News
Nov 15, 2011
The Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show, owned by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and held Oct. 17-20 in Toronto, not only scored a 10-percent increase in attendance, compared with its 2009 event, but it also debuted a larger showfloor, sold out its conference and had 80 percent renewals for the next show.
All of these successes reflect the growing optimism of the Canadian manufacturing industry in general, according to CMTS show organizers.
“We took some big steps this year, using the latest in social media to create a more personalized experience for delegates, while… more
Nov 15, 2011
The Food Processing Suppliers Association’s 2011 Process Expo closed its show, which ran Nov. 1-4 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, with not only a 14-percent attendance uptick in international attendance, compared with the 2010 show, but also a record-breaker.
The largest overseas delegations came from Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and Germany.
It wasn’t just international attendance that saw a spike though, the overall number of attendees and exhibit floor also grew, according to FPSA officials.
"We're very happy with the strong turnout at this year'… more
Nov 15, 2011
For the fourth time since its founding in 1925, UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry headed to Valencia, Spain, for its annual Congress.
As a founding member of UFI in 1925, Feria Valencia hosted UFI’s annual Congress in 1933, 1949, 1992 and most recently Nov. 9-12.
This year’s theme, “Bridging Continents – Linking People” brought together almost 400 delegates from 52 countries, which breaks the record for an UFI Congress in Europe, to examine key industry issues from a global point of view, as well as from an in-depth perspective,… more
Nov 15, 2011
After 30 years serving as the head of the Religious Conference Management Association, Dr. DeWayne Woodring has announced his departure as the organization’s executive director, effective Dec. 31.
The RCMA board unanimously appointed its vice president of the board, Rev. Harry Schmidt, as the new executive director. Schmidt has served as president of Christian Life College, Mt. Prospect, Ill., for almost two decades.
Replacing Schmidt as RCMA board vice president is Melvin Tennant, president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis, Official Convention and Visitors Association, marking the… more
Nov 10, 2011
In a little over one year, West Conshohocken, Pa.-based SMG has won its fourth public bid to manage the Jekyll Island Convention Center on the Georgia Coast, which is set to open in the second quarter of 2012, giving the management firm more than 14 million square feet of prime space it now oversees.
The newest win was from the Jekyll Island Authority that selected SMG among three respondents to a request for proposals for management.
Earlier this year, SMG was selected to manage Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex, the largest convention center in North America, as well as the… more
Nov 10, 2011
In a little over one year, West Conshohocken, Pa.-based SMG has won its fourth public bid to manage the Jekyll Island Convention Center on the Georgia Coast, which is set to open in the second quarter of 2012, giving the management firm more than 14 million square feet of prime space it now oversees.
The newest win was from the Jekyll Island Authority that selected SMG among three respondents to a request for proposals for management.
Earlier this year, SMG was selected to manage Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex, the largest convention center in North America, as well as the… more
Nov 08, 2011
Trade Show News Network is pleased to announce the debut release of the TSNN Top 50 Canadian Trade Shows list of rankings.
Culled from show management and data supplied to TSNN, the list represents the top 50 trade shows held last year in ranked by net square footage in Canada. The full list can be found at http://www.tsnn.com/datasite-cdn.
Snagging the No. 1 spot was Regina Exhibition Association’s Western Canada Farm Progress Show, with a whopping 1,189,783 net square foot showfloor. Despite overall negative economic trends, the showfloor grew in 2010 from 969,783 sq. ft. at the… more
Nov 07, 2011
In the year leading up to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2011 Leaders’ Meeting, which kicks off Nov. 12-13 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center in Honolulu, the venue will have hosted nine major international events.
The nine events collectively drew more than 50,000 attendees, including medical professionals, science and technology experts, environmental policy makers and cultural scholars from more than 100 countries.
“The Hawai‘i Convention Center works proactively with meeting organizers to ensure that they are effectively able to reach global… more
Nov 07, 2011
UBM Asia has opened an office in Shenzhen, which will focus on sales and marketing functions for UBM Asia’s jewelry portfolio comprising exhibitions, publications and Web sites.
China has a fast-growing jewelry market and in Shenzhen has become a center for manufacturing, especially in Shuibei, Luohu District, which houses over 1,500 jewelry companies.
"We have 14 jewelry fairs: three in mainland China including one in Shenzhen, five in Hong Kong and the rest are in Japan, India and Turkey,” said Jimé Essink, president and CEO of UBM Asia.
He added, “Our… more
Nov 07, 2011
More than 2,100 exhibitors from 31 countries and regions – a new exhibitor record at the show – took part in the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), which ran Oct. 27-30 October at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Exhibitors from the Cayman Islands, Finland and Sweden participated for the first time, according to HHKTDC officials.
The fair also welcomed more than 70 buying missions from 60 countries and regions, representing more than 5,530 buyers and companies such as Colinter… more
Partner Voices

Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.