Oct 31, 2016
More than 100 show organizers, their guests, as well as even more trade show suppliers and association executives all took part in the 2016 TSNN Awards, Oct. 28-30 un Atlantic City, with ICSC New York National Deal Making Conference and TRA Marketplace winning overall fastest-growing awards for net square footage and attendance, respectively.
“I have an amazing, fabulous, wonderful team,” said Andrea Bahr, vice president Exposition and Events - Texas Restaurant Association/TRA Marketplace, when she accepted the award for overall fastest-growing show in attendance at the gala celebration… more
Oct 31, 2016
If you have not been to the TSNN Awards to participate in the industry's original weekend for Celebrating Success, let us help you gain some of the same Education and Inspiration by taking part in #Expochat – an industry Twitter chat session – Nov. 2 at 1pm ET.
Here are some questions that will be discussed:
1. Theme Parties: What makes them work or not work? Is this the kind of tribal event that can be a boon for attendee retention and word-of-mouth marketing?
2. Keeping Your Exhibitors: An all-star panel of CTSMs shared insights for how they like to work with trade… more
Oct 27, 2016
More than 100 show organizers and their guests, as well as a bevy of industry suppliers and association executives all are heading Oct. 28-30 to Atlantic City, N.J., to celebrate the fastest-growing shows in the U.S. at the 2016 TSNN Awards.
“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the success of these amazing shows, as well as The Show Manager of the Year Awards and TSNN Industry Icon Honoree David Loechner who heads Emerald Expositions,” said TSNN President and Editor-in-Chief Rachel Wimberly.
She added, “Meet AC and their local partners, including the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention… more
Oct 25, 2016
In a room last week at IMEX America in Las Vegas, 135 people gathered to learn about the official launch of the Exhibitions and Meetings Safety and Security Initiative (EMSSI), which was founded to address safety and security concerns at venues around the United States.
“Everywhere we go in (the trade show and meetings industry), safety and security keeps us up at night,” said International Association of Exhibitions and Events President and CEO David DuBois.
The initiative is a joint effort between IAEE, International Association of Venue Managers, and the Exhibition Services &… more
Oct 25, 2016
The International Association of Venue Managers has named Ronald Melton as the organization’s new COO/CFO.
“We are thrilled to have Ron leading vital teams inside our organization.” said Brad Mayne, CFE, IAVM President and CEO.
He added, “Ron’s background in our industry, coupled with his operational expertise, gives our members a strong proponent in professional growth and greater success as an association. I personally look forward to working with Ron as we look for new ways to bring more value to our members.”
Melton will be joining the staff mid-November and oversee all operational and… more
Oct 21, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released the final two reports of its series, 2016 Changing Environment of Exhibitions.
This study consists of 10 fact sheets articulating the power of exhibitions from the perspective of exhibitors, including its most recent: Use of Exhibitions and Exhibitor Sales Channel and Exhibitor Profile – Overall Compared to Power Users.
Use of Exhibitions and Exhibitor Sales Channel reflects positive linkage between sales channels and participation in business-to-business exhibitions. Exhibiting companies aiming to increase use of a… more
Oct 17, 2016
Tyson Foods and the National Association of Convenience Stores partnered to donate a truckload of protein to Atlanta Community Food Bank to help eliminate hunger in the greater Atlanta area.
“We are thankful for the generosity of Tyson Foods and the NACS for their donation of more than 33,000 pounds of food,” said Kyle Waide, CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “One in seven people in metro Atlanta and north Georgia need help putting food on the table. This partnership allows us to provide high quality protein for thousands of them.”
Atlanta Community Food Bank, which serves 29… more
Oct 13, 2016
On the heels of scoring the contract to work on COVERINGS next year, Taffy Events has been contracted for the exposition management of the 2018 American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) Convention & Exposition.
“Taffy Events provides us with a seasoned team of event management professionals who are passionate about ASPE and the trade show industry,” said Billy Smith, FASPE, executive director/CEO of ASPE.
He added, “We are excited to be collaborating with such an innovative and dynamic team. The energy that Taffy and ASPE’s Staff bring to the table will add fresh ideas and enhance the… more
Oct 13, 2016
Drake Star Partners, an international investment bank focusing on the technology, media and communications sectors has brought on industry veteran Galen Poss as Senior Advisor.
Poss will focus specifically on the not-for-profit association-owned trades how market and will work closely with Kathleen Thomas, managing partner at Drake Star Partners.
“The association sector comprises more than 60 percent of the U.S trade show market, and an ever increasing number of association executives are exploring options relative to selling or partnering with for-profit organizers,” Thomas said.
She… more
Oct 10, 2016
The shared accommodations sector is here to stay, and instead of running away from it, Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) has formed a unique partnership with Airbnb that will include a DMAI-issued Policy & Trends Brief that will focus on the shared accommodations sector of the sharing economy.
The Policy & Trends Brief, scheduled for release in December 2016, will examine the current state of the shared accommodations sector, its potential impact on communities, and public policy considerations for DMOs, as well as potential resolutions.
As… 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