Association Show News

Sponsored by  

a2z-logo
May 04, 2015
Nearly 6,900 industry professionals participated in the world's largest car wash event, The Car Wash Show, held in April in Las Vegas. The total attendance number represented a 22 percent increase, compared with last year's convention and trade show in Chicago and was the event's largest total since 2008. "We're in the midst of a period of great growth for the car wash industry. Data from our Wash Count program and reports from operators across North America confirm strong wash volumes, ticket averages and profitability," said International Carwash Association CEO Eric Wulf. He added… more
Apr 30, 2015
Outdoor Retailer and Surf Expo, both part of Emerald Exposition’s portfolio, have partnered with the StandUp Paddle Industry Association (SUPIA). SUPIA is the trade organization of stand up paddle businesses: manufacturers, retailers, service providers (instructors, guides, race directors, event planners, certifiers), media, sales reps, distributors, suppliers, etc.   As a result of this partnership, SUPIA will exclusively endorse and participate in Surf Expo’s two annual shows and Outdoor Retailer’s Summer Market, as well as work to foster participation and growth in SUP at the shows… more
Apr 29, 2015
The United Fresh Produce Association, already with a successful show serving the produce industry in June in Chicago, has teamed up with the Global Cold Chain Alliance, which represents all major industries engaged in temperature-controlled logistics, to launch Global Chain Cold Expo. The new show will be collocated with not only United Fresh, but also FMI Connect and the International Floriculture Expo June 2016 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO for GCCA, and Tom Stenzel, president and CEO for United Fresh, jointly made the announcement during the IARW-WFLO… more
Apr 22, 2015
Nearly 3,000 meeting and industry professionals recently gathered to attend two American Society of Association Executives events: Springtime Expo, April 8-9 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., and ASAE Foundation’s Annual Springtime DC Golf & Tennis Invitational April 10 at Lansdowne Resort. The Springtime Expo’s total number of participants included 1,500 attendees and 1,370 exhibiting personnel with 348 companies occupying 468 booths on the showfloor. The Buyer/Seller ratio was 52 percent buyers to 48 percent sellers.  A highlight of… more
Apr 21, 2015
At the 2015 Society of Independent Show Organizers’ 25th anniversary meeting, held April 13-16 at The Sanctuary on Kiawah, Island, S.C., the sessions tackled several heady subjects, including what keeps the CEOs of these for-profit trade show companies up at night? That question was the part of the first session that kicked off the annual event, which was led by Tarsus Group Managing Director Douglas Emslie and included Britton Jones, president and CEO of Business Journals, Inc.; Sally Shankland, CEO of UBM Americas; and Russell Wilcox, CEO of Clarion Group. In the room filled with not only… more
Apr 18, 2015
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has teamed again with the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) to produce its latest publication, “2015 Young Professional Exhibitor Needs and Preferences Study”.   CEIR has conducted research with young professional attendees since 2009. With funding from SISO, this first-ever initiative offers insights on young exhibitor attitudes and preferences about business-to-business exhibitions. “SISO is pleased to entrust this important exhibition industry research to CEIR with financial underwriting. Young exhibitors today… more
Apr 16, 2015
Meetings Mean Business (MMB) and other industry leaders brought together thousands at approximately 65 events April 16 for the first annual North American Meetings Industry Day (NAMID). This nationwide day of advocacy spotlighted the substantial value derived from meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions. NAMID is an expansion of the successful efforts in Canada who have for 20 years held the annual Canadian National Meetings Industry Day. The MMB coalition members, in addition to industry leaders across in Canada and Mexico, hosted events in… more
Apr 14, 2015
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released its full-year 2014 Index Report indicating that the trade show industry grew by a modest 1.8 percent last year, which was slightly less than the 2 percent originally predicted. The growth in 2014 also was 1 percentage point higher than 2013’s total growth. "We are optimistic for the performance of the industry overall this year. Economic and job growth should continue to drive expansion in exhibitions," said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., chief economist for Global Economic Consulting Associates. The overall CEIR index is forecast to… more
Apr 14, 2015
At the annual business meeting lunch during the Society of Independent Show Organizer’s CEO Summit, held April 13-16 on Kiawah Island, S.C., the association’s chair, Charlie McCurdy, revealed that Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) was named SISO’s new management company and David Audrain, CEO of ExpoDevCo, as new executive director.   “I’ve been humbled … I’ve been very lucky these last couple of years to have the support of SISO,” Audrain said. He added, “ … From an industry perspective, SISO provides the very best gathering for leadership to have networking and business… more
Apr 12, 2015
The International Council of Shopping Centers has added several new programs, spotlighting additional education, professional development and deal-making opportunities, to RECon 2015 on tap May 17-20 in Las Vegas.   The three-day global conference will debut a revamped educational program, a full day dedicated to professional development and the Talent Development Pavilion. RECon’s more than one million square feet of exhibiting space has expanded to include SPREE RECon, the Leasing Mall, and the Marketplace Mall – providing further ground to bolster ICSC’s estimate that approximately 50… 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