News

Jul 29, 2013
Looking to tap into each other’s resources, the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and AFIDA, the International Association of Exhibition Industry in Latin America announced a new alliance at the recent 44th Congress of AFIDA held in Bolivia. SISO has 160 members worldwide with most based in the U.S., while AFIDA has 72 supplier and exhibition organizer members in Latin America. Because most of those members do not overlap, offering memberships to each organization broadens each other’s reach. “This agreement will offer our members an unprecedented opportunity… more
Jul 28, 2013
After a two-year hiatus in Washington, D.C., the Specialty Food Association’s Summer Fancy Food Show broke attendance records back in New York City at its recent show. The event ran June 30-July 2 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York and drew a record 24,100 buyers, breaking its previous record when the show was held in New York in 2010. In 2011 and 2012, the show had moved to D.C. because of renovations on the Javits Center. “New York is the birthplace of the Fancy Food Show and its home. Our return to the city coincided with unprecedented interest in specialty… more
Jul 28, 2013
Viad, the parent company of Global Experience Specialists (GES), saw a Q2 uptick in net income this year to $6.3 million, compared with $6.1 million in the same period last year, as well as an increase in revenue to $249.3 million, compared with $246.5 million during the same period in 2012.                                                  “Our… more
Jul 28, 2013
The 2013 American Society of Association Executives’ Annual Meeting & Exposition, on tap Aug. 3-6 in Atlanta, not only has plenty of networking opportunities, including its opening celebration at the world-famous Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola, but also more than 120 learning opportunities and a packed expo hall for attendees to take advantage of. Before the opening celebration begins, attendees can play golf or just relax during Annual Golf & Tennis + Simple Wellness & Spa Day at Stone Mountain Club. If doing some good is more what someone has in mind, they… more
Jul 27, 2013
Four companies, each representing breakthrough event tech or thought-leading concepts, will present their product to Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) Executive Conference 2013 attendees. Following a critique and vote, one winner will be chosen at the event, which is on tap Aug. 6-8 at the Walter E. Washington (D.C.) Convention Center. “The competing companies all present viable, actionable solutions to improve event strategies,” said Lew Shomer, executive director of SISO. “We are very excited to see how each will fare on the Battlefield.” The businesses… more
Jul 27, 2013
Sorted Gmail Interface Google recently launched a new interface for Gmail.  It is slowly being rolled out to all users. The new interface automatically sorts a user’s email into three categories: Primary, Social, and Promotion. If you are an android user, you will see a fourth tab for Google app updates. The primary tab houses your important messages.  The Social tab receives emails from your social network accounts.  The promotional tab collects all of the advertising and deal emails that you receive.  My Gmail account was updated a week ago and I LOVE the new… more
Jul 27, 2013
Sorted Gmail Interface Google recently launched a new interface for Gmail.  It is slowly being rolled out to all users. The new interface automatically sorts a user’s email into three categories: Primary, Social, and Promotion. If you are an android user, you will see a fourth tab for Google app updates. The primary tab houses your important messages.  The Social tab receives emails from your social network accounts.  The promotional tab collects all of the advertising and deal emails that you receive.  My Gmail account was updated a week ago and I LOVE the new… more
Jul 27, 2013
Four companies, each representing breakthrough event tech or thought-leading concepts, will present their product to Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) Executive Conference 2013 attendees. Following a critique and vote, one winner will be chosen at the event, which is on tap Aug. 6-8 at the Walter E. Washington (D.C.) Convention Center. “The competing companies all present viable, actionable solutions to improve event strategies,” said Lew Shomer, executive director of SISO. “We are very excited to see how each will fare on the Battlefield.” The businesses… more
Jul 24, 2013
Penton Media made a bold move to beef up its existing aviation portfolio by acquiring the Aviation Week Group from McGraw Hill Financial. The Aviation Week Group buy includes events, data, digital and media products. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Some of the newly required events are Aviation Week’s MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) series, Aerospace & Defense Programs (ADP), Defense Technology & Affordability Requirements (DTAR), Civil Aviation Manufacturing (CAM), and NextGen Ahead: Air Transportation Modernization Conference. “Aviation… more
Jul 23, 2013
Advanstar Communications’ “Shop the Floor” digital showroom for buyers and sellers received a major boost recently when the company partnered with Balluun, a social business-to-business technology provider. “Shop the Floor” was launched early this year at Advanstar’s fashion-related shows, including MAGIC Marketplace. Partnering with Switzerland-based Balluun allows Advanstar’s “Shop the Floor” offering to now be seamlessly integrated for trade shows, digital showrooms, B-to-B communication and commerce. In addition, Balluun’s technology will enable Advanstar to provide its customers with a… 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