Association Show News

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Dec 01, 2012
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Expo! Expo! kicks off Dec. 4-6 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, featuring several days packed with educational sessions, networking events and a busy showfloor. Educations sessions begin all day Dec. 4 with topics ranging from “How to Execute a Virtual Event: Five Key Building Blocks” to “Seven Rules for Content Marketing – Building Buzz Before, During and After an Event.” In the afternoon, there will be a special remembrance gathering for industry veteran Joyce McKee, who passed… more
Nov 27, 2012
People just want to have fun, and that was apparent with the recent success of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions trade show – IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 – held Nov. 12-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The show drew 26,500 attendees, which included an increased number of buyers, 15,800, an expansive trade show floor – the largest in four years - and largest outdoor space in 10 years, as well as a 14-percent increase in education attendance. “IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 is the one time of year when the amusement park… more
Nov 18, 2012
In March, the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association bought the Performing Racing Industry Trade Show, and now it’s expanded its reach even more, with the acquisition of the International Motorsports Industry Show, held annually in Indianapolis. The two motorsports shows will be combined in the process. “This consolidation is all about helping the racing industry to succeed,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. He added, “Unifying the racing industry’s trade shows makes it more affordable for all to participate and allows us to focus on providing… more
Nov 11, 2012
The American Society of Association Executives will host its 2012 Technology Conference & Expo Dec. 4-6 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and focus on how technology and consumers will affect the future of business. CEOs, chief technology officers, chief information officers, other technology staff and marketing and membership professionals also will learn the latest information on technology, social media and web trends, as well as the impact mobile and digital content will have on associations and nonprofit organizations.  Attendees will have the opportunity to take… more
Nov 11, 2012
The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) boards of directors recently signed a letter of intent to launch a new combined event in the Fall of 2014. The collocated event will serve the entire advanced materials and composites industry in North America. “We are very excited about the scope of the show and the value it will bring to our memberships and the composites and advanced materials industry,” said Kate Thorpe, SAMPE president. She added, “SAMPE and ACMA are recognized as the… more
Nov 05, 2012
Despite opening its doors at Chicago’s McCormick Place the day before Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast, PMMI’s biennial PACK EXPO International still pulled in a 3-percent increase in attendees to 45,388, compared with the 2010 event. Before the storm struck, attendance was tracking even higher, with pre-registration up nearly 10 percent. “While we fully expected to surpass our attendance goals, the storm’s effect on East Coast travel prohibited many from making the show,” said Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO of PACK EXPO. He added, “However, we… more
Oct 29, 2012
The Professional Convention Management Association, with support from the PCMA Education Foundation, announced the launch of the “Industry Business Forum for Local Leaders” series. The invitation-only program is designed for global convention center and DMO executives and their local board members and policy makers, with programming focused on how strategic industry business issues impact their organizations and local communities, according to PCMA officials. The Forum program content was developed by PCMA staff and leadership, along with the professional support and guidance from Bruce… more
Oct 29, 2012
Not only will there be nearly 25 percent growth of digital health and fitness technology at the Consumer Electronic Association’s 2013 International CES, but the event also will feature a record number of automotive manufacturers, as well as being billed as the “largest app event in the world.” More than 215 exhibitors will showcase the latest digital health and fitness technologies when International CES runs Jan 8-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and other venues around the city. “Health and fitness technology is booming and will continue its dominance on the… more
Oct 28, 2012
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is reaching out to bring younger attendees to the organization’s Expo! Expo!  Annual Meeting & Exhibition by naming the “20 Under 30” award honorees, who will receive free registration and lodging for three nights when the event runs in December in Orlando. The “20 Under 30” program provides education for professional growth in the exhibitions and events industry and helps program participants become better, more productive employees. The award program is sponsored by the Austin (Texas) Convention & Visitors Bureau and… more
Oct 22, 2012
The Food Marketing Institute and United Fresh Produce Association decided this year’s collocation in Dallas went so well they will team up again on their respective shows June 10-13, 2014, at Chicago’s McCormick Place. "Consumers consistently point to the importance of the produce section as a compelling reason in selecting their primary store, so FMI members - in recognition of the eminence of the fresh category - are delighted we are again partnering with United Fresh as we bring FMI2014 back to Chicago," said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI. She added,… more
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