News

Jan 01, 2016
The Aria Resort & Casino has unveiled plans for a major expansion of its LEED Gold-certified convention center in Las Vegas. The $154 million project will feature an additional 200,000 square feet of technologically advanced, flexible meeting space across four stories, highlighted by indoor/open-air spaces and a glass-enclosed venue with views of The Park and new Las Vegas Arena. With the completion of the expansion, ARIA will feature more than 500,000 square feet of meeting space for its clientele. Construction is scheduled to begin May 2016 with anticipated completion February 2018.… more
Jan 01, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced the selection of Aaron Bludworth, CEO of Fern, as the incoming Chairman of the Board along with the new slate of officers and board members during its meeting held Dec.1 in Baltimore, Md. The 2016 officers of the CEIR board of directors are as follows: ·  Chairman: Aaron Bludworth, president and CEO, Fern; ·  Vice Chair: Steve Moster, CEO, VIAD and president, Global Experience Specialists (GES); ·  Secretary/Treasurer: Bob Priest-Heck, president and COO, Freeman; and ·  Immediate Past Chair: Britton Jones,… more
Jan 01, 2016
Next year will be an interesting one for SIA Snow Show, since SnowSports Industries America, the show’s owner, will hold two shows that year. In 2017, the show will switch from a January to a December timeframe at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, meeting the needs of buyers and sellers, according to SIA officials. “This decision was made with great care and consideration given to the evolving buy/sell cycle, and an eye on the future growth of the industry,” said Nick Sargent, SIA’s incoming president. He added, “The show’s purpose is to preview product in the best possible… more
Dec 21, 2015
By Elizabeth Johnson If your New Year’s Resolution is to “do it better” in 2016, you’re not alone. Whether it’s more attendees, a larger exhibit hall, a broader international reach or more sponsorship revenue, show planners have ambitious goals that mean marketing needs to be more effective. But, with all the possibilities, how do planners market their events better than ever before? The industry’s leading marketing experts weighed in on how event marketing will evolve in the coming year and shared best practices for getting it right. Kevin Miller, president of Frost Miller “2016 will be the… more
Dec 15, 2015
Deutsche Messe’s five industrial trade show collocated at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), on tap Sept. 12-17 at McCormick Place in Chicago, will occupy two times more space, compared with 2014.  IMTS currently is up 10 percent in display area space and 16 percent in exhibitor participation. Hannover Fairs USA, Deutsche Messe’s U.S. subsidiary, is organizing the five shows and conferences. The growth of Deutsche Messe’s portfolio at IMTS is a direct result of the resurgence of manufacturing in America. Industrial Automation NORTH AMERICA premiered in 2012… more
Dec 13, 2015
The 2015 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, owned and operated by Informa Exhibitions and presented by the U.S. Green Building Council and held Nov. 18-20 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., saw a big attendance uptick at the recent show. Attendance was 19,058, a significant increase, compared with the 2014 event. There also were 548 exhibiting companies participating on 144,300 square feet of exhibit and display space on the trade show floor.   Greenbuild featured more than 200 sessions, tours, summits and workshops in the robust education program… more
Dec 13, 2015
Longtime hospitality executive, David M. Gibbons of Rockport, Mass., was named by board of directors for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority as its executive director. Gibbons becomes the third leader in the history of the MCCA, taking over most recently for James Rooney, who left to run the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Gibbons appointment comes after a several-month search process led by executive search firm Korn Ferry.  In his role, Gibbons will oversee ownership and operations of the Authority’s four facilities, including the Boston Convention & Exhibition… more
Dec 13, 2015
Wondering what 2016 will have in store for digital marketers and consumers? 2015 has brought some remarkably game-changing paradigm shifts in how users find and consume digital content, as well as physical commodities. In the coming year, these trends will continue to have an exponentially deepening impact on both B2B and B2C sectors. 1.       Live streaming, as well as video-driven promotion, will find much wider acceptance. Video ads will continue to show up on more and more sites and apps. 2.       Wearable tech and smart devices… more
Dec 13, 2015
The International School of Hospitality (TISOH) has installed cutting-edge technology for its special events and meetings students – the Giant iTab – an oversized interactive touchscreen intended to increase digital engagement and keep students on top of trends in the industry and at TISOH. “When we teach our students about successful meetings, we want to expose them to every facet of planning, production and ultimately the experience of their attendees,” TISOH Executive Director Tim Lam said. He added, “That includes bringing in the most innovative technology… more
Dec 13, 2015
Wondering what 2016 will have in store for digital marketers and consumers? 2015 has brought some remarkably game-changing paradigm shifts in how users find and consume digital content, as well as physical commodities. In the coming year, these trends will continue to have an exponentially deepening impact on both B2B and B2C sectors. 1.       Live streaming, as well as video-driven promotion, will find much wider acceptance. Video ads will continue to show up on more and more sites and apps. 2.       Wearable tech and smart devices… 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