Apr 24, 2018
The Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) has awarded the trade show for-profit industry’s most prestigious award, the “Robert L. Krakoff Industry Award of Excellence” to Galen Poss, vice chairman of dmg::events. “SISO is proud to announce the winner of the 2018 R L Krakoff Award is Galen Poss,” said Tony Calanca, executive vice president of Exhibitions for UBM. He added, “Galen has demonstrated in his more than two decades of work in the face-to-face industry his leadership, professionalism, dedication to the industry, and his humanity.  We could not be happier than to have Galen… more
Apr 23, 2018
For the ninth year in row, Trade Show News Network will hold its prestigious and original TSNN Awards program that honors the top fastest-growing shows in attendance and net square footage Aug. 10-12 in Louisville, Ky. The list of 50 shows that will be feted during the three-day, celebration-filled event can be found listed below and also HERE.  “The Top 50 fastest-growing show winners were chosen by their show’s growth rate between 2015-2017 in attendance and net square footage,” said Tarsus Media President Rachel Wimberly. She added, “We are really excited to fete all of the winners for… more
Apr 20, 2018
We know how hard you and your team work to make your trade show a success! We know you’ve earned bragging rights, so we want to hear from you!  Nominations are open for the TSNN Awards “Best of Show” Awards and we’re leaving it up to you to Tell us why you think your show is the BEST!This is the eighth year for this special award, and five nominees will be invited to the 2018 TSNN Awards: Celebrating Success Aug. 10–12 in fun Louisville, KY. The overall winner will be announced at the gala awards celebration Aug. 11. To be considered, please, submit your show HERE.There is no specific… more
Apr 19, 2018
Last month, full-service global meetings solution company, ConferenceDirect, provided 23 of its associates with the opportunity to learn how to identify and help stop a growing problem in the hospitality industry: human trafficking. At the company’s Annual Partner Meeting on March 28 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, the ConferenceDirect employees completed a Human Trafficking Awareness course presented by the Los Angeles Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST), which works to identify human trafficking cases in the Los Angeles region and offers a variety of local public speaking… more
Apr 18, 2018
The St. John’s Convention Centre, National Association of Drug Stores and International Market Centers all either brought on a new supplier or renewed an existing contract in the past month during a busy time in the trade show industry.  Centerplate was selected as the exclusive catering partner for the St. John’s Convention Centre, following a comprehensive bid process. Located in the heart of downtown St. John’s in Newfoundland and Labrador, SJCC offers state-of-the-art facilities for meetings, conferences and events.  The 10-year contract will encompass all food and beverage services… more
Apr 17, 2018
Dallas-based Freeman bought Sydney, Australia-based Info Salon Group led by CEO Jo-Anne Kelleway, an event technology solutions company that focuses on online and onsite registration, as well as data tracking and capture. “We’re always looking for ways to simplify the event and show planning processes for our clients; and investing in leading digital technologies enables us to provide the robust capabilities show organizers need to thrive in the ever-evolving events industry. This was the case with our recent Blueprint floor plan management solution launch, and it is the driving factor… more
Apr 17, 2018
After a shareholder vote today in which 99 percent voted in favor of approval, Informa’s $5.5 billion valued deal to buy UBM was given the greenlight, creating the largest trade show company in the world. “We are encouraged by the strong support from shareholders of both companies for this combination, which will create a leading, international B2B Information Services Group,” said Stephen A. Carter, Informa’s CEO. Under the terms of the offer, UBM shareholders will receive 1.083 Informa shares for each UBM share and $2.33 in cash. Carter in an earlier statement said that shareholders… more
Apr 16, 2018
Trade shows in the fashion retail sector have gone through another shift, with Liberty Fairs buying Reed Exhibitions’ Capsule shows. "Bringing the Capsule show under the Liberty Fairs Fashion Group umbrella creates an even stronger platform for all of our shows,” said Sam Ben-Avraham, founder of Liberty Fairs Fashion Group. He added, “We are always thinking about the future, about what's coming, how we create the right thing to satisfy our core audience, and also attract new eyes to what we are doing. Together, we will have more opportunities to serve the fashion space and also build our… more
Apr 12, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released its 2018 CEIR Index Report, which analyzes the 2017 exhibition industry and provides an economic and exhibition industry outlook for the next three years. The growth of the B2B exhibition industry accelerated along with the macro economy in 2017. The CEIR Total Index, a measure of overall exhibition industry performance, increased by a moderate 2 percent, 1 percentage point higher than in 2016. All four metrics rose in 2017, with real revenues leading at 2.9 percent above 2016. Attendees and net square footage rose 2.1… more
Apr 12, 2018
If the recently unveiled design drawings of its expansion project are any indication, the nearly 60-year-old Las Vegas Convention Center has a vibrant new look in its future. Presented on April 10 by architects from tvsdesign to the Board of Directors of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the drawings depict an innovatively designed, modern-looking convention center as iconic as the city itself, according to Rossi Ralenkotter, CEO of the LVCVA. “This is one of the most important days in the history of the LVCVA,” Ralenkotter said. “Southern Nevada’s economy is driven by… 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