Comeback News

Has your company hosted, or are you a supplier who has helped host, a safe, well-executed trade show, meeting, convention or other event? Tweet us using the #comebackstories hashtag to @TSNN_com_us and we’ll share your role in the recovery of a lifetime.

Dec 20, 2021
Global trade show organizer Montgomery Group has teamed up with Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) to expand the Independent Hotel Show, which has successful editions in London and Amsterdam, into the North American market. Set for Nov. 2-3, 2022 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Independent Hotel Show Miami will connect independent, boutique and luxury hoteliers with quality, handpicked suppliers from the U.S. and abroad.   “We are thrilled to be partnering with Montgomery Group to expand their successful Independent Hotel Show brand into North America,” said ExpoDevCo COO… more
Dec 14, 2021
As the first face-to-face IBTM portfolio event to take place in two years, IBTM World once again succeeded in reuniting the global meeting, incentives, conference and events industry in Barcelona, Spain. Held Nov. 30–Dec. 2 at Fira de Barcelona, the annual industry event attracted more than 7,000 attendees, who participated in more than 30,000 pre-scheduled, one-to-one business meetings, as well as a slew of networking and premium education opportunities. “This has been an incredibly rewarding three days, and it has been amazing to see people reconnect after so long apart,” said David… more
Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia
Dec 08, 2021
ASM Global, the largest venue management company in the world, is continuing to lead the way for the return of in-person events, this time in Philadelphia, as host to the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Annual Meeting and Exhibition, Expo! Expo! 2021 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) Dec. 7-9. IAEE is the trade group that represents the exhibition industry, which contributed $396 billion annually to U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and supported 6.6 million jobs prior to the pandemic. Expo! Expo! 2021, the largest think tank of trade show organizers and… more
Dec 07, 2021
Following an incredibly challenging time for the $55 billion global attractions industry, IAAPA Expo 2021, the industry’s premier event, recently reconvened for the first time since 2019. Held Nov. 15-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., the festive trade show and conference opened its doors to more than 28,000 global attractions industry professionals seeking to network, learn and buy. Hosted by IAAPA, the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, the event featured more than 870 exhibiting companies from around the world touting new… more
Dec 01, 2021
The Dubai Airshow, Tarsus Group’s flagship event, recently wrapped up its 2021 edition with more than 104,000 face-to-face attendees from around the world for the first time in nearly two years. The five-day show, held Nov. 14-18 at DWC, Dubai Airshow Site in Dubai, saw a 50% increase in trade visitor numbers over the 2019 pre-pandemic event as well as a 24% boost in overall attendance. Meanwhile, as an industry-leading hallmark show for facilitating thousands of in-person meetings, commercial deals and new partnerships, the order tally by closing day was U.S. $78 billion.  Douglas Emslie,… more
Nov 29, 2021
After an almost two-year hiatus, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the trade association representing the $47.8 billion automotive specialty equipment industry, recently wrapped up a successful 2021 edition of the SEMA Show, the largest North American automotive trade show to take place since the pandemic shut the world down in 2020. Held Nov. 2-5 in all four halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the sprawling event attracted more than 100,000 attendees, exhibitors and media spanning 4.6 million square feet of convention space and an additional 2.2 million sq. ft… more
Nov 23, 2021
The Golden State’s official marketing organization was popping plenty of Mumm Napa cuvee at IMEX America 2021 in Las Vegas earlier in November, as it officially unveiled a $4.5 million initiative to invest and market in the professional meetings and events space for the first time in its history. “We're here today to celebrate that California has reopened and is ready for business, and we really feel like 2022 is going to be a monumental year for the state, said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, before revealing the state’s new “Meet What’s Possible” campaign, which… more
Nov 22, 2021
After more than two years without an in-person show in North America, InfoComm brought the pro audiovisual industry together once again to connect, learn and celebrate the industry’s resilience in the face of adversity. Held Oct. 22-29 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., the annual technology trade show and conference welcomed 7,335 in-person attendees, who gathered face-to-face to interact with technology, meet and conduct business, learn about the latest trends and celebrate industry leaders. “InfoComm is the home for commerce, networking and learning in the AV… more
Nov 17, 2021
Organizing a safe, productive and memorable event for thousands of attendees in a new pandemic world is one thing—doing it for your industry and proving it was a testament to its resiliency and ability to successfully recover is another. The energy and excitement were palpable at IMEX America 2021, held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas Nov. 9-11, as attendees disembarked from shuttle buses and eagerly proceeded into the event. They happily showed proof of COVID-19 vaccination on their smart phones before heading onto the show floor to reunite with industry colleagues,… more
Nov 11, 2021
In-person trade shows are continuing to make a comeback, filling a face-to-face business and knowledge gap for the industries they serve that digital-only events just can’t duplicate. Here are two major events that pulled off safe and successful iterations recently.  GSX Presented by ASIS International, the world’s largest association for security management professionals, Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2021 trade show and conference for the global security community exceeded its attendance projections while creating an estimated $18.5 million in economic impact for its host city.  Held… 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