Nov 01, 2018
For another year in a row, the ASSEMBLY Show wrapped up its annual Conference and Expo boasting upticks in attendance, exhibiting companies and expo space. Held Oct. 23-25 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill, the 6thedition of the show for assembly technology, equipment and products attracted nearly 9,000 registered manufacturing professionals and 318 exhibiting companies – participation increases of 12 and 15 percent, respectively, compared to 2017.  Besides its popular education program, the ASSEMBLY Show boasted the largest exhibit hall in its history at 88,000… more
Oct 31, 2018
We all want to have experiences that we feel are worthy of sharing with others and that we look back on with positive feelings. Traditionally, those experiences haven’t been found at trade shows. While a good place to get business done, the standard model trade show – aisles of pipe and drape and dozens of lecture rooms – is not as strong when it comes to creating a lasting impression. Today, however, the model is changing at events of all sizes. Krista LeZotte, senior manager of conferences at ASAE says that making an event memorable is the best way to capture attendees’ attention both… more
Oct 30, 2018
More than 24,000 printing technology industry professionals converged in Las Vegas to celebrate the final SGIA Expo, which the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association will be transforming into PRINTING United in partnership with NAPCO Media next year. Held Oct. 18-20 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the annual trade show and conference not only boasted robust attendance but also a sold-out expo, with 612 exhibitors spanning a 279,000 net square foot floor, special showfloor activities, 72 educational sessions and a host of networking events. Last year, SGIA Expo welcomed more than 19,300… more
Oct 29, 2018
U.S.-based audio-visual and live event company PSAV has acquired FMAV, an audio-visual and live event production company in Canada.  The transaction broadens PSAV’s reach into another region, as well as expands its overall capabilities.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. FMAV CEO Bill Brown and his senior team will remain in place and continue to execute on their growth plans, now in partnership with PSAV. “FMAV is an ideal addition to the PSAV group of companies due to its event production expertise and strong alignment to our purpose and mission,” said Mike McIlwain, CEO for… more
Oct 25, 2018
As cities across the U.S. continue to make significant investments in major expansions and upgrades to their convention centers in order to better compete for group business, two more facilities are joining the flurry of construction projects.   Last week, the city of Indianapolis announced plans to expand the Indiana Convention Center and build two new hotel towers that will add more than 1,400 connected hotel rooms to the city’s room inventory. The ICC’s new 50,000 square foot ballroom will be the largest in the state, while the additional hotel towers will increase the city’s number of… more
Oct 23, 2018
Several associations recently signed new contracts with suppliers to the trade show industry for housing, registration, lead management and publications. Convention Data Services (CDS) was selected by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) to provide registration, lead management and integrations for Museums Advocacy Day, as well as the Annual Meeting & Museum Expo for three years through 2021. AAM’s mission is to champion museums and nurture excellence. Museums Advocacy Day brings together advocates who make the case for museums. The Annual Meeting & Museum Expo is the world’s… more
Oct 23, 2018
Billed as the incentive travel, meetings and events industry’s largest trade show in the U.S., IMEX America 2018broke its own records for success last week. Held Oct. 16-18 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, this was the show’s eighth consecutive year in Las Vegas.    According to IMEX Group, the show boasted the following statistics: 13,000 estimated participants 6,000 attendees 3,300 hosted buyers More than 3,500 exhibitors More than 150 countries represented 70,000 estimated appointments Economic impact of $19.1 million  Smart Monday, the MPI-powered day of education… more
Oct 22, 2018
After two years of extensive research and listening to its exhibitors, the NAB Show has launched a ground-breaking new program designed to support and improve the exhibitor experience by creating a more transparent and sustainable model for its exhibitor services. Developed in response to exhibitor complaints about the cost and unpredictability of exhibiting expenses, the NAB Show Cares program comprises a series of comprehensive initiatives that address a range of services exhibiting companies described as significant challenges, including material handling, electrical and hanging signs and… more
Oct 18, 2018
The NACS Show has broken its attendance and expo records once again. Held Oct. 7-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the annual four-day event for the U.S. convenience store industry attracted 25,159 industry stakeholders from 72 countries, topping 25,000 for the first time ever and beating last year’s attendance record of 24,940. According to The Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing, which owns and runs the show, a large part of this growth in participation was due to a strong surge in buyers – retailers, convenience distributors and registrations from NACS Show partner the… more
Oct 17, 2018
Steady growth is the meetings and event industry’s “new normal” according to the American Express Meetings & Events (M&E)2019 Global Meetings and Events Forecast, released on Oct. 15 at IMEX America. For the fourth consecutive year, the events industry has achieved consistent growth in both spend and attendees. In 2019, global meetings activity is expected to continue to grow, accompanied by small increases in budget allocation for meetings and events. This matches data from CWT Meetings & Events’ 2019 Meetings & Events Future Trends report, released earlier this month.  “… 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