PACK EXPO East Attracts 6,500 Attendees to Debut Show in Philadelphia

The debut of PACK EXPO East in Philadelphia drew 6,500 attendees, 386 exhibiting companies and 92,413 net square feet of exhibit space at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, according to show owner and producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.

Its location in Philadelphia placed PACK EXPO East within 200 miles of one-third of U.S. consumer packaged goods companies (CPGs), including the life science and pharmaceutical industries, which have a stronghold in the region.

Destination Marketing Association International Partners with CBIS to Upgrade empowerMINT Tool

Destination sales professionals will access planner information from Destination Marketing Association International’s empowerMINT initiative that includes improved data hygiene and supplemental meetings and contact information supplied by Columbia Books Information Services.

The data platform will relaunch in summer of 2015.

Job Task Analysis Results Help ASAE Create Valuable Resources for the Association Community

The American Society of Association Executives conducted a Job Task Analysis last year that explored the core functional areas of association management.

The results of this work will help in developing a comprehensive Body of Knowledge for the association field and CAE content outline.

 Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) conducted the research, and the survey results confirmed identifiable competencies that reflect important elements of knowledge for those who work in associations.

Association for Iron and Steel Technology Renews Contract with Convention Data Services

The Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) has extended their contract with their preferred registration partner, Convention Data Services (CDS), through 2017.

Under the agreement, CDS will continue to provide full registration services, lead management and exhibitor services for the annual AISTech conference.

IAEE Expo! Expo! Attendees Will Rock Out for A Place Called Home

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events will hold its sixth annual Humanity Rocks: A Celebration with a Cause on tap Dec. 10 during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2014 in Los Angeles.

Created in 2009 in collaboration with founding sponsor Global Experience Specialists (GES), this annual event benefits a local charity in the city where Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition is being held.

PCMA Education Foundation Unveils the 2015 Professional Achievement Honorees

Kati S. Quigley, CMP, George G. Fenich, Ph.D. and Anne Hamilton, will be honored at the 2015 Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Education Foundation Dinner Celebrating Professional Achievement on tap April 8 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington D.C.

“Our 2015 Honorees each have career paths and accomplishments that both inspire and guide their peer communities,” said PCMA President & CEO, Deborah Sexton.

SACEOS and SISO Forge Alliance to Bring their Members Closer Together

SACEOS, the Singapore Association of Conventions, Exhibitions and Suppliers and SISO, the Society of Independent Show Organizers, have jointly signed an agreement to share knowledge and information among their respective exhibition industry members.

"This agreement will offer our members an unprecedented opportunity to grow their respective brands in and around the Singapore area as we recognize Singapore as central to the entire ASEAN market base,” Rick McConnell, Chairman of SISO, said.

Professional Convention Management Association 20 in Their Twenties Winners Selected

The Professional Convention Management Association has selected the 2015 class for their 20 in their twenties program, which is designed is designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals in the meetings industry by recognizing emerging leaders.

 “We are privileged to once again have the opportunity to strategically partner with PCMA, the PCMA Education Foundation and their 20 in their Twenties initiative,” said Bob Lander, President and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, the program’s sponsor.

Growth was Abundant at PMA’s Fresh Summit International Conference in Anaheim

If you wanted to know everything there is around the produce industry and learn about it in one place, the Produce Market Association (PMA) 2014 Fresh Summit International Convention and Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center was the right place to be. 

All facets of the industry, from seeds, packaging, equipment, shipping, import/export, growers, distributors, retailers and more were represented, with the more than 1,090 exhibitors on 265,300 square feet of exhibitor space (a record for space, and evidence of the show’s growth). 

Issues and Trends in Exhibit Space and Sponsorship Sales Report Released

Exhibit Surveys and Lippman Connects recently released the second annual report: “Issues and Trends in Exhibit Space and Sponsorship Sales”.

According to the survey of event organizer executives, growth in both exhibit space and sponsorships sales appears healthy. 

Improvements in the economy and support by industries represented by the events were cited as the primary reasons for growth in both areas.

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