Destination Marketing Association International Set to Host 1,000 DMO Professionals in July

More than 1,000 destination marketing professionals are expected to attend the Annual Convention for Destination Marketing Association International, taking place July 15-17 at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando.

The professional development conference connects a community of 600-plus official destination marketing organizations (DMOs) that collectively command more than $2 billion in annual budgets around the world, according to DMAI officials.

Processing Zone Sells Out at PMMI's PACK EXPO Las Vegas

PMMI, owner and producer of PACK EXPO Las Vegas, has sold out the exhibit space for The Processing Zone for its upcoming show Sept. 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  

The pavilion, located in the South Hall of the LVCC, will house a wide range of processing technologies for manufacturers in the baking and snack, beverage, dairy and confectionery industries, as well as other vertical sectors.

ASAE Debuts New Diversity + Inclusion Benchmarking Tool

The American Society of Association Executives recently introduced the first Diversity + Inclusion (D+I) tool for associations called the Association Inclusion Index.

It is an online, diagnostic tool that evaluates D+I policies, philosophies and practices against community standards.

The tool offers strategies and solutions for expanding an organization’s reach, relevance and reputation through practicing inclusive excellence.

AEM Will Launch CONEXPO Latin America in 2015 in Chile

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers is setting it sites on the growing Latin American market with the planned launch of CONEXPO Latin America in 2015 in Santiago, Chile.

Plans for CONEXPO Latin America were unveiled during an AEM press conference April 18 at the bauma trade fair in Munich, Germany.

AEMhas signed a letter of intent with the Chilean Chamber of Construction to collocate CONEXPO Latin America with the Chamber’s Edifica exposition to be held October 2015.

Industrial Fabrics Association International, Clarion Events North America Sign Collaboration Agreement

Clarion Events North America has signed a collaboration agreement with Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) to be a part of Clarion’s annual ExpoProducción event in Mexico City. 

The collaboration will include an IFAI Pavilion and Conference to be held within the show, beginning with the February 2014 edition.

IAEE and IAVM Form Strategic Alliance

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events and the International Association of Venue Managers have formed a strategic alliance that will include cross-marketing each other’s educational programs and networking events and other products developed for their memberships.

IAEE has approximately 1,300 member organizations and more than 8,000 individual member representatives, of which more than 50 percent are directly involved in the planning, management and production of exhibitions and buyer-seller events.

IAEE Set to Debut Women's Leadership Forum May 30 in D.C.

For the very first time May 30 in Washington, D.C., the International Association of Exhibitions and Events will host the Women’s Leadership Forum at the Fairmont Hotel in Georgetown.

Cathy Breden, IAEE’s COO, said the decision to launch the event had been in the works for the past few years and was moved forward when IAEE Past-chair Doreen Biela appointed a task force to explore the feasibility of a program geared toward female professionals in the industry.

CEIR Report Indicates Attracting Attendees to Shows Strongest with Personal Contacts

It doesn’t come as a surprise that the No. 1 reason attendees decide to go to a specific show is through someone they know or by word of mouth, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research report “Attracting Attendees”.

"This report provides very important, current insights to help organizers and exhibitors align their marketing approaches with current attendee behaviors and preferences,” said CEIR Research Director Nancy Drapeau.

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