Association Show News
Sponsored by
Nov 12, 2015
By Elizabeth Johnson
Two of the most common sponsorships sold by trade show planners get a thumbs down from exhibitors - logos on signage and attendee materials such as bags and lanyards no longer make the grade.
A Global Experience Specialist’s survey released earlier this year revealed that 29 percent of exhibitors want more unique opportunities for attendees. Many trade show planners are working to raise the bar, offering new and creative ways to increase their sponsors’ ROI. Here are four ideas sponsors say work:
1. Showcase a Company’s Product… more
Nov 11, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions & Events has named Los Angeles Abilities Expo 2015 the Top Public Event this year, an award that will be celebrated at the organization’s Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition Dec. 1-3 in Baltimore, Md.
The IAEE Top Public Events program was established in 2011 to honor the best consumer shows in the nation. Events that submitted applications were measured on broad criteria to include sound business practices, stability, exceptional customer service, and how the event serves the community and overall industry.
The Los… more
Nov 09, 2015
More than 180 attendees, including fastest-growing show winners representing the top 50 shows, as well as their guests and sponsors, all came together to celebrate at the 2015 TSNN Awards Nov. 6-8 in Atlanta.
Awards were given onstage at the AmericasMart during a gala celebration emceed by The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore, with The American Coatings Show scoring the overall fastest-growing award for attendance and the ICSC New York National Conference snagging the overall fastest-growing award for net square footage.
“Thank you for awarding the ICSC,” said Tim McGuinness, vice president of… more
Nov 08, 2015
In a society that’s more disconnected and lonely than ever, people no longer attend events because they just want basic information or random networking. Instead, they desire a strategically-designed experience where they can collaborate and create solutions to problems.
“People go to events for four primary reasons,” according to Marc Pomerleau, Global Strategy Vice President for FreemanXP. “They want to strengthen relationships, enhance competency, increase vision and perspective, and discover a sense of purpose.”
Creating the type of event that meets those needs can be tough because it… more
Nov 06, 2015
The 2015 NACS Show attracted a record 24,392 registered attendees, of which 9,038 were classified as buyers (retailers, convenience distributors).
The total number of registered attendees, which includes Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) buyer registration, was 3.3-percent higher than last year and topped the previous attendance record set in 2004.
The 2015 NACS Show also attracted a record 2,490 international attendees representing 73 countries, which was another record, showcasing the event’s importance to the success of the global convenience and fuel retailing industry.
The 2015 NACS… more
Nov 04, 2015
The Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association has named management firm Coulter to provide comprehensive association management services to the organization, effective Nov. 1.
Amy Lotz, CAE, Coulter vice president, will serve as HCEA’s executive director.
HCEA’s goal is to provide the effectiveness and promoting the value of all conventions, meetings and exhibitions for the healthcare industry.
In its provision of full-service association management to HCEA, Coulter will provide guidance through strategic planning and analysis, event management and fundraising, and communications and… more
Nov 03, 2015
Meeting Professionals International has acquired the assets of Plan Your Meetings, a privately-owned educational and networking resources company based in Atlanta.
Plan Your Meetings produces live education, networking events, an award-winning annual meeting planning guide and a variety of digital resources and tools for meeting planners in the U.S.
The acquisition of Plan Your Meetings’ assets strengthens MPI’s portfolio of professional development offerings and supports MPI’s strategic vision to be the first choice for professional career development for its members and the global… more
Oct 30, 2015
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ CONEXPO-CON/AGG already is the largest show in the United States, and now it’s reaching new heights in South America as well.
CONEXPO Latin America, which debuted Oct. 21-24, 2015, in Santiago, Chile (Espacio Riesco), attracted nearly 32,600 attendees from more than 90 countries.
The top five Latin American countries besides the host country (in order) were Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia.
“The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has a longstanding commitment to Latin America to advance business development and cooperation; we are… more
Oct 28, 2015
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) brought together a broad base of DMO industry leaders and thought leaders during the organization’s first-ever Strategic Innovation Summit, held Oct. 7-8 in Dallas.
The efforts from this meeting, led by Soren Kaplan of InnovationPoint, built the framework for DMAI’s 2016-2017 Strategic Plan, according to DMAI officials.
“We wanted to focus on the core values of the organization: Innovation, Transparency, Responsiveness and in particular Inclusiveness,” said Bob Lander, president and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and… more
Oct 27, 2015
Just a few weeks before doors open, more than 1,000 companies from nearly 40 countries already have reserved approximately 553,000 net square feet of exhibit space for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2015, making it the second largest trade show floor in the event's 97-year history.
Indoor space has sold out, and a limited amount of outdoor space still is available.
IAAPA Attractions Expo is owned and produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).
The exhibitors, including 140 first-timers, will showcase the latest products and innovative services in the… 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