News
Feb 05, 2012
Trade Show News Network wants to know if you think you’re show could make the prestigious TSNN Top 250 Trade Show List for U.S.-based shows?
Please submit at http://www.tsnn.com/top250 - the deadline is Feb. 28.
TSNN is proud to present valuable data to the industry, which is based on in-depth information provided by show organizers about their events.
This online resource is the culmination of years of compiling and analyzing data, and allows TSNN to provide real-time information on key metrics and benchmarks for the exhibition industry.
The lists ask for the 2011 show’s name… more
Feb 05, 2012
The U.S. government is finally taking steps to simplify the U.S. visa application process. On Jan. 19, President Obama signed an executive order with the aim of the reducing paperwork and time required to process visas. The executive order specifically sets out to reduce the waiting time of applicants from China and Brazil. It also eliminates the need for Taiwanese to apply for U.S. visas.
The move will provide a clear benefit to the U.S. economy as it will be easier for millions of tourists and business travellers to enter the U.S. This also has wide ranging benefits for the U.S. exhibition… more
Feb 05, 2012
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) welcomed the latest budget from the Hong Kong government which features several measures aimed at bolstering the city’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The 2012 budget warned of an uncertain global economic outlook and included promises to: waive business registration fees, reduce charges for import and export declarations and profits taxes.
According to the HKTDC’s economists, the total value of the territory’s exports will be limited to 1 percent growth this year. The HKTDC will increase its efforts in promoting… more
Feb 05, 2012
The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has officially unveiled its latest US$149 million expansion. Managed by international venue management group, AEG Ogden, the venue was expanded by 25,000 square meters and will provide more than 50 percent of additional convention space. Management are expecting a minimum of 300 additional events will be held annually, in addition to the 1,000 existing events held at BCEC each year.
Located in the central business district on Grey Street, the expanded BCEC now consists of 44 meeting rooms, which includes three stand-alone tiered… more
Feb 05, 2012
The 2012 edition of OFFSHORE WIND CHINA will reportedly cover 25,000 square meters of exhibition space, double the size of last year’s edition. OFFSHORE WIND CHINA 2012 is jointly organised by the Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association, Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Committee and Shanghai International Exhibition Co, and will run from May 30 to June 1 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) and Kerry Hotel Pudong of Shangri-La.
According to organisers, the three-day trade show ranks first and second in Asia and worldwide respectively in the offshore wind… more
Feb 01, 2012
In an effort to streamline operations and save costs, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a plan to combine the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau and Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, naming current CVB head Don Welsh president and CEO of the new entity.
Joining the two organizations not only is meant to save $1.3 million in administrative costs that will be reinvested in national and international marketing campaigns, but also sets a goal of attracting 50 million visitors per year by 2020, resulting in nearly $4 billion a year in additional annual revenues for Chicago’s… more
Feb 01, 2012
After a tough couple of years grappling with the downturn in the economy, Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ World of Concrete had a stellar show when it ran Jan. 24-27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with upticks in exhibit space and attendees, compared with the 2011 event.
The show drew 52,088 total professional registrants, an increase from 48,554 last year, and showcased just more than 1,200 indoor/outdoor exhibitors on a 552,500-plus net square foot showfloor, an increase of 40,000 net sq. ft., compared with the 2011 show.
“There was a very positive and optimistic buzz on the… more
Jan 31, 2012
MCI, an association management company, has joined up with the IMEX Group, organizers of worldwide exhibitions for the meetings, events and incentive travel industry, and Meeting Professionals International to support the Future Leaders Forum.
The forum is geared toward attracting students who would like to pursue a future in the meeting industry to take part in education days, networking opportunities and internships.
To mark MCI’s involvement, the initiative has been renamed the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forumand also will be promoted with new branding.
In 2012,… more
Jan 31, 2012
Two big shows just named power keynotes: President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation, will address attendees at the 2012 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, and the National Association of Broadcasters has chosen Marina Gorbis, executive director of the Institute for the Future, to address NAB Show attendees.
The NRA Show is on tap May 5-8 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, and NAB Show is scheduled April 14-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“President Clinton has a unique perspective on our nation and the world,”… more
Jan 31, 2012
U.K.-based Clarion Events has chosen David Audrain in the newly created position of president and CEO of its North American division, and Deutsche Messe has named Larry Turner president and CEO of Hannover Fairs USA.
“North America is our No. 1 target growth market, and with almost 20 years experience in the North American exhibition industry, Audrain is the perfect person to help us expand our business into this market, including targeting management contracts,” said Simon Kimble, CEO of Clarion Events.
Audrain previously headed Messe Frankfurt’s North… more
Partner Voices

Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.