ASAE Unveils 2017 Gold Circle Awards Winners

The American Society of Association Executives unveiled the winners of the 2017 Gold Circle Awards competition, which denotes excellence, innovation, and achievement in association/nonprofit marketing, membership, and communications programs.

The Gold Circle Award for Overall Excellence will be announced during ASAE’s 2017 Marketing, Membership & Communications Conference (MMCC), May 2-3, in Washington, D.C. 

Two of Hannover Messe’s US Shows Merge to Form Integrated Automation, Motion & Drives Trade Show

Hannover Fairs USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Hannover, Germany’s Deutsche Messe will combine two of HANNOVER MESSE portfolio trade shows, Industrial Automation and Motion, Drive & Automation, to form Integrated Automation, Motion & Drives (IAMD).

The new trade show will feature the full range of industrial automation, power transmission and fluid power solutions for the factory of the future.

Association for Women in Events Unveils 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 unveiled its Hall of Fame Recognition Program, hosted by the AWE Awards Committee.

The AWE Awards Committee was formed with a vision to create an engaged group of recognized people and programs that exemplify AWE values to serve as an ongoing resource for inspiration, guidance and leadership.

The AWE Hall of Fame will recognize the advancement of women in events by honoring women and men with a categorical award.

DMAI Unveils New Name and Brand During 2017 CEO Summit

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Chairman Gary C. Sherwin, CDME and President and CEO of Visit Newport Beach, Inc. and President and CEO Don Welsh unveiled that DMAI will become Destinations International, effective July 2017 during its Annual Convention in Montreal. 

The announcement was made during the 2017 CEO Summit at The Westin Nashville, where a record 182 guests were in attendance. 

MCI Acquires Association Solutions Provider Network Media Partners

MCI recently acquired Network Media Partners, a proven sales management organization specializing in customized media sales, event planning and management, digital and print design and marketing services for associations.

As MCI continues its growth strategy in the USA, the addition of Network Media Partners accelerates the company’s leadership in delivering a comprehensive suite of innovative, growth-centered solutions for associations, according to MCI officials.

UFI Announces 2017 Next Generation Leadership Grant Program

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has launched its 2017 Next Generation Leadership (NGL) grant and is inviting talented events professionals from around the world to apply.

UFI will award grants to up to five future leaders who have shown exceptional initiative in driving change and innovation in their area of the exhibition industry.

UBM Teams with AMI, NATEF, TST to Deliver NACE Automechanika Scholarships

In an effort to bring affordable training to more automotive professionals in need, the UBM Community Engagement Program has joined with Automotive Management Institute (AMi), National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and Technicians Service Training (TST) to provide scholarships for NACE Automechanika Chicago covering travel expenses, training costs and access to the show.

“UFI Approved Event” Certification Now Includes National Events

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry has decided to expand its events accreditation scheme.

Beginning this year, quality exhibitions and events that focus on national audiences also will be able to apply for, and receive, UFI’s unique recognition – “UFI Approved Event” - opening up the industry’s gold standard to audited national quality shows.

Until recently, UFI approval was reserved for exhibitions that meet the highest global standards, provide officially audited statistics and serve an international market.

Nominate NOW for IAEE’s 2017 International Excellence, Woman of Achievement Awards

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has opened the Call for Nominations for its 2017 IAEE International Excellence and IAEE Woman of Achievement awards. The deadline for submitting nominations for these awards Feb. 19.

“These awards honor outstanding individuals who elevate the exhibitions and events industry by going above and beyond the call of duty on a very special level,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA.

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