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.

Sep 20, 2021
The future is bright for the meetings and events industry in Mexico and Latin America, as evidenced by the recent in-person success of IBTM Americas, the leading annual event for the region’s meetings, incentives, conference and events industry. Held Aug. 18-19 at Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City and organized by RX Mexico, the two-day event hosted just under 8,000 business meetings and created an economic impact of more than 70 million Mexican pesos, according to IBTM officials.  More than 2,000 attendees participated in the bustling show, including more than 350 exhibitor and co-exhibitor… more
Sep 15, 2021
Dallas Market Center (DMC), global B2B trade center and wholesale marketplace, recently hosted the world’s largest trade events for western and equestrian buyers and brands. Held Aug. 26-29, the venue’s second edition of the biannual WESA International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market overlapped with the collocated Dallas debut of the AETA International Trade Show, which was presented by the American Equestrian Trade Association and took place Aug. 24-27. Throughout the equine-themed marketplace, more than 1,000 western and equestrian lifestyle brands in temporary exhibits and… more
Sep 07, 2021
Event professionals and suppliers have happily descended upon Las Vegas since 2011 for IMEX America, but this year is shaping up to be an even more joyful experience for everyone involved, as they join with peers in-person again after a long and challenging hiatus due to the pandemic. IMEX America 2021, billed as a “homecoming for the global events community,” is the 10th edition of the show. IMEX Group is marking the milestone with plenty of unique opportunities to conduct business, connect, learn and grow Nov. 9-11 at its new home: Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. “We can’t wait to see the… more
Sep 01, 2021
After sitting closed for nearly 18 months, Chicago’s McCormick Place is once again hosting major trade shows and events, has welcomed back more than 1,000 full-time employees and is boasting a robust events schedule. Following the NBA Draft Combine in June, the campus enjoyed a busy July that harkened back to pre-pandemic days, hosting three major events within a few days of each other that brought in more than 150,000 guests. These included the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), the Nike Tournament of Champions and a special edition of a marquee event that McCormick has hosted for 60… more
Sep 01, 2021
After an 18-month hiatus, OFFPRICE Show returned to Las Vegas Fashion Week with a resurgence in buyer traffic, fueling cautious optimism for its 2022 shows. Although event participation wasn’t yet in line with pre-pandemic numbers, the biannual bargain apparel, accessories and footwear event still exceeded attendee expectations.   Held Aug. 7-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in close proximity to an array of Fashion Week trade shows, OFFPRICE Show remains the largest U.S. trade show dedicated to discount fashion, boasting approximately 450 exhibitors and 12,000 buyers in “normal” years… more
Aug 16, 2021
As the trade show industry continues to forge ahead with health and safety still very much top-of-mind, major shows across the U.S. have been pulling off successful in-person iterations. Here are two significant events that happened in Chicago and Orlando recently.  ASI Show As the first trade show to take place at McCormick Place since Chicago’s shutdown, the ASI Show was also the first large, in-person show for the $20.7 billion promotional products industry in more than 15 months. Held July 14-15 and hosted by the Advertising Specialty Institute, the show’s attendance exceeded… more
Aug 09, 2021
Destinations International, the world’s largest and only association dedicated to destination organizations, CVBs and tourism boards, has released its 2021 DestinationNEXT Futures Study, an updated study of key trends and strategies that will help thousands of destination organizations around the world stay thriving and relevant. Built on the learnings from the 2014, 2017 and 2019 Futures Studies, the 2021 Futures Study identifies travel and tourism trends while taking a deep dive into the major opportunities for destination marketing and management leaders, thus providing a critical roadmap… more
Aug 04, 2021
For many buyers at last month’s Summer 2021 Atlanta Market, returning to the biannual gift, décor and lifestyle market felt like a homecoming. Held July 13-19 at AmericasMart Atlanta, the show beat industry expectations with an uptick in out-of-region attendees, independent retailers and buying groups, along with enthusiastic reports of record-breaking sales across its home and gift collections. “The safety measures and the graciousness of the Atlanta Market staff have left me with a smile on my face and an incredible hope for the future of our business and brick and mortar stores!” said… more
Jul 28, 2021
As live trade shows begin to take place in person, many are enjoying a surge of pent-up demand as attendees and exhibitors jump at the chance to conduct face-to-face business once again. Here are two events that not only pulled off successful iterations last month, but were also the first live, in-person trade shows representing their respective industries to take place since the pandemic began.  Sweets & Snacks Expo  It seems like a no-brainer that the Sweets & Snacks Expo would return to the world during National Candy Month. Held June 22-25 at the Indiana Convention Center in… more
Jul 13, 2021
Sarin Bachmann, group vice president of Reed Jewelry Group, is ready to meet like it’s 2019. At JCK & Luxury, returning to The Venetian Resort & Sands Expo in Las Vegas this August, she’ll get close to her wish. The dates are different than usual, and so the floor layouts have been redesigned, but Bachmann is keen to emphasize that it will pretty much be business as usual. “After over a year without JCK in-person events, we are thrilled to welcome the jewelry industry back to JCK this summer,” Bachmann said. It appears to be a big reunion. More than 1,500 exhibitors have registered… 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