Sep 14, 2018
U.K.-based Tarsus Group has bought the remaining 50 percent share of its joint venture in Mexico with E.J. Krause for approximately $18 million, as well as announcing other deals in Southeast Asia and the United Arab Emirates.
With the option to buy exercised, the Mexico deal is expected to close the first week of October.
“Mexico is a large and fast-growing market, and this agreement to acquire the remaining 50 percent interest in EJK Tarsus Mexico, thereby assuming full control of the Mexican business, represents an excellent opportunity for the Group to accelerate its growth,” said… more
Sep 12, 2018
Private equity firm MidOcean Partners has acquired Questex, a B2B information services provider, from Shamrock Capital. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Questex is a global B2B information services company that serves the beauty/spa/wellness, travel/hospitality, life sciences/healthcare and telecommunications/technology sectors.
The Company serves these end markets through leading brands and well-developed capabilities, including more than125 tradeshows (such as the industry leading International Beauty Shows), conferences (including ExL events), and hosted buyer… more
Sep 12, 2018
Several shows have canceled at convention centers expected to be impacted by Hurricane Florence, which is projected to make landfall in the Carolinas as a Category 3 or 4 storm on Friday morning.
The National Rifle Association has canceled the second annual NRA Carry Guard Expo, scheduled for Sept. 14-16, 2018 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Va., due to the impending threat of severe weather associated with Hurricane Florence.
“The cancellation was made in the interest of public safety due to the forecasted arrival of Category 4 Hurricane Florence in the mid-Atlantic… more
Sep 12, 2018
On Aug. 13, Governor Rick Smith declared a state of emergency in seven counties along the Florida Gulf Coast, and the red tide continues to have a negative impact on the state’s shores and beaches. The toxic algae bloom is responsible for a drop in tourism that many local businesses worry will continue.
The red tide is a natural phenomenon that has been documented since the 1500s. However, this most recent occurrence has been particularly troublesome. The harmful algae bloom (the term that scientists prefer) emits toxic gasses that have killed a vast quantity of marine life. These gasses… more
Sep 11, 2018
The 2018 International Manufacturing Technology Show kicked off this week in Chicago by breaking new records for booths and exhibiting companies, as well as the most exhibit space ever reported in the show’s 91-year history.
Taking place Sept. 10-15 at McCormick Place, IMTS 2018 is boasting 2,123 booths representing 2,563 exhibiting companies spanning 1,424,232 square feet of expo space.
As of Sept. 7, the number of pre-registered visitors for the biennial show exceeded 113,000, which also is on pace for a possible record, according to officials from the Association for Manufacturing… more
Sep 11, 2018
In the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, addressing workplace harassment has never been more important or timely, including in the events industry. To address this pressing issue, the Events Industry Sexual Harassment Task Force will be hosting its first webinar on Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. ET, which is free and open to the public, with attendance within the events industry encouraged.
Titled “Understanding and Eliminating Workplace Harassment,” this interactive webinar will define workplace harassment, review the different types of sexual harassment and give participants a chance to make… more
Sep 07, 2018
Is the U.S. still attractive to the international market? In the face of the current Administration’s “America First” policy, how are trade shows being affected?
Those are questions we’ll be asking on our next #Expochat, set for Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. ET. Join us for what is sure to be a lively Twitter discussion as we examine the repercussions of the U.S.’s strained ties with its traditional allies and trading partners and how it’s impacting the trade show industry.
During this week’s chat, Moderator Stephanie Selesnick will be asking the following questions:
What is the current perception… more
Sep 07, 2018
The trade show industry continues to modestly grow into the second quarter of this year, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research.
The performance of the industry, as measured by the CEIR Total Index, posted a moderate year-over-year gain of 1.6 percent, even though it underperformed the macroeconomy.
“The growth of the exhibition industry should pick up the pace during the second half of the year as the economy remains strong despite uncertainties surrounding an escalating trade war and the political environment,” said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., chief economist for… more
Sep 06, 2018
Following the combination of Informa and UBM, Informa Exhibitions has appointed Mark Temple-Smith as managing director for the Group’s Fashion Exhibitions business, which includes leading brands such as WWDMAGIC, COTERIE, PROJECT and PROJECT WOMENS, which all run twice a year in Las Vegas during MAGIC.
“We are pleased to have Mark take on this essential role as we focus on rolling out such an initiative so important to the fashion marketplace and dedicating the right resources – management, technology and branding – to supporting our customers’ success,” Informa Exhibitions CEO Charlie… more
Sep 05, 2018
Beginning in January of 2021, the Western & English Sales Association (WESA) will be relocating its International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Markets to the Dallas Market Center.
Known as the producer of the world’s largest trade events for the equestrian industry, the biannual event is moving from Denver Mart in Denver, Colorado, a venue it had called home for decades.
To be held each January and August, the WESA Markets in Dallas will be the largest global showcase of western and English resources as well as the global marketing headquarters for many of the largest… 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