Aug 18, 2013
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s latest Index Report for the second quarter was just released, and the good news is for the 12th consecutive quarter, the trade show industry continues to grow, though that growth has slowed. Year-over-year growth increased 1.2 percent overall, which is down slightly, 0.3 percent, compared with the second quarter of last year. The growth also lagged behind that of the GDP numbers in the second quarter that saw a 1.4 percent increase. "Overall, the second-quarter results continue on a positive upswing, and they confirm that the… more
Aug 18, 2013
Thousands of independent pharmacists converged Aug. 7-10 in Seattle for Cardinal Health's annual Retail Business Conference, with the theme Discover New Horizons for improving their businesses and for delivering quality, personalized care to patients. "RBC is the industry's best opportunity to celebrate independent pharmacy and to encourage owners to discover new opportunities to move their businesses forward," said Steve Lawrence, senior vice president of Retail Independent Sales for Cardinal Health.  He added, "This event is one of the largest gatherings of… more
Aug 14, 2013
Atlanta-based Urban Expositions has further expanded into the restaurant and foodservice industries by scooping up three shows from Reed Exhibitions and one more from the New York State Restaurant Association. The Reed shows are the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and Expo Comida Latina, as well as the association’s International Restaurant & Foodservice Show, which was managed by Reed. "We have been searching for strategic opportunities to grow our retail/hospitality sector and these shows perfectly reflect the profile and… more
Aug 13, 2013
After a 15-year run as the telecom provider for the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, which oversees the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Cashman Center, Smart City Networks lost the lucrative contract to Cox Nevada Telcom, following a 14-1 vote by the LVCVA board on Aug. 13. Smart City came in second, followed by A&T. According to LVCVA board meeting notes, Cox Nevada Telcom was awarded a seven-year contract, with the option of a three-year extension, and will subcontract with showNets to provide on-site services to show management, exhibitors and attendees. “The… more
Aug 13, 2013
Trade Show News Network is pleased to announce that Henry S. Givray, president and CEO of SmithBucklin, has not only been named the TSNN Awards Industry Icon honoree, but also he will be speaking on leadership at the awards’ weekend executive conference. Givray leads the world’s largest association management and professional services company, providing full-service management and high-impact specialized services to more than 420 trade and professional associations, corporations and government institutes. “Being named the TSNN Industry Icon Award recipient for 2013 is a… more
Aug 12, 2013
The packaging industry just keeps growing and, as a result, so does one of the big shows that represent it - PMMI’s biennial PACK EXPO Las Vegas - which is trending to be its largest ever. Scheduled Sept. 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Pack Expo Las Vegas show organizers have needed to expand the showfloor once again because of the demand for space. “With just two months before show time, PACK EXPO is still growing,” said PMMI President and CEO Charles D. Yuska. “After expanding the show floor to accommodate supplier demand, we plan to add yet more exhibit… more
Aug 12, 2013
Nineteen destination marketing organizations (DMOs) have recently been accredited under Destination Marketing Association International's (DMAI) Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). "Congratulations to these nineteen destinations for receiving their DMAP accreditation," commented Shelly Green, Chair of DMAP and president and CEO of the Durham (N.C.) CVB. She added, "The DMAP process is a comprehensive review of a DMO's business procedures and accountability. These DMOs have shown their dedication to continually providing customers with superior service… more
Aug 11, 2013
Less than a week after New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced the annual Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show not only signed a new contract at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City through 2019, but also was being switched to a mid- to late-January timeframe, which will displace several other trade shows, Lew Shomer, executive director for the Society of Independent Show Organizers, sent a letter to the governor rebuking the decision. “For a government official to interfere with such policies is unconventional and sets a terrible precedent that effectively… more
Aug 11, 2013
The German messes are launching more and more shows in North America, with the latest being the Residential Construction and Remodeling Expo, owned by NürnbergMesse North America. The show will be held Oct. 7-9 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta and geared toward suppliers wanting to reach home builders, architects, designers and remodelers on the East Coast of the U.S., according to show organizers. “We are bringing together the very best talent in all areas of show management, residential building, remodeling and education serving this industry,” said Dirk… more
Aug 08, 2013
Emerald Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer Summer Market continues to defy the odds of being seemingly maxed out for space in Salt Lake City, Utah, and managed to still grow the show to its largest ever. With the Salt Palace Convention Center completely filled, the show had a total of 516,000 net square feet (92,000 in three, temporary pavilion structures), which is 2.5-percent larger than 2012. With stricter attendance qualifications, especially for drive-in and non-exhibitor attendees, approximately 27,000 visitors checked out all of the products displayed by 1,300 exhibitors, which was… 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