Dr. Lindsey Piegza Unveiled as 2018 CEIR Predict Keynote Speaker

Predict: CEIR’s Annual Exhibition Industry Conference will be held Sept. 13-14 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.

This one of a kind executive-level, invitation-only conference looks to the future — three to five years out – bringing meaningful insights from experts outside the industry to align with trends occurring in the industry in an interactive and engaging format.

MPI’s World Education Congress Heads to Grapevine, Texas in 2020

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has selected Grapevine, Texas, as the destination for its World Education Congress (WEC) in 2020.

The association will collaborate with the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau to host the conference, which is scheduled for June 6–9, 2020, at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.

Grapevine is centrally located between Fort Worth and Dallas, where MPI is headquartered.

AWE Launches 2018 Nominations for Hall of Fame Recognition Program

The Association for Women in Events (AWE), a not-for-profit organization supporting gender equality and diversity in the event industry, has launched 2018 nominations for its Hall of Fame Recognition Program, hosted by the AWE Awards Committee.

“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a lifetime honor,” said Marie-Claire Andrews, AWE board member and chair of the AWE Awards Committee. “It doesn’t begin and end with a simple recognition, rather our winners will be part of our community and celebrated long-term!”

ISSA, Trade Press Media Group to Debut Clean Buildings Expo in March 2019

ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, and Trade Press Media Group have unveiled a new trade show for the commercial cleaning industry—Clean Buildings ExpoSM (CBE).

This joint venture will make its debut at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Md., March 26-27, 2019.

Designed for end-users of cleaning products and equipment, CBE fills an immediate need for education and product information in the building-rich Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

World of Asphalt Show and Conference and the AGG1 Academy and Expo Breaks Records in Texas

The record-breaking 2018 World of Asphalt Show & Conference and AGG1 Academy & Expo concluded a successful run, March 6-8, as attendees and exhibitors conducted business and discussed issues affecting future growth such as infrastructure funding, and industry experts shared best practices during well-attended education sessions.

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