Atlantic City Chosen as Host Location for 7th Annual 2016 TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence

March 10, 2016

Trade Show News Network has named Atlantic City, N.J., as the host city for the 7th Annual 2016 TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence.

As the premiere awards program in the trade show industry celebrating fastest-growing shows, more than 50 show organizers will be feted during the three-day weekend event Oct. 28-30 (www.T-awards.com). 

“We are very excited to bring the 2016 TSNN Awards to Atlantic City,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. “Atlantic City has a really exciting convention center/hotel package, as well as incredible restaurants and entertainment options that will be a real delight for attendees.”

Besides the Atlantic City Convention Center and bevy of hotels within walking distance, Atlantic City also has its world famous boardwalk, a brand new conference center by Harrah’s, gaming in several casinos, luxury spas and proximity to numerous East Coast destinations.

“It is a tremendous achievement to be recognized as one of the top fifty fastest-growing trade shows in America this past year, and we are especially honored to be this year’s host city for the TSNN Awards,” said Jim Wood, president and CEO for Meet AC.  

The weekend will kick off with an opening reception, followed by a Saturday conference featuring the “State of the Industry” panel with the chairs of the Society of Independent Show Organizers and International Association of Exhibitions & Events and a special lunch keynote.

That evening, the awards gala will be held during which the top fastest-growing shows for attendance and net square footage will be named, the “Best of Show” will be revealed and the “Industry Icon” will be honored.

The TSNN Awards’ founding sponsor, The Expo Group, also will honor five show organizers from different-sized events for the Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Awards.

TSNN Awards is a hallmark event in our industry, bringing together industry super stars and leaders of varied backgrounds and experiences,” said Ray Pekowski, The Expo Group chairman and CEO.

He added, “We are proud to be Founding Sponsor of this event honoring outstanding shows and to bring to the weekend The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Awards, which is all about the people.”

The final day will feature a Sunday Brunch before everyone heads off back to the airport.

This weekend-long celebration is where the best and the brightest in the business gather to network, connect and celebrate working in an industry like no other – and acknowledging and embracing the success that they have mutually achieved.

TSNN is proud to have several new and returning sponsors for the 2016 TSNN Awards, including Host City Sponsor: MEET AC; Founding Sponsor: The Expo Group; Transportation Sponsor: Production Transport; Presenting Sponsors: Wyndham Jade and Ungerboeck Software International; Gold Sponsors: ASP, Experient, Shepard Exposition Services, Convention Data Services; Silver Sponsors: Expocad, Core-Apps, HelmsBriscoe, OnPeak, showNets; Video Sponsor: CNTV; Photography: The Photo Group.

For sponsorship information, please contact John Rice, jrice@tsnn.com (617) 207-7088.

For information about the TSNN Awards, please visit www.T-awards.com.

Add new comment

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