News

Mar 07, 2013
The Philadelphia Flower Show, the nation’s largest indoor flower show, opened its doors March 2 for the 185th year, and visitors from all over the world experienced 10 acres of floral fantasy.   This year’s theme was “Brilliant!” That’s not an opinion, it comes from the British word for something that’s inventive, dazzling, extraordinary. As in, “that hat you are wearing is brilliant!”   As you can imagine, a show that’s run for this length of time has seen its share of boom times and lean years.   Stephanie Policastro,… more
Mar 07, 2013
With more than 1,000 meeting planners, another 1,000 trade visitors and plenty of suppliers onsite for Reed Travel Exhibitions’ annual AIBTM – The Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition, it’s the perfect opportunity to reach out to the gathered community through crowdsourcing and ask them what the future of the meetings industry might look like. “We want to know what they are seeing in their world,” said AIBTM Exhibition Director Michael Lyons. He added, “We want to take all the info we gather, disseminate it and be able to say… more
Mar 07, 2013
Several business publications, including The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, are reporting that Nielsen Holdings NV has hired an investment bank to seek out possible buyers for its trade show division, Nielsen Expositions. Naming what they referred to as “sources familiar with the matter”, the WSJ added that Nielsen Expositions could have a $1 billion pricetag. Nielsen representatives declined to comment. Nielsen Expositions organizes shows across several sectors, including Outdoor Retailer, for the outdoor sports market; Interbike, for the bicycling industry; Globalshop,… more
Mar 06, 2013
U.K.-based Tarsus Group ended 2012 on a high note, with not only an increase in revenues, compared with 2010 - its same-show cycle year, but also the company completed its “Project 50/13” early, in which 50 percent of its revenues would be derived from emerging markets by the end of 2013. “2012 was a landmark year with the early completion of Project 50/13,” said Neville Buch, Tarsus’ chairman. He added, “The next phase of our growth strategy – ‘Quickening the Pace’ - will focus management on accelerating the Group’s earnings… more
Mar 06, 2013
More years ago than I care to admit I spent a summer in Europe during college as part of an international media studies program. Six weeks. Two courses. Four countries.  Priceless life and educational experience.   The first city we visited was London. The night we arrived there were an enterprising few of us that wanted to get out and experience the rush of a European capital, the ebullient culture and, of course, English beer. Off we marched in search of a pub and about 100 meters away found three. We opened the doors to the White Swan to find it completely empty.  It was a… more
Mar 05, 2013
Timed with Police Week in Washington, D.C., 1105 Media has collocated its TREXPO – The Law Enforcement Expo, with its GovSec – Government Security Conference and Expo - May 13-15 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Both are part of 1105’s Security, Safety, and Health Group. The purpose of combining the events, according to 1105 Media officials, is to bring together leaders in law enforcement, military, security and federal agencies in a single location, where they can learn more about the tactical training, technology and services required to gain an… more
Mar 04, 2013
When the National Association of Broadcasters’ NAB Show kicks April 6-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, it truly will be an international affair, with 60 overseas delegations being represented, including first-timers from Croatia, Israel, Malaysia, Norway and the United Arab Emirates. Also, about 30 percent of the more than 90,000 attendees to the show will come from 155 different countries. “NAB Show places significant value on international participation from attendees and businesses,” said NAB Executive Vice President of Communications Dennis Wharton. He added,… more
Mar 04, 2013
The Specialty Equipment Market Association does much more than just ‘talk the talk’ when officials there say they want exhibitors at SEMA Show to have a successful event. The organization for the automotive specialty equipment industry will host a the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit April 15-17, a unique conference specifically designed to help exhibitors improve performance at the annual event. “The summit is the best place for our team to connect with exhibitors and explain the many programs and services available to them,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president… more
Mar 04, 2013
The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade has gone for a shorter name, now calling the organization instead more simply the Specialty Food Association. The name change, according to association officials, is part of a larger effort to draw attention to the $75 billion specialty food industry and also will highlight new branding that will be launched June 30-July 2 at SFA’s Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. The new branding is Specialty Food: Craft. Care. Joy. “The brand is designed to express who our members are, honors our history and sets us on an exciting… more
Mar 04, 2013
With the recession far behind it and the equipment rental market continuing to trend upward, this year’s The Rental Show scored its fourth year in a row of increased attendance when it was held Feb. 10-13 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. The 2013 show boasted 5,365 attendees, who came from throughout the U.S., Canada and more than 40 countries. In addition, there were 2,480 businesses represented on the showfloor, which was the highest total since 2006. “Overall, The Rental Show reflects where this industry is headed. Everyone anticipated a great show… 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