International Association for Venue Managers Names Ronald Melton as COO/CFO

The International Association of Venue Managers has named Ronald Melton as the organization’s new COO/CFO.

“We are thrilled to have Ron leading vital teams inside our organization.” said Brad Mayne, CFE, IAVM President and CEO.

He added, “Ron’s background in our industry, coupled with his operational expertise, gives our members a strong proponent in professional growth and greater success as an association. I personally look forward to working with Ron as we look for new ways to bring more value to our members.”

Tyson Foods, National Association of Convenience Stores Donate Food to Atlanta Needy

Tyson Foods and the National Association of Convenience Stores partnered to donate a truckload of protein to Atlanta Community Food Bank to help eliminate hunger in the greater Atlanta area.

“We are thankful for the generosity of Tyson Foods and the NACS for their donation of more than 33,000 pounds of food,” said Kyle Waide, CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “One in seven people in metro Atlanta and north Georgia need help putting food on the table. This partnership allows us to provide high quality protein for thousands of them.”

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Signs on to Orlando Until 2030, Moves Offices to Central Florida City

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the largest trade association for the $39 billion worldwide attractions industry, will relocate its global headquarters office to Orlando in 2017.

IAEE Announces 2016 Individual Award Winners

By TSNN News

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events recently unveiled this year’s recipients of its individual awards program, which recognizes IAEE members and member companies who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry.

The recipients will be honored during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held Dec. 6-8 in Anaheim.

International Association of Venue Managers Honors Frank Poe with Lifetime Achievement Award

The International Association of Venue Managers awarded the 2016 Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award to Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) Executive Director Frank Poe, an IAVM member since Jan. 1, 1980.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented during the 2016 International Convention Center Conference in Pasadena, Calif., recognizes individuals who have had a significant impact on the convention center industry and the IAVM community.

SingEx Exhibitions Wins 2016 UFI Marketing Award for IoT Asia Launch

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has named SingEx Exhibitions as winner of its UFI Marketing Award.

This year’s UFI Marketing Award recognizes success stories in the branding of new trade shows. Launching a new brand for an event and establishing it in the market requires a strong marketing strategy, with active cooperation from a wide range of people.

The Singapore-based trade exhibition and conference company was selected for its marketing of IoT Asia, which has grown to become Asia’s top event for latest developments in the Internet of Things.

PROCESS EXPO Sells 75 Percent of Showfloor in Advance of 2017 Event

The 2017 PROCESS EXPO, the trade show for the food processing industry, produced by The Food Processing Suppliers Association, has sold more than 165,000 square feet of exhibit space to 264 companies to date, more than 75 percent of its floor space.

PROCESS EXPO will take place Sept. 19-2 in the North Hall of McCormick Place in Chicago and will also feature many international exhibitors, as a result of its partnership with three German Messes who organize three food-focused trade fairs.

CEIR Releases Two New Reports in 2016 Changing Environment of Exhibitions Study

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released two more reports from its newest series - 2016 Changing Environment of Exhibitions.

This study consists of 10 fact sheets articulating the power of exhibitions from the perspective of exhibitors, including its most recent: A Positive Outlook of an Industry or Company Linked to Increased Exhibition Industry and Exhibitions Foster Business Relationships.

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