News

Feb 19, 2012
Although the retail industry hasn’t fully recovered from the gloom and doom of recent years, there were green shoots of promise growing at Advanstar Communications’ MAGIC Marketplace, the world’s largest trade show for the fashion industry. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Feb. 13-15, the biannual behemoth draws global buyers and sellers of the latest trends in men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, footwear, accessories and sourcing resources. Show representatives were unable to release attendance figures by… more
Feb 19, 2012
More than 700 medical professionals attended the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery’s 28th Annual Scientific Meeting, making it a record-breaking event. The event was held Jan.18-21 at Caesars Palace Hotel in Las Vegas.  “We could not be more thrilled with the attendance for the Annual Meeting,” said Dr. Angelo Cuzalina, 2011 AACS President. He added, “The Academy is a community that continues to grow globally. And this record turnout from across the world demonstrates that the Academy’s signature event, the annual meeting, is recognized as the premier… more
Feb 15, 2012
Even though some fashion trade shows appear to be experiencing slight revivals in participation this year, the event devoted to bargain apparel remains ahead of that pack. Enter the OFFPRICE Show, the only trade show in the U.S. dedicated to discount fashion, which has been a booming segment since the economic downturn took hold a few years ago. Owned by U.K.-based Tarsus Group, the event continued its steady, year-over-year growth pattern, as it kicked off Las Vegas’s biannual Fashion Week, which included trade shows at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Venetian Casino, Hotel &… more
Feb 15, 2012
Last year was a good one for Reed Exhibitions, with not only $1.1 billion in revenue, but also a 10-percent increase in underlying revenue, compared with 2010 and excluding biennial show cycling.   Reed Exhibitions' net operating profit also rose 6 percent to $262 million, compared with 2010.   Reed Elsevier’s trade show division, which already boasts a massive worldwide portfolio, also grew even larger in 2011 with 43 new events being added.   Even with the struggles in the Eurozone, revenues in Europe for Reed Exhibitions grew 6 percent, compared with 2010,… more
Feb 14, 2012
The Professional Convention Management Association has unveiled its education gateway portal, EduGate, for idea and session proposal submissions and management.   The new online application will facilitate the 24/7, 365 day submission of session proposals and other ideas.   “PCMA’s strategic plans call for us to enhance the relevancy of our educational programming for all member demographics,” said Deborah Sexton, PCMA president and CEO. She added, "The 2012 Convening Leader’s program was evidence of our commitment – offering a variety of… more
Feb 14, 2012
The popular video gaming convention PAX East has decided to make Boston its home for 10 more years, signing a deal with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority to keep the show at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center through 2023.   PAX East, operated in partnership with PAX East and Reed Exhibitions, has attracted more than 70,000 attendees each year to Boston since the show launched in 2010 at the Hynes Convention Center. Last year, the show moved to the BCEC, where it will run again in April.   This year was the final one on PAX East’s contract at the BCEC,… more
Feb 14, 2012
With temperatures hovering near zero degrees and heavy snow blanketing the area, 70 exhibition industry CEO leaders braved the elements to attend the UFI CEO Forum Feb. 1-3 in Istanbul. UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry held the three-day event at the host venue IFM – Istanbul Expo Center. “This was my first UCF, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Haluk Kanca, general manager of IFM. He added, “There were group dynamics at play that I have never seen at another industry meeting. The program was really educational and the… more
Feb 14, 2012
Three different associations – the Professional Convention Management Association, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events – recently board and staffing changes. PCMA Board of Directors has elected Martin D. Balogh, director of meetings and travel for the American Bar Association, to fill the one-year Board seat vacancy for 2012. The seat was vacated by Chris Wehking, who began his term as secretary-treasurer of the PCMA board of directors Jan. 12.   A 30-year employee of the ABA, Balogh has… more
Feb 14, 2012
The International Association of Exhibitions and Eventswill launch the first-ever job analysis of the practice of exhibition management. The initial survey invitation has been sent to 10,640 individuals, according to IAEE officials. To take the survey, click HERE. The goal of the IAEE job analysis is to create the exhibitions and events industry's first definition of core competencies in the exhibition management field. The job analysis is a set of procedures designed to obtain descriptive information about the tasks performed within a specific profession and the essential knowledge… more
Feb 13, 2012
Randall-Reilly’s Great American Trucking Show, one of the fastest-growing shows in attendance in the United States, will attract even more of a crowd later this year with the collocation of the ProPickup Truck Expo. Both events will open their doors Aug. 23-25 at the Dallas Convention Center. The ProPickup Truck Expo will showcase pickups and accessories used in construction, trucking, landscaping and other industries that the trucks typically are used for. “With the addition of our ProPickup Truck Expo, we will be providing attendees with the unique opportunity to see vehicles… 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