News

Apr 22, 2013
The Professional Convention Management Association will launch its inaugural PCMA Global Medical Meetings Summit July 17-20 at ExCeL London convention center. The summit is an invitation-only event for senior medical meeting professionals and medical association CEOs. “PCMA was founded as a medical meetings organization,” said Deborah Sexton, president and CEO, PCMA. She added, “While our membership has greatly diversified since our first annual meeting in 1956, we have continued throughout the years to provide robust education and resources to the medical meetings sub-… more
Apr 22, 2013
The Lions Clubs International Multiple District 308 (MD 308) will be hosting its 51st Multiple District Lions Convention this month at the Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur. Supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), the convention, which will take place April 25-28, is set to gather Lions Clubs International members from Asia, United States and Australia. “Lions Clubs International is a global network that is renowned for their noble contributions to the society,” said Zulkefli Hj Sharif, CEO of MyCEB. “MyCEB is proud to be a supporter of The… more
Apr 22, 2013
For the very first time, the Human Genome Meeting will be held at a U.S. Destination – Houston – in 2016 through joint efforts by the Texas Medical Center and Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau worked hand-in-hand with Texas Medical Center to secure this high profile medical conference,” said GHCVB President and CEO Greg Ortale. He added, “The Texas Medical Center is certainly unique with its concentration of medical, research, and educational institutions. Houston is the obvious location for… more
Apr 22, 2013
Exhibition organiser ITE Group announced the acquisition of a 50% stake in the exhibitions series Cosmobeauté and Lab from Malaysia-based ECMI Trade Fairs (ECMI) for an undisclosed sum. As part of the deal, the two companies will establish a joint venture company, ECMI ITE Asia Sdn Bhd, to develop new exhibitions to serve the ASEAN region – focusing particularly on Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar. Health and beauty trade show series, Cosmobeauté, takes place in Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. The lab equipment series Lab Asia is held in Malaysia and Indonesia. Russell… more
Apr 21, 2013
H. H. Backer, which runs what was once called the Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show every fall in Rosemont, Ill., has not only renamed the show – Backer’s Total Pet Expo – but also launched several new event features and debuted a new Web site. This year’s event will be held Sept. 20-22 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. "Our goal is to help attendees get a jump on the competition for 2014 and finalize their holiday season buying for the year, which will be easier now that we have September dates," said Colette Fairchild, the show's director… more
Apr 21, 2013
Two medical meetings - one of which was about to start moving in last week just a few blocks from the twin bombings that occurred during the marathon in Boston - went on as scheduled, despite the week-long search for the suspects that eventually ended April 19. Another event that was meant to begin April 20-21, Boston Comic Con, was postponed at the John B. Hynes Convention Center. James Rooney, executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, sent regular updates to the trade show industry keeping them apprised of the fluid situation that included a “shelter in… more
Apr 17, 2013
From large screens to small, the future of broadcast and digital media was in the spotlight at the National Association of Broadcasters’ NAB Show 2013 that took place April 6-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. NAB reported exhibit space grew nearly 10 percent, compared with 2012. The event had 1,600 exhibitors spanning 900,000 net square feet of exhibit space, up from 815,000 net sq. ft. in 2012. Attendance was also up at 92,414, compared with 91,565 last year. “It’s shaping up to be our best show since the last peak in 2008,” said Chris Brown, NAB executive… more
Apr 16, 2013
Tarsus Group’s Trade Show News Network (TSNN) is pleased to announce the release of the 2012 TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows in the United States. Culled from show management and data supplied to TSNN, this year's list, which is exclusively sponsored by MarketArt, represents the top 250 trade shows held last year in the U.S. ranked by net square footage. The full, searchable list can be found HERE. The Consumer Electronic Association’s massive International CES show held in January in Las Vegas topped the 2012 list with impressive growth, jumping another 200,000 net square feet… more
Apr 15, 2013
To our neighbors in Boston and to the many victims and their families, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority extends its sympathies. To the first responders, including members of our own public safety team, we offer our gratitude for your brave and professional response and for the actions you are taking to insure justice and provide a sense of security in our community. Yesterday was a horrific day in Boston, and we are slowly coming back. In light of this tragedy, we are reaching out to update you on how our facilities and our events have been impacted, as well as enhanced security… more
Apr 15, 2013
Clarion Events North America has signed a collaboration agreement with Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) to be a part of Clarion’s annual ExpoProducción event in Mexico City.  The collaboration will include an IFAI Pavilion and Conference to be held within the show, beginning with the February 2014 edition. “IFAI is a world-renowned organization with a long history of producing successful events,” said David Audrain, president and CEO of Clarion Events North America. “We are extremely pleased to have them partner with us in the expansion… 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