News

Dec 17, 2014
Ours is an industry filled with ingenuity and innovation. Even the shows that have been around for decades find ways to reinvent themselves and bring an exciting and profitable experience to both attendees and exhibitors, making them crave even more next year. Here’re a few ideas tested by shows in 2014 that could bring a new sparkle to your event: Near Field Communication. Several shows switched this year to Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in attendee badges. In essence, it’s a microchip in the badge encrypted with relevant data about the attendee, such as access to expo, sessions… more
Dec 17, 2014
The Consumer Electronics Association unveiled a series of awards and events for the 2015 International CES, including the new APPNATION IV, Wearable Tech Awards, Hardware Battlefield and Extreme Tech Challenge. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2015 CES will be haled Jan. 6-9 in several venues around Las Vegas.   “These awards and events at CES celebrate pioneering technology companies and entrepreneurs who are creating innovative products and services that will be all the buzz and ‘must have items’ for consumers in the months and years ahead,” said… more
Dec 16, 2014
After last quarter, which saw slowing growth in the trade show industry, the third quarter bounced back with the 17th consecutive positive quarter showing, a 1.8-percent year-on-year increase overall, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Index Report. Even so, the growth of the exhibition industry index lagged a bit behind GDP growth for the second straight quarter, in contrast to the previous two quarters (2014Q1 and 2013Q4), where exhibitions grew slightly faster than GDP. "We are very pleased by the third quarter results and confirm our forecast that the exhibition… more
Dec 15, 2014
With Millennials set to command $200 billion in annual purchasing power by 2017, event organizers (many of whom are ‘mature’ Baby Boomers or from Generation X), are making a concerted effort to understand how to pitch their events to the younger, mobile professionals. They recognize that the unprecedented and extremely rapid evolution of mobile technology has had an indelible impact on the younger generation that has grown up in the last two decades. According to a feature report published by the American Psychology Association, there are some specific characteristics that define… more
Dec 15, 2014
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority has begun installation of a $2.6 million wireless infrastructure overhaul at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. The state-of-the-art upgrade will increase the number of existing wireless access points from 113 to at least 580, meaning a 413 percent increase in number of access points throughout the BCEC.  The MCCA, the first organization in the meetings industry to offer completely complimentary and reliable wireless Internet service at its facilities, has upgraded the wireless infrastructure at the BCEC four times since 2004. The… more
Dec 15, 2014
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority has begun installation of a $2.6 million wireless infrastructure overhaul at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. The state-of-the-art upgrade will increase the number of existing wireless access points from 113 to at least 580, meaning a 413 percent increase in number of access points throughout the BCEC.  The MCCA, the first organization in the meetings industry to offer completely complimentary and reliable wireless Internet service at its facilities, has upgraded the wireless infrastructure at the BCEC four times since 2004. The… more
Dec 15, 2014
With Millennials set to command $200 billion in annual purchasing power by 2017, event organizers (many of whom are ‘mature’ Baby Boomers or from Generation X), are making a concerted effort to understand how to pitch their events to the younger, mobile professionals. They recognize that the unprecedented and extremely rapid evolution of mobile technology has had an indelible impact on the younger generation that has grown up in the last two decades. According to a feature report published by the American Psychology Association, there are some specific characteristics that define… more
Dec 12, 2014
More than 2,000 trade show organizers and suppliers were in Los Angeles this week to take part in three days of networking, education sessions and a bustling showfloor at the 2014 International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Expo! Expo! The exact number of attendees, 2,104, was a significant jump, compared with 2013, with also more than 1,000 show organizers on hand this year. "The 2014 Expo! Expo! has exceeded our expectations so far. We have a record number of show organizer attendees, specifically a 30 percent increase over last year, and our overall attendance has increased… more
Dec 12, 2014
Business Journals Inc. and ENK International have decided to join forces and collocate their fall/winter shows in New York City at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Britton Jones, President and CEO of BJI, and Tom Nastos, CEO of ENK, which is owned by Advanstar Communications, made the joint announcement that the shows would come together for the first time April 27-29 next year. According to officials from both BJI and ENK, they conducted market research before deciding to make this move. “Our decisions are always focused on our industry’s needs,” said ENK’s Tom Nastos. Joint… more
Dec 10, 2014
Setting a trend on its own, Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center will be the only venue of its kind to offer access to digital money onsite. A CoinVault ATM has been installed on the second level of the GRB, near the convention center’s popular Starbucks location. Bitcoin, the most widely used and well known form of cryptocurrency, is a decentralized digital money system that is distributed worldwide. Unlike traditional currencies, such as the U.S. dollar, bitcoin is issued and distributed without any central authority.  “The George R. Brown is enormously proud to be an early… 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