Top Takeaways: Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Leadership Conference

When nearly 200 for-profit trade show executives and suppliers to the industry gathered Aug. 1-3 in Philadelphia, they were treated to a few days filled with not only with top-notch education sessions about everything from when or when not to launch and the latest event tech out there, but also valuable networking opportunities with their peers.

IAEE Names Jonathan “Skip” Cox 2017 KLI Legend of the Industry

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) named Jonathan “Skip” Cox a the 2017 KLI Legend of the Industry.

Each year, IAEE selects a KLI "Legend of the Industry" whose contributions, innovation and leadership truly have been unique and remarkable.

“I am truly honored to be named the IAEE Legend of the Industry for 2017,” Cox said. “I have been involved with IAEE and the exhibitions industry for the span of my career, and it is humbling to have my service to the industry recognized by IAEE and its board of directors.”

AWE Names Names Inductees for the Women in Events Hall of Fame Recognition Program

The Association for Women in Events (AWE), a non-profit profit supporting gender equality and diversity in the event industry, named its inaugural inductees for the Women in Events Hall of Fame Recognition Program, hosted by the AWE Awards Committee.

This Committee was formed with a vision to create an engaged group of elite, industry professionals that exemplify AWE values and serve as an ongoing resource for inspiration, guidance and leadership, according to association officials.

Transform USA Will Highlight All Things Data, Analytics and Digital

When a room filled with trade show organizers and suppliers gathers July 20 at the Washington Marriott at the Metro Center in Washington, D.C., for Transform USA, they will have the opportunity to take a deep dive into topics that are top of mind right now – data, analytics and digital.

The inaugural event is co-presented by UK-based trade show industry research firm AMR International and U.S.-based vent producer Lippman Connects.

ADA Partners with National and International Dental Groups to Create More Impactful Annual Meetings

In an effort to create more meaningful meetings for their attendees, guests and exhibitors, several national and international dental organizations will be joining forces to combine three major dental conventions in 2019 and two in 2020.   The American Dental Association (ADA), FDI World Dental Federation (FDI), California Dental Association (CDA) and San Francisco Dental Society (SFDS) will be partnering up to host a joint 2019 meeting in San Francisco.

Global Exhibitions Day Will be Celebrated June 7

Kicking off in New Zealand June 7 and circling the globe to end in Hawaii, the exhibition industry will be celebrating the 2nd annual Global Exhibition Day (#GED17).

Global Exhibition Day, founded last year by UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, was formed to shine a bright spotlight on the importance of the industry worldwide.

“UFI is calling on everyone working in exhibitions and trade shows to take part in Global Exhibitions Day on June 7 and share their initiatives loud and proud!” said Dr. Andreas Gruchow, president of UFI.

Global Meetings Industry Day Kicks off Worldwide

The Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC) and leaders from across the meetings industry are joining together today for the second annual Global Meetings Industry Day (#GMID17), with more than 100 events in 90-plus locations spanning nearly 25 countries and six continents.

This international day of advocacy showcases the real impact that business meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions have on people, business and communities.

Meetings Mean Business Coalition Takes Message Global

The Meetings Mean Business Coalition, a cross-industry communications and advocacy initiative, is introducing a platform for industry professionals in every corner of the globe to better advocate for the power of face-to-face meetings.

A newly created licensing agreement will allow partners in countries and regions outside of the United States to use MMB branding, messaging and research to form one strong, cohesive voice for the industry.

Trade Show Industry Growth Dips First Time in 25 Consecutive Quarters

The Center for Industry Research released its latest CEIR Total Index Report that indicated growth of the trade show industry declined during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Driven by a 1.8 percent drop in real revenues, the performance of the industry posted a modest year-on-year decline of 0.4 percent, after 25 consecutive quarters of year-on-year growth.

"The decline was a temporal set back as economic fundamentals still point to moderate growth for the exhibition industry" said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., chief economist for Global Economic Consulting Associates.

CNTV Teams with International Wooodworking Fair to Harness Power of Live Streaming from Showfloor

Want to take your trade show and turn it into a compelling, not-to-miss industry event? Try strapping a few live action cameras to some of your attendees, let them loose on the showfloor, live stream their experiences on Facebook and voila – you’ve not only given your at-home audience a glimpse of what they’re missing, you’ve also turned your event into a cutting-edge attendee marketing machine!

One Atlanta-based trade show did exactly that, and with overwhelmingly positive results.

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