Association Show News

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Aug 18, 2014
Music City was an undeniable draw, with nearly 6,000 overall attendees and the highest number of association executives coming to the 2014 American Society for Association Executives’ Annual Meeting & Exhibition, held Aug. 9-12 in Nashville, Tenn., since the 2007 event in Chicago. The final attendance breakdown included 3,159 executives, 1,897 exhibitors, 919 others, including guests, spouses, press, volunteers, vendors and staff, for a total of 5,975. “We had the highest number of association executives since we were in Chicago in 2007, and more than two-thirds of our members had never… more
Aug 14, 2014
Atlantic City rolled out the red carpet, and then some, for 175 attendees to the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Executive Leadership Conference, held Aug. 11-13 at the Revel Casino and Resort. Even with news about some casinos closing and the fate of the Revel in the balance right now, the city forged ahead and put on a high-level event, with three days filled with networking and education opportunities. “We loved it here,” said SISO’s Executive Director Lew Shomer. “They have been great to us. They really pulled out all the stops. The Revel was fabulous for its food and venue and… more
Aug 10, 2014
Trade show and expo organizers and even exhibitors looking to add a fun, no-hassle charitable component to their event, need look no further than the Foundation for Hospital Art. The Foundation for Hospital Art installs brightly colored murals in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities around the world. The murals are often painted by attendees at events. This is an activity that all ages can participate in. There are no physical limitations, and no artistic ability is required. If you can color in the lines, you can paint a mural. Whether someone has just three minutes to… more
Aug 05, 2014
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) celebrated its 100th anniversary with record attendance of 1,400 delegates, as well as the launch of its Hall of Fame and presentation of a landmark study during its 2014 Annual Convention that took place July 21-23 at Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. “Our organization is delivering some of the most advanced research and insights shared in its 100-year history and opening new opportunities for DMOs to continue nurturing their business and their communities,” said Michael Gehrisch, president and CEO of DMAI. Earlier this year, the… more
Aug 05, 2014
The American Bus Association (ABA) has chosen Cleveland as the will host of the ABA’s annual Marketplace, scheduled Jan. 14-17, 2017, at the Cleveland Convention Center. The ABA’s Marketplace is the motorcoach, travel and tourism industry’s top event "The American Bus Association is thrilled when we can bring new cities into the ABA Marketplace family,” said President and CEO Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS. He added, “Cleveland will be a fantastic host city. We know our members will have a great time, visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the city’s many other attractions, and, of… more
Jul 31, 2014
The Global Business Travel Association Convention (GBTA) focused this year on Business In Motion.  Having the show at the Los Angeles Convention Center kept in line with that theme, and nearly 7,000 attendees interacted with more than 400 exhibitors.  The attendance set another record year.The show ran July 26-30 and hit the ground running with educational sessions that addressed the current industry trends.  “Business isn't just moving – it's accelerating. People traverse the globe more quickly than ever before, letting new ideas and knowledge propel them past yesterday's… more
Jul 28, 2014
When the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Executive Conference kicks off Aug. 11-13 in Atlantic City, N.J., at the Revel Casino Hotel, attendees will have the opportunity to examine the event experience through the eyes of attendees and exhibitors alike.On the first full day of the conference, one of the first sessions on tap – “The Attendee Experience: What Works? What Doesn't?” – led by Tom Mitchell, president of Messe Dusseldorf, and David Adler, founder and CEO of BizBash Media, will take a look at what’s being done to keep events fresh and engaging.Instead of just speaking from… more
Jul 17, 2014
As part of an ongoing series, TSNN Reporter Traci Browne will be profiling trade show executives and asking them probing questions like if time travel were possible, where would you go and why? Twenty-nine year trade show industry veteran Chris Brown, executive vice president of Conventions & Business Operations for the National Association of Broadcasters, which oversees the NAB Show, is the first interview in what promises to be a fun series.1. Where did you grow up? What was your adolescent experience like?I was an Army brat. Spent my very, very young years in Germany and Bangkok. I… more
Jul 15, 2014
Dr. Robert Gates, former secretary of defense and director of the Central Intelligence Agency, has been tapped as a closing general session speaker at the NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores )Show, which takes place Oct. 7-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Gates served as the 22nd secretary of defense from 2006 to 2011 under both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. “Dr. Gates will deliver a compelling behind-the-scenes view of world events over the past quarter century, as well as the context for how current affairs could affect and reshape our… more
Jul 15, 2014
Educational meetings are becoming a major piece of business for Atlanta, with 8 percent of their total bookings currently in this sector and that number is expected to rise in the future. The latest educational meeting to come to town was the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), which had a record-breaking number of attendee registrants for their annual Conference and Expo, held June 28-July 1 at the Georgia World Congress Center. ISTE 2014 drew 16,039 registered attendees, representing an increase of 2,500 registrants, compared with their previous record. ISTE 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