News

Jan 11, 2013
Installation now is complete on a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that will deliver improved wireless coverage, capacity and data speeds for Verizon Wireless customers on every floor, in every showroom and exhibit hall across the three-building, 7 million square feet AmericasMart campus in downtown Atlanta. AmericasMart Atlanta is a global wholesale marketplace housing the world’s single-largest collection of home, gift, area rug and apparel merchandise. AmericasMart owns and operates 14 annual Markets and shows, the largest of which are The Atlanta International Gift & Home… more
Jan 10, 2013
The Consumer Electronic Association's 2013 International CES, the world's largest event for the global technology industry, got even bigger and brighter this year, if that's even possible, taking over the Las Vegas Convention Center and several other venues Jan. 8–11. The show featured more than 3,250 exhibitors across 1.9 million net square feet of exhibit space, breaking the record of 1.865 net square feet and 3,239 exhibitors in 2012. Attendance was expected to surpass 150,000, with more than 35,000 from outside the U.S. "We have so many great device makers, as… more
Jan 09, 2013
Most of the worldwide exhibition growth for the past few years has been focused on the Asia-Pacific region, where GDPs in countries such as China have gone gangbusters, but, according to UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s year-end 10th Global Barometer Survey, that growth now seems to be shifting to the Americas going into 2013. “While Asia-Pacific has been the main growth area since 2010, the situation there is shifting with slower growth expected in 2013,” said UFI Managing Director Paul Woodward. He added, “Current projections indicate that the… more
Jan 08, 2013
Just a few months after George Little Management announced it would launch the Creative & Lifestyle Arts (C&LA) aimed at attracting crafters to an East Coast event alongside the National Stationery Show, now the Craft & Hobby Association also has signed on to the three-day event. The collaboration will take the form of collocated education and events that capitalizes on the strengths of each entity, according to GLM officials. “CHA is constantly seeking new ways to help members and the marketplace as a whole to enhance their businesses,” said Andrej Suskavcevic, CHA… more
Jan 08, 2013
Scottsdale, Ariz.-based HelmsBriscoe already has strong stakes in the corporate and association markets, but in order to expand into the trade show realm, the company has hired industry veteran Adam Schaffer. "Adam's addition to HelmsBriscoe is very exciting as we continue to expand our presence domestically and internationally,” said Richard Harper, executive vice president of HelmsBriscoe. He added, "Adam is a proven leader in the trade show industry and we are confident he will be a highly sought after resource for our clients and our Associates." Schaffer’s… more
Jan 07, 2013
Preecha S. Chen, president of Reed Exhibitions Greater China, was replaced Jan. 1 by Nat Wong, who was deputy president and COO.  “I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Preecha for his solid contributions in leading the business in Greater China,” said Paul Beh, Regional President Asia Pacific of Reed Exhibitions. He added, “Since January 2008, Preecha has led our China business by building pipelines relentlessly and winning acquisitions. The size of our business in Greater China has grown tremendously to eight member companies and… more
Jan 07, 2013
In order to tap into the business growth from Australia, as well as globally, the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) recently conducted its Roadshow in Australia by visiting Melbourne and Sydney. The MyCEB team was joined by eight industry partners, including Penang Global Tourism, Sabah Tourism Board, Malaysia Airlines, Discovery Overland Holidays Sdn Bhd, Pacific World,  UCSI Communication Sdn Bhd, Accor and CHM Hotels.   “Australia is viewed as one of the most promising markets in Asia Pacific and this roadshow has provided an opportunity for… more
Jan 07, 2013
Jan. 7 marked the opening day for four exhibitions being concurrently held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Hong Kong Trade and Development Council’s Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, billed as Asia’s largest, the HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair will run until Jan. 10, and the HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show, also billed as the largest of its kind in the region, runs until Jan. 9. A wide range of products is being showcased at the 39th Toys & Games Fair, including an augmented-reality toy… more
Jan 07, 2013
Messe Duesseldorf’s MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND, 6th International Exhibition on Hospital, Diagnostic, Pharmaceutical, Medical & Rehabilitation Equipment & Supplies will open its doors Sept. 12-14 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. The exhibition will bring international manufacturers and suppliers from the healthcare and rehabilitative sectors closer to the Thailand and Indochina market to meet the growing demand for the latest medical products and technology, according to show management. Imports of medical devices to Thailand and Indochina are expected to… more
Jan 07, 2013
December usually is a quiet month, but instead, there were a spate of new hires that led right into even more at the start of 2013. With unemployment figures in the United States continuing to stabilize, the trade show industry is ahead of the curve with a busy hiring season. Experient hired Heidi Voorhees as senior vice president of Housing, in which she will lead the company’s housing sales and operations. “The meetings and event industry is ripe for unified registration and housing technologies backed by an organization with strong leadership,” said Shawn Pierce,… 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