Aug 13, 2012
In good news for the travel industry, the U.S. General Services Administration has decided to not change the calculating method for lodging per diems that the U.S. Travel Association said would cost the industry $885 million in revenue and thousands of American jobs. In a statement released by USTA, Roger Dow, the association’s president and CEO, said, “Thanks to the joint advocacy efforts of travel industry associations, local hotel owners, national lodging chains, destination marketing organizations and many others, we were able to defend against a policy proposal that would… more
Aug 10, 2012
When Messe Frankfurt’s Texworld USA recently wrapped up Texworld USA July 24-26 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York, it saw an increase in both attendees and exhibitors. This year’s three-day show drew 5,285 attendees, a 5-percent increase, including the attendees from the collocated International Apparel Sourcing Show and Home Textiles Sourcing Expo shows, compared with the July show last year. There also were more exhibitors on the floor, 328 from 15 countries, a 2-percent increase, compared with July’s show last year. “The attendee number and… more
Aug 08, 2012
Another hurdle recently was cleared that would allow more meeting and trade show business to come into the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, with the Massachusetts State Legislature passing an annual budget bill that included language lifting a ban on building any hotels south of Summer Street next to the venue. The ban was first enacted in 1997 to assuage concerns by South Boston residents of the impact too many hotels would have on the neighborhood. After several community meetings and talks with local legislators and leaders, the new language passed by the state legislature… more
Aug 06, 2012
Have you ever wondered as an exhibitor where the money goes? The Center for Exhibition Industry Research has released an updated version of its 2007 report “How the Exhibit Dollar Is Spent.” Among the report's findings were that 99 percent of exhibitors find unique value delivered by business-to-business exhibitions, which is not provided by other marketing channels, as well as 36 percent of the exhibitors’ dollars, the biggest piece of the pie, are spent on exhibit space. "The data in this report is a much needed resource for exhibiting companies to plan and budget the cost of their … more
Aug 06, 2012
In a unique partnership model, U.S.-based ITN International and Australia-based Info Salons Group worked together to provide registration, access control and lead retrieval for London-based organizer GSMA’s Mobile Asia Expo. Mobile Asia Expo attracted more than 15,500 visitors to its first large event in mainland China at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. ITN International provided GSMA the technology needed to support advance registration, onsite check-in, onsite registration, event access control and lead retrieval. “We enjoyed an ideal partner in working with… more
Aug 06, 2012
Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Services has appointed Arun Madhok as its new CEO, a role he has assumed on an acting basis since former CEO, Pieter Idenburg, left the venue after seven years to explore other opportunities. “Arun has been an integral part of Suntec Singapore’s management team for the past few years and his appointment assures continuity for the team running one of Singapore’s premiere address for MICE events both locally and globally,” said John Lim, Group CEO of ARA Asset Management, which owns the venue. He added, “… more
Aug 06, 2012
The Society of Automotive Engineers of China (SAE-China) and NürnbergMesse China will debut the FISITA 2012 International Exhibition for Automotive Engineering and Manufacturing alongside the longstanding FISITA World Automotive Congress in Beijing. Both events will run Nov. 27-3,0 and the FISITA 2012 Exhibition is expected to draw 12,000 attendees and 200 exhibitors. Five exhibition segments provide global automotive players with an opportunity to present their services: Energy-efficient vehicles, Engine – Transmission – Powertrain, Car Body, Automotive Electronics and… more
Aug 01, 2012
With the Outdoor Retailer semiannual trade shows outgrowing their home at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City already an issue, the Outdoor Industry Association, one of the shows’ organizers, also recently expressed its discontent with Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert’s public land policies in the state. OIA’s concerns include the governor’s lawsuit challenging the federal government over jurisdiction of the federal public lands and some road claims within national parks, monuments and wilderness areas that would allow motorized vehicles on dirt trails.… more
Jul 30, 2012
David Dubois, current president and CEO of the Forth Worth (Texas) Convention & Visitors Bureau, has been named the new president of the International Association of Exhibitions & Events. Doreen Biela, IAEE’s chair, announced the news, and Dubois’ appointment will be effective in October after current IAEE president Steven Hacker retires. "IAEE is fortunate to have enjoyed a lengthy CEO transition period, which permitted us to engage in a very comprehensive national search for our next chief staff executive and ensure a seamless leadership transition,” Biela… more
Jul 30, 2012
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute, owner and producer of the PACK EXPO trade shows, has sold out its PACK EXPO International on tap Oct. 28-31 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. “The sold out status of PACK EXPO speaks volumes to its value as a showcase for the packaging and processing industries,” said Charles D. Yuska, president & CEO, PMMI. He added, “With space completely gone three months out, the show has surpassed even our expectations.” PACK EXPO International 2012 will be the largest edition of the show since 2002, with a record 1,800 plus… 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