Apr 11, 2018
I hear it all the time: “How do I effectively market my events?” This is one of the greatest challenges meeting planners face. They want to improve app adoption, engage attendees with content and on social media, and increase visibility for their sponsors and exhibitors.
The thing is, many planners who are using event management and attendee engagement software already have the tools they need. Let’s take a look…
What is marketing?
First, let’s clarify what marketing is. According to the American Marketing Association:
“Marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for… more
Apr 10, 2018
In its 26thyear, UBM Tech’s Game Developers Conference just keeps getting bigger and better than ever, with a record-breaking 28,000 attendees checking out the packed showfloor March 19-23 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.
The event, billed as “the world’s largest and longest-running event serving professionals dedicated to the art and science of making games,” also had approximately 500 exhibitors and plenty of new bells and whistles to excite and engage attendees this year.
“GDC really is about the business of making games,” said GDC’s Katie Stern, who oversees the show. “The typical… more
Apr 06, 2018
Loyalty. It’s coveted in many industries and events are no exception. Loyal attendees are one of a trade show’s most important assets. Show organizers can use their enthusiasm to improve their events in numerous ways, increasing overall attendance among them.
David Saef, executive vice president of strategy for GES, explained the importance of loyal attendees.
“They come every year, they know the event in their own way and they may know it better than the organizer,” Saef explained. “They’re willing to do anything for the organizer to help make the show successful.”
Leana Salamah,… more
Apr 04, 2018
Clarion Events has acquired PennWell, a 108-year-old privately-held events and business-to-business media and marketing services company based in Tulsa, Okla.
Clarion is owned by funds managed by Blackstone, a private equity firm with more than $400 billion in assets under management.
"This deal delivers significant benefits for both companies," said Clarion's Executive Chairman Simon Kimble.
He added, "PennWell's roster of market-leading events strongly enhances Clarion's portfolio. Our global network and depth of resources will further strengthen PennWell's offerings, enhancing… more
Apr 03, 2018
The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) Board of Directors has appointed global entertainment and convention venue management company, SMG, to oversee operations at Reno-Sparks’ major convention and entertainment facilities.
The four-year operating agreement includes the RSCVA-owned Reno-Sparks Convention Center (RSCC), the state-owned Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (RSLEC), as well as the Reno Events Center (REC) and the National Bowling Stadium (NBS), which are both owned by the City of Reno.
“This is a great opportunity for the entire Reno Tahoe region and an… more
Apr 03, 2018
According to news just released by Forbes, private equity firm Blackstone reportedly is near an estimated $300 million deal to acquire PennWell.
The deal will be made through Clarion Events, a large global trade show company with a fast-growing U.S. portfolio, which Blackstone bought last year.
Calls and emails for comment to Clarion and Blackstone were not returned.
According to Forbes, the prospective transaction was granted early termination of regulatory review March 16by the Federal Trade Commission under the Hart Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
If this deal goes through,… more
Apr 03, 2018
Reed Exhibitions unveiled seven event launches in 2018 across five cities, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Orlando and Santa Monica.
The events are a combination of B2B and B2C. Some are in collaboration with leading media brands, some are geo-clones of RX global brands and others are value chain extensions of existing RX events.
"Included in RX's strategy for 2018-2020 is organic growth via launch. I am pleased to announce our 2018 launches which leverage RX's existing sector experience, but also provide RX entry into new growth areas,” said Hervé Sedky, president of Reed… more
Apr 02, 2018
There is a lot of noise and competition out there, which means it’s getting more and more challenging for brands to really stand out and catch the attention that they need.
To help brands figure out what tools might help them rise above, Next Events Media Group, run by trade show industry veterans Britton Jones and Sharon Enright, will launch a new show – BRANDXCELERATOR – Nov. 11-12 at at New York’s Metropolitan Pavilion located at 125 West 18th Street.
BRANDXCELERATOR is a one-of-a-kind conference and trade show to provide mid-market company owners and top managers the branding tools and… more
Mar 29, 2018
Lance Fensterman has been promoted to president of Global ReedPOP, the rapidly growing pop culture division of Reed Exhibitions that he helped to conceive and launch.
Thanks to Lance’s vision and leadership, ReedPOP has become the leading producer of pop culture events in the world, and is the fastest-growing portfolio within Reed Exhibitions, according to company officials.
"Lance’s passion is unmistakable and contagious, and that passion has driven the explosive growth of ReedPOP from a quirky offshoot of Reed Exhibitions to the global powerhouse brand that it is today" said Hervé Sedky… more
Mar 29, 2018
For the first time in Freeman’s 90-year history, a non-family member was named its fourth CEO – Bob Priest-Heck.
“We are focused on building our clients’ brands and helping them succeed in a dynamic environment by creating meaningful brand experiences that help build relationships and drive clear and measurable outcomes,” said Joe Popolo, CEO of The Freeman Company, the newly created parent company that encompasses Freeman, Encore Event Technologies and Alford Media.
He added, “Bob is no stranger to this, having previously served as the president of Freeman. He has a history of driving… 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