News
Dec 04, 2020
In an effort to speed the pace of recovery in Indianapolis, Visit Indy has pooled together its tech partners to offer discounted prices for citywide hybrid meetings.
The CVB says it is the first in the nation to present citywide discounts on audiovisual and WiFi. Planners who take advantage of the offer can receive 25 percent off WiFi and 10 percent off AV equipment. Thirteen venues, including Indiana Convention Center and a mix of hotels, are participating.
Visit Indy’s discount is available for events booked by the end of next year and held by Dec. 31, 2022.
As a destination designed… more
Dec 04, 2020
While the 2020 edition of Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition will look different this year, that doesn’t mean the first-ever virtual “show for shows” isn’t going to be packed with tons of valuable content, business and engagement opportunities.
Set for Dec. 8-10, the annual trade show and conference will once again offer exhibition and events industry professionals the chance to learn about the latest, top-of-mind industry trends and technology, participate in special events and network with like-minded professionals as the industry looks toward a brighter future after one of… more
Dec 03, 2020
Destinations International has released two studies that look at key issues facing the travel industry. The first focuses on the role destination organizations play in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion, while the second—conducted with Longwoods International—examines the perception of the travel industry by U.S. residents.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
A follow-up to the baseline data compiled in 2019, DI’s 2020 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Study on Destination Organizations found a need and desire for destination organizations to drive growth in diverse leadership… more
Dec 02, 2020
In a sign of the times, NAB Show is springing forward with a back-loaded plan for 2021.
Traditionally a springtime event in Las Vegas, the National Association of Broadcasters’ largest gathering will be held Oct. 9-13, 2021, at the renovated and upgraded Las Vegas Convention Center. The event was originally scheduled for April 11-14, a period that falls into a window of “growing concern and uncertainty,” said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith in a statement announcing the move.
The show’s move is not surprising, and could signify one of many trade shows to rearrange their schedules to buy… more
Dec 01, 2020
The slow-moving transition of power in Washington, D.C., is causing far more damage than anguish and partisan bickering.
With hopes dimming on a new stimulus package before the new year, the American Hotel & Lodging Association reports stalled negotiations are endangering properties that have survived the pandemic so far.
A new survey shows dim health predictions before a vaccine is released, combined with economic hardship, point toward closures and significant layoffs within six months. That is, unless the federal government passes new relief measures.
“Every hour Congress doesn’t… more
Nov 30, 2020
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) is thrilled to welcome Matt Swenson on board as editorial director.
Swenson will be overseeing TSNN, the top online news source in the trade show industry, as well as Corporate Event News, for corporate event planners.
“Matt has a strong background in not only journalism, but also the meetings and events industry,” said EVP of Business Development, Tarsus US and Tarsus Media President Rachel Wimberly.
She added, “The TSNN and Corporate Event News teams are excited to work with Matt and look forward to providing high-quality content to our extensive… more
Nov 29, 2020
According to colleagues who have known him for years, Ed Nichols is a force for making things happen in the trade show industry. As vice president of events for Hannover Fairs USA, this 24-year industry veteran says he not only loves the challenge of launching, acquiring and growing events to meet the needs of exhibitors and attendees, but also the incredible people who comprise this dynamic industry. TSNN sat down with Nichols to learn how he and his teams have been fairing during the COVID era, what he expects for the industry going forward and why he can’t imagine doing anything… more
Nov 25, 2020
With virtual elements taking an increasingly prominent role in the events industry, new digital technologies continue to emerge to aid planners with the various components involved in a meeting or exhibition.
Here are four recently launched tools that help organizers in everything from site selection and exhibit booth design to networking and awards.
IFEMA Virtual Site Tour
Madrid-based IFEMA launched a new digital tool that offers a 360-degree virtual tour of the indoor and outdoor spaces, rooms and halls at its Feria de Madrid and IFEMA Palacio Municipal meeting venues. The new… more
Nov 25, 2020
Many of us will not be celebrating this year’s Thanksgiving in the same way we’re used to. But while life may not go “back to normal” for quite some time, it’s important to find things to be grateful for to keep our spirits up as we move into the season of giving. Here, event industry leaders share what they’re thankful for this year – professionally and personally – despite one of the most challenging years on record.
David DuBois, president and CEO, IAEE
“As we begin to make our way into the extended holiday season, I would like to thank everyone in our industry for doing our best to… more
Nov 24, 2020
Due to continued concerns for the health and safety of its members, industry partners, volunteer leaders, staff and other stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Society of Association Executives will continue to hold its events virtually through February 2021.
This decision means that all ASAE events including the CEO Symposium programs scheduled in January and February; an Exceptional Boards program in January and ASAE’s Great Ideas Conference, which was scheduled to take place Feb. 21-23 in Salt Lake City, will be held online. The next in-person edition of Great Ideas will… 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