May 30, 2018
Shepard Launched eventVOICE, a voice-driven assistant designed specifically for events to enhance attendee experience, improve exhibitor engagement and help organizers work smarter. This tool is a template-based operating platform that boasts ease of set-up, personalized notifications, and a responsive artificial intelligence database - giving a broader range of event organizers the ability to respond to the demand for voice-first search customer experience.  “The launch of this service aligns with our strategic imperatives to provide clients with innovative solutions which support the… more
May 30, 2018
Mohegan Sun, based in Uncasville, Conn., opened the Earth Expo & Convention Center today, the property’s $80 million dollar expansion, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new center already is making a name for itself as it makes Mohegan Sun home to one of the largest and most attractive exposition sites in the Northeast, with more than 275,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. “We are honored to have you all with us and are excited to be here today to celebrate the grand opening of the new Earth Expo & Convention Center,” said Mohegan Tribal Chairman, Kevin Brown “… more
May 24, 2018
BNP Media’s Architecture, Engineering and Construction Publishing Group is gearing up to launch AEC BuildTech Conference & Expo, an interactive conference and exhibition designed for architects, engineers and contractors to learn and leverage new building processes, materials and emerging construction technologies.  Set for April 30-May 2 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, AEC BuildTech will include an expo floor featuring exhibitors showcasing the products and services needed for the latest trends in building, as well as expert speakers and in-depth,… more
May 24, 2018
E.J. Krause and Associates and Tarsus have purchased a 60-percent interest of Expo Restaurantes, the leading restaurant show in Mexico. “I am excited by this new acquisition in Mexico given that E.J. Krause and Tarsus have a long and successful history of working together in this market. Expo Restaurantes and Pescamar are perfect vehicles for us to enter this growing market in Mexico,” said Ned Krause, president and CEO of E.J. Krause and Associates. Established 18 years ago Expo Restaurantes is the leading restaurant supplier show in Mexico. The next edition will be held on 27-29 June… more
May 23, 2018
E.J. Krause & Associates (EJK) is expanding its 2018 event portfolio with the debut of its Electric Bike Events series, created to cover the recreational electric bicycle sector.  This year, the new series will launch eMTB Experience, a four-city electric mountain bikes (eMTB) tour developed as a collocate with Bonnier Corp., producers of the EnduroCross series, and will include events in Prescott AZ, Reno, Denver and Boise, ID running August through November, respectively.  “This partnership will allow for a unique expansion of the Eudurocross program by engaging consumers through… more
May 22, 2018
JD Events will be launching Plant Based World Conference & Expo, set to take place June 7-8, 2019 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. PBW intends to catalyze a healthier world by establishing a home for the rapidly evolving community of human beings making the shift towards a more plant-based lifestyle, according to show organizers. The event will feature an exhibit floor ripe with innovative plant-based foods, beverages, products, services and brands, as well as an educational conference with separate tracks for healthcare professionals, businesses and… more
May 22, 2018
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) recently concluded its largest NPE2018: The Plastics Show, known as the top plastics industry event in North America.  The triennial trade show and conference, which took place May 7-11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, attracted approximately 65,000 attendees and more than 2,180 exhibiting companies covering more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space.  In addition, more than 11,000 international attendees from 110 countries participated in the event.  At its 2015 edition, held March 23-27 at the OCCC, NPE boasted 65,810… more
May 21, 2018
Drumroll please …. After a RECORD year of nominations, TSNN proudly unveils the top seven show finalists competing for the TWO “Best of Show” Awards being announced at TSNN Awards Aug. 10-12 in Louisville (www.T-awards.com). The two winners will be determined on social media and industry voting!  So, get out there and vote for your top choice today! (Voting closes June 16.)  Waste Expo – Why a finalist? Because they "wowed" in multiple ways and didn’t waste any time jumping in on their 1960's theme. They got groovy and celebrated 50 years (rockin’ it since 1968) carrying their fun theme… more
May 15, 2018
International Market Centers and AmericasMart, two operators in the furniture, gift, home decor, rug and apparel B2B industries, have entered into an agreement to form the world’s largest owner and operator of premier showroom space. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The combined corporate entity, which will operate under the name “International Market Centers,” will own and operate nearly 20 million square feet of permanent showroom space in Las Vegas, High Point, and Atlanta. The individual Markets and their respective venues will continue to operate under existing… more
May 15, 2018
The Exhibitions Mean Business campaign will hold its fifth annual Exhibitions Day on Capitol Hill June 5-6 to champion the impact that the exhibitions industry has upon the U.S. economy. According to new information obtained by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), events contributed $91 billion to the U.S. GDP in 2017, approximately a $10 billion increase from what was previously reported. “Recent data shows the economic contribution of events, which includes direct spending of organizers, exhibitors, attendees and venues, totaled $91 billion in 2017,” said Allen Shaw, Ph.D… 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