News

Oct 14, 2015
The second edition of International Trade Fair for Fitness, Leisure, Sport and Bodybuilding China (FIBO CHINA), organised by Reed Sinopharm, ran from 7th to 9nd September at the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing. Riding on the fitness trend in China, FIBO CHINA drew about 6,000 trade and public visitors. That figure is up by more than 40% compared to 4,200+ visitors who attended the 2014 edition. The show featured 87 exhibitors – representing a total of over 100 brands. Last year there were just 55 brands. FIBO CHINA’s target groups include local… more
Oct 14, 2015
The 11th International Wire and Cable Trade Fair for Southeast Asia (Wire Southeast Asia) and the 10th International Tube and Pipe Trade Fair for Southeast Asia (Tube Southeast Asia), organised by Messe Düsseldorf, was held from 16th to 18th September at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC).   The trade show features 411 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions, including seven national pavilions and country groups from Austria, China, Germany, Italy, Taiwan, the UK and USA.   Messe Düsseldorf reported that by the closing, the trade show… more
Oct 14, 2015
The Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) recently rolled out a series of promotions and initiatives for business event groups and tourists. STO’s initiatives coincided with a rebound in the countries MICE sector following the MERS outbreak. Blazey Nocon, MICE operations supervisor of Travel Experts in Manila, had faced cancellations to Seoul during the MERS outbreak in June and July. Nocon said, “we are even seeing an increase in requests compared to last year because our clients enjoy the weather and food in South Korea, and prices are also cheaper compared to Japan.” Li Haijiao, MICE planner… more
Oct 13, 2015
Naylor Association Solutions, a provider of member engagement and revenue solutions for the North American association marketplace, has produced an exclusive, association- focused online video channel and is partnered with 10 state, local, and regional societies of association executives at this time. The channel showcases syndicated content, focusing on key topics of interest, while engaging audiences and sharing best practices and leadership tips for association professionals in segments of three minutes or less. Along with easy to consume videos, the channel has a responsive design that… more
Oct 13, 2015
The International Association of Conference Centres has elected Alex Cabañas as global president, effective immediately.   Alex Cabañas, CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International, will serve a two-year term as head of the association, which has over 350 conference and meeting venue members in 22 countries worldwide.  Cabañas has been active with IACC for a number of years and serves as vice president of the IACC-Americas chapter, having joined the IACC-Americas board in 2011 and the IACC Global Board in 2012.    During his tenure, Cabañas co-chaired a task force to… more
Oct 12, 2015
Comcast Spectator’s Spectra Venue Management division (formerly Global Spectrum) and the Spectra Food Services & Hospitality division (formerly Ovations Food Services) will be combined, effective Nov. 2.  This model integrates Spectra food and venue operations management into one team. In total, there will be four geographic divisions and 19 regions.  “The strong partnerships we have with our clients allow us to innovate in ways that benefits our clients, our employees and our customers,” said Glen Brandeburg, who joined the company in 2015 as the president and COO of… more
Oct 12, 2015
Comcast Spectator’s Spectra Venue Management division (formerly Global Spectrum) and the Spectra Food Services & Hospitality division (formerly Ovations Food Services) will be combined, effective Nov. 2.  This model integrates Spectra food and venue operations management into one team. In total, there will be four geographic divisions and 19 regions.  “The strong partnerships we have with our clients allow us to innovate in ways that benefits our clients, our employees and our customers,” said Glen Brandeburg, who joined the company in 2015 as the president and COO of… more
Oct 11, 2015
Penton’s Comfortech, a contractor-focused conference and exposition, brought together 1,700 mechanical and electrical contracting professionals and nearly 150 exhibiting companies. The show also grew its attendance by 21 percent, when it was held Sept. 15-17 2015 in St. Louis, MO. Comfortech was collocated with association events including Service Roundtable/Service Nation Alliance, Quality Service Contractors, National Comfort Institute, and Women in HVACR and mechanical contractors. “Comfortech covered the vital issues and challenges mechanical and electrical contracting… more
Oct 11, 2015
Meet AC, a tourism development agency designed to attract meetings and conventions to Atlantic City, has officially launched three new websites this year and three more websites are in the works to launch within the next six months. Recently, Meet AC has established our convention website, www.meetinac.com, which features our convention calendar, comprehensive meeting planner tools such as guides, floor plans, specs and RFP forms, along with marketing materials such as a press kit, press releases, video podcasts and employee contact information. The Atlantic City Convention Center website has… more
Oct 11, 2015
Meet AC, a tourism development agency designed to attract meetings and conventions to Atlantic City, has officially launched three new websites this year and three more websites are in the works to launch within the next six months. Recently, Meet AC has established our convention website, www.meetinac.com, which features our convention calendar, comprehensive meeting planner tools such as guides, floor plans, specs and RFP forms, along with marketing materials such as a press kit, press releases, video podcasts and employee contact information. The Atlantic City Convention Center website has… 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