B events and media business Tarsus Group is forecasting a strong year ahead, bolstered by the lifting of China’s strict zero-Covid policy and a robust organic launch strategy.
The group’s portfolio comprises a number of leading event brands, including the Dubai Airshow, Labelexpo, Hometex and Connect Meetings. In light of the growing demand for in-person events post-pandemic, Tarsus successfully launched eight new events in 2022, and 15 additional new launches are planned for 2023, alongside significant investment in digital initiatives.
The business’ footprint has for some time… more
Jan 20, 2023
Meet AC, Atlantic City's destination, meetings and events marketing organization, rebranded as Visit Atlantic City to enhance the destination's appeal among event professionals as an ideal place to gather for business while also experiencing all that it has to offer.
The initiative comes on the heels of a successful 2022 in terms of meetings, conventions and trade shows, and the organization is eyeing another positive year of business for 2023.
As Atlantic City is going through a major reinvestment to create a safer, culturally rich and sustainable community, the time was ripe for 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