International Association of Exhibitions & Events Names Individual Award Winners

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has unveiled this year's recipients of the IAEE Awards program that recognizes professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry.

Award winners will be honored at the IAEE Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Presentation on tap at the Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Dec.10-12 in Houston.

Competition, Government Policy Top Concerns for Global Convention Centers

Convention Centers have identified growing international competition and government policies toward meetings and events participation as their top concerns heading into a period of slow economic recovery, according to the latest annual survey carried out by AIPC, the International Association of Convention Centres.

The survey, carried out between April and June 2013, achieved a 65 percent response rate from centers in 54 countries, with heavy participation from Europe.

Reed Exhibitions in Brazil Enrolls 12 in IAEE's CEM Learning Program

Taking advantage of the cooperative partnership between the International Association of Exhibitions and Events and União Brasileira dos Promotores de Feiras (Brazilian Union of Exhibit Promoters), Reed Exhibitions in Brazil enrolled 12 participants in IAEE’s Certified Exhibition Management (CEM) Learning Program.

Those 12 went on to successfully complete the Exhibition and Event Sales Fundamentals and Event Marketing modules, which were held Sept. 2-3.

Gear Expo 2013 Sees Growth Across the Board in Indianapolis

Gear Expo 2013, owned by the American Gear Manufacturers Association, saw growth in all three metrics – attendance, exhibitors and net square footage – at its recent show.

The biennial event, held Sept. 17-19 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, attracted more than 3,400 industry professionals, an 11.8-percent increase in attendance, compared with 2011.

The sold-out showfloor also had 219 exhibiting companies this year, a 26-percent increase, compared with 2011, and a 52,500 net square foot showfloor, which grew 29 percent since the 2011 show.

ASAE, Reno-Tahoe USA Host NextGen Summit for Young Professionals

Young professionals are the future of the trade show industry and the American Society of Association Executives, along with its strategic partner Reno-Tahoe USA, recently hosted the NextGen Summit to touch on issues for this group.

The NextGen Summit, held Sept. 18-21 in Reno, Nev., included guests from the ASAE Board of Directors, California Society of Association Executives, The Association Forum of Chicago and the Texas Society of Association Executives.

SmithBucklin Launches Content Resource for Volunteer Board Members

Association management company SmithBucklin recently launched Board Forward, a content source specifically designed for volunteer board members and available free of charge.

The new resource features a monthly e-newsletter and Web site that will provide relevant news, information and guidance to help volunteer board members enhance the performance of their boards and organizations.

"At SmithBucklin, we understand the challenges volunteer boards face every day," said SmithBucklin President and CEO Henry Givray.

SOUTH-TEC's Showfloor Expands to Accommodate Growing Demand

SME’s manufacturing show, SOUTH-TEC, has expanded its showfloor to accommodate demand for more exhibit space at its Oct. 29-31 expo in Greenville, S.C.

More than 300 companies will exhibit on the SOUTH-TEC floor at the TD Center and approximately 4,000 attendees are expected, according to SME officials.

"SME SOUTH-TEC will provide attendees thousands of square feet of opportunity, bursting with a full spectrum of knowledge, innovation, training and learning," said Dennis Bray, CEO of Contour Precision Group, LLC of Clover, S.C., and president of SME.

SISO Pledges $100,000 to Center for Exhibition Industry Research Foundation

At the recent Center for Exhibition Industry Research Foundation Predict conference in New York City, David Audrain, current chair of the Society of Independent Show Organizers, stood up at the end of the event and made a surprise announcement that SISO would be making a $100,000 donation to the CEIR Foundation during the next five years.

"We know and understand that all of the research that CEIR produces comes at a cost,” said Audrain, who also is president and CEO of Clarion Events North America.

Licensing Expo 2014, International Home + Housewares Show Collaborate to Cross-promote Events

Exhibitors who typically take part in Advanstar Communications’ Licensing Expo now will have the opportunity to also to be in the International Housewares Association’s International Home + Housewares Show, and vice versa.

The two entities recently signed a collaborative agreement to cross-promote their shows in 2014.

“Advanstar Licensing is thrilled to be collaborating with the leading event for the housewares market,” said Jessica Blue, vice president of Licensing Expo.

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