Association Show News
Sponsored by
Jun 02, 2020
A bill introduced on May 26 by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, to create the Pandemic Risk Insurance Program — a system of shared public and private compensation for business interruption losses resulting from future pandemics or public health emergencies — is gaining support from the meetings and events industry.
Among the supporters is ASAE. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe financial strain on America’s associations resulting from cancelled meetings, conventions and trade shows not covered in existing insurance policies, and… more
May 13, 2020
Global Exhibitions Day (GED) 2020 is only three weeks away - June 3. This year, the focus of our industry’s global day of awareness and advocacy is the critical role exhibitions play in getting business and economies back on track.
The theme for GED 2020 is “exhibition are key to rebuilding economies.” The 5th annual edition of GED is actively supported and promoted by 41 partner associations, UFI, and members of these associations, throughout the world.
GED 2020 is a unification of the industry, an occasion to share hope and optimism, and a focus on the important role of exhibitions in… more
May 12, 2020
ASAE has canceled its face-to-face 100thAnnual Meeting & Exposition, originally set for Aug. 8-11 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. A virtual version of the show will take place instead.
The association will deliver its first-ever Virtual Annual Meeting & Exposition the week of Aug. 10 and is working with scheduled speakers, sponsors and industry partners to create a reimagined digital experience.
Registration information, exact dates and industry partner opportunities will be announced to the ASAE community by the first week of June, while the ASAE Board of… more
May 11, 2020
With many events pivoting to virtual right now, event planners are working overtime to make sure their digital event programming is packed with premium educational content. But what about those valuable extras that attendees come to an event to experience, such as high-profile speakers and entertainers? As with live events, quality keynote presentations can help transform virtual events into unforgettable experiences, too. However, working with speakers for a digital event is, in some ways, different than a live talk on stage.
TSNN talked with two speakers’ bureau executives – Corey Shapoff… more
May 06, 2020
The show known as ICUEE, the industry-leading event for utility professionals and construction contractors, will have a new name and look in 2021. Now dubbed The Utility Expo, the biennial trade show known for its equipment test drives and interactive product demonstrations will take place in Louisville, Kentucky, next year from Sept. 28-30.
According to officials with the Association of Equipment Managers (who own and produce the show), this all-inclusive name better reflects The Utility Expo experience: an event that introduces professionals from all utility sectors to the new equipment,… more
May 05, 2020
While this year’s IMEX flagship Frankfurt event was canceled back in March, members of the IMEX community will still have opportunities to come together virtually over the next several months. The virtual PlanetIMEX platform aims to keep the spirit of IMEX alive by allowing visitors to explore content, reconnect, talk about future business and continue learning in the company of friends and colleagues.
Designed in collaboration with Cvent, PlanetIMEX will feature three 3-D, interactive “islands” as destinations within the platform. Each island will have its own theme (community, education… more
Apr 27, 2020
Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) has acquired a 50 percent ownership in the New England Food Show, forming a partnership with the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.
“Along with the MRA Board of Directors, I could not be more pleased to enter into this partnership with ExpoDevCo in managing the New England Food Show,” said Bob Luz, MRA president and CEO. “ExpoDevCo brings a wealth of large national and regional trade show experience to the table with a strong niche in the foodservice segment. We look forward to continuing the future growth of the New England Food Show along with… more
Apr 21, 2020
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has named the winners of this year’s UFI Next Generation Leadership Grant (NGL).
The jury, chaired by UFI President Mary Larkin, met earlier this month to evaluate all qualifying entries submitted from around the world.
The UFI NGL Grant promotes emerging leadership in the global exhibition industry and is awarded to professionals demonstrating a clear drive towards change and innovation.
Here are this year’s winners:
Alexis Zamudio, Events Manager, FINNOVISTA (Mexico);
Christina Rabl, Conference Manager Command Control at Messe… more
Apr 21, 2020
One-third of all jobs lost in the U.S. due to COVID-19 were lost in the travel industry, and the country is experiencing a total impact nine times greater than the 9/11 attacks, according to a new report by the U.S. Travel Association and analytics firm Tourism Economics.
Declines in travel are projected to cause 8 million jobs to be lost (out of 24 million for the entire U.S. economy) by the end of this month, according to the report. Travel spending losses are also on track to top half a trillion dollars by the end of 2020.
While the news is devastating from all angles, industry… more
Apr 15, 2020
More than 13,000 attendees came together online for Virtual Global Meetings Industry Day on April 14. While the message from industry experts was optimistic and hopeful, the celebration was tempered by uncertainty on when it will be safe to meet in person again.
The 30-minute grassroots #GMIDGoesVirtual event attempted to break the Guinness World Record for largest audience for a virtual conference, and while it did not quite hit the 15,000 mark that was needed, the turnout was impressive. Hosts Miguel Neves and Jennifer Spear kept the audience engaged with conversation and polls, and talked… 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