News
Apr 26, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson
Whether you see eyewear as a fashion accessory or functional tool, you could find it on display on the floor of International Vision Expo East at New York’s Jacob J. Javits Center April 14-17. This year, the event celebrated its 30th anniversary.
“We held a champagne toast on Friday afternoon which gave a very celebratory feel to the opening of the show,” said Ashley Mills, vice president of Trade Shows & Meetings, The Vision Council.
The event, which caters to the entire industry of optometrists, opticians, practice managers, eyewear designers and others, saw high… more
Apr 24, 2016
Lew Shomer, chairman of 5NET4 Productions and Abilities Expos, found his way into the trade show industry like many others when he was vice president of marketing for a modem manufacturer in the 1980’s. In order to stand out from others at one of the early Comdex show, Shomer engaged a former Miss Louisiana model and her partner to perform a live song and dance skit.
After the second or third performance, word got around to the attendees that “you had to see this girl!" Next thing that happened was Sheldon Adelson came to the booth and said that we were making too much noise and drawing all… more
Apr 24, 2016
Audience response has been around for thousands of years. Remember the movie Gladiator? Thumbs up or thumbs down was the ancient audience response system (or ARS). Clapping or booing is another form of it.
Technology has done a great job taming ARS in recent years. Colleges and conferences often use clickers that attendees can interact with to give their opinion or answer to yes-no or multiple choice questions.
The problem is that conferences are by nature social environments. Audience response, then, would be social too. With all the fun social media tools now available, you'd think… more
Apr 24, 2016
Audience response has been around for thousands of years. Remember the movie Gladiator? Thumbs up or thumbs down was the ancient audience response system (or ARS). Clapping or booing is another form of it.
Technology has done a great job taming ARS in recent years. Colleges and conferences often use clickers that attendees can interact with to give their opinion or answer to yes-no or multiple choice questions.
The problem is that conferences are by nature social environments. Audience response, then, would be social too. With all the fun social media tools now available, you'd think… more
Apr 23, 2016
When the first CONEXPO was held in 1909 in Columbus, Ohio, the entire show (known then as the Road Show) covered 40,000 square feet — the size of some single exhibits at today’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG, the largest show for the construction, aggregates and ready-mixed concrete industries in the Western Hemisphere.
That first show was considered a “hazardous experiment” with 40 machinery manufacturers displaying devices that could do the work of 15 horse-drawn units — and besides, there were few paved roads outside of cities at the time.
But the Road Show, sponsored by forerunners of the… more
Apr 23, 2016
The North American International Auto Show will be launch AutoMobili-D, a dedicated exposition focused on the rapidly evolving global automotive and mobility landscape.
Spearheaded by NAIAS, AutoMobili-D will run in conjunction with the 2017 auto show this coming January in Detroit and will feature more than 100 companies, including automakers, tier one suppliers and tech startups.
“AutoMobili-D will provide an international look at the ever-changing world of consumer mobility and the ecosystem of companies and innovations that are driving this exciting transformation,” said Sam Slaughter,… more
Apr 22, 2016
UBM added more than a few dozen shows to its fashion portfolio in the United States with the acquisition of Business Journals Inc. for $69 million in cash.
“We are delighted to have acquired BJI. This transaction is very much in line with our ‘Events First’, strategy,” said Tim Cobbold, CEO of UBM.
He added, “It adds to our presence in North America and also in the fashion sector, both of which were already strong following UBM’s acquisition of Advanstar at the end of 2014. We see excellent opportunities to deliver an improved experience for customers and to realize the operational benefits… more
Apr 18, 2016
Industry Veteran Larry Luteran has been brought on my parent company Freeman to Freeman Audio Visual, as the company continues to grow its global presence.
Named chief sales officer, Luteran will be responsible for the revenue performance of Freeman Audio Visual, Freeman Audio Visual Canada and Encore Event Technologies.
During the past six years, Freeman has broadened its Audio Visual presence by expanding its AV technology division through organic growth and acquisitions around the world.
“We’re building a strong leadership team with a focus on extending the company’s reach, with expanded… more
Apr 18, 2016
Cvent, a cloud-based enterprise event management company, entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on investments in software, data and technology-enabled businesses.
Vista will acquire 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Cvent common stock for a total value of approximately $1.65 billion.
“We are pleased to announce this transaction that provides a significant premium for Cvent stockholders,” said Reggie Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Cvent.
He added, “This milestone is the next chapter in our 17-year… more
Apr 18, 2016
Meeting Professionals International and host city partners Meet AC and Caesars Entertainment have unveiled several unique and exciting networking opportunities at this year’s World Education Congress (WEC) in Atlantic City.
MPI is offering a new registration option – the WEC Networking Package – that grants exclusive entry to all four evening events, including the MPI Foundation’s Rendezvous, which will be headlined by the Grammy® Award-winning band Train.
“Year after year, attendees tell us how valuable WEC is for growing their professional networks,” said Paul Van Deventer, president and… 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