Association Show News

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Apr 29, 2012
Whether it’s the audiovisual, packaging, restaurant or amusement park industries, all seem to be experiencing boon times with either their exhibit floors already sold out in advance of their upcoming shows or on tap to break all-time records. The National Restaurant Association sold out of all of its space for its 2012 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, scheduled May 5-8 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The newly redesigned exhibit floor will showcase more than 1,900 exhibitors, including more than 500 new exhibitors that will offer thousands of products and services to restaurant and… more
Apr 17, 2012
More and more shows are realizing that attendees want to be engaged more than just a few days on a physical showfloor. As a result, organizations such as the National Association of Convenience Stores are taking their events into the virtual world. The 2012 NACS Show Virtual site will allow retailers to experience the NACS Show before, during and after the live event, which takes place October 7-10 in Las Vegas. This year’s site is significantly enhanced from last year, with much more robust content and a cleaner look that allows for easier navigation, according to NACS organizers… more
Apr 08, 2012
With more and more smartphones and other devices on the showfloor that require additional Wi-Fi and mobile bandwith, convention and meeting venues’  existing networks are being tasked with keeping up with the demand. To address this issue, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events released its White Paper, “Wi-Fi and Mobile Challenges in the Exhibitions and Events Industry”, in response to bandwith concerns expressed by various segments of the industry. The IAEE Wi-Fi and Mobile Bandwidth Task Force was created to work on this effort. "The… more
Apr 03, 2012
Patricia Farias-Barlow has been selected as the International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ 2012 "Legend of the Industry" for this year's IAEE Krakoff Leadership Institute to be held May30-June 1 at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C., as part of IAEE's Mid-Year Meeting. The Krakoff Leadership Institute provides professional development for a group of industry professionals who were selected by the Krakoff Leadership Institute Committee as the industry's future leaders based on their application and extensive review. "Being selected as this year… more
Apr 02, 2012
The Professional Convention Management Association has unveiled the speaker lineup for its June Education Conference, and it features a cast of new thinkers, specifically selected to challenge participants with new approaches towardsstrategic leadership and innovation, according to PCMA officials. The PCMA Education Conference is a smaller, more intimate gathering of senior industry professionals - designed for idea generation, solution sharing and networking with peers and key industry decision makers. The conference, on tap June 10-13 at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter, in San… more
Apr 02, 2012
The Daejeon International Marketing Enterprise of Daejeon, South Korea, is the first destination marketing organization in Asia to successfully achieve the honor of accreditation from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). DMAP is an industry-wide accreditation program developed by Destination Marketing Association International to recognize DMOs that meet or exceed industry standards, has accredited 138 DMOs on three continents. "Congratulations to DIME for successfully achieving DMAP accreditation and joining 137 additional DMOs in demonstrating a commitment to… more
Apr 01, 2012
Just last year, the International Carwash Association was on tap to bring its show to Chicago’s McCormick Place from its home in Las Vegas in 2013. But, when a federal court ruling invalidated labor changes at the venue enacted by the state legislature, the association decided to opt out of bringing the show to Chicago. One year later though, after the labor reforms were approved, The Car Wash Show now is booked in the Windy City for March 31-April 2, 2014. “I am pleased that The Car Wash Show is coming to Chicago, and that it’s more than 6,000 attendees will have a… more
Mar 18, 2012
In support of The Power of A Week and American Associations Day, the American Society of Association Executive’s annual legislative fly-in, the organization released its “Associations Matter” study. The study indicated associations have a “profound, measurable economic and social impact on the nation,” according to ASAE officials. The “Associations Matter” study primarily relies on U.S. government statistics and tax-exempt returns (Form 990s) to measure the economic and social benefits derived from association activities. These statistics mainly focus on employment, wages, revenues and assets… more
Feb 27, 2012
Rumors recently had been swirling about the fate of the Trade Show Exhibitors Association, but now the organization’s fate has been sealed with its board voting to transfer its members, intellectual assets and administrative management to the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association.  Pending final approval of this agreement by TSEA’s members, the organization will be dissolved and a newly named umbrella industry association will be formed under the leadership of EACA’s Executive Director Jim Wurm. "This is a tremendous opportunity for greater visibility and… more
Feb 27, 2012
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International has decided to extend its MEET brand to all of its 2012 events and will kick the series off with HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America April 3-4 at Navy Pier in Chicago. The keynote speaker for the event also was announced - body language expert Janine Driver. HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America brings a new name and offerings to attendees: HSMAI’s TEEM UP: HSMAI's reverse trade show buyer appointment expo, which adds to the opportunities to learn about new meeting facilities and suppliers during the traditional HSMAI's MEET… 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