Feb 15, 2018
It’s no secret that younger audiences have different approaches to learning. While Baby Boomers prefer personally focused learning and classroom environments, Gen Xers are fiercely independent, self-directed and would rather learn on their own time.
Millennials prefer technology and social media and expect to have the infrastructure available to work anywhere and everywhere. Now, we also have Gen Z in the mix: the generation of instant gratification. Born into a world where everything is digitized, they expect their environment to deliver a “wow” experience – and if it doesn’t, they’ll just… more
Feb 14, 2018
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) has selected global design and consultancy firm, Arcadis, to oversee a capital improvements construction program to enhance four of MCCA’s convention and event facilities.
As Owner’s Project Manager (OPM), Arcadis will act as an extension of MCCA staff and lead construction management and administration activities to plan, initiate, manage and execute capital projects at Boston’s John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center; the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center; the Boston Common Garage and the MassMutual Center in Springfield… more
Feb 13, 2018
It’s no secret that January is a big month for major U.S. trade shows around the country, and this year was no exception.
Held Jan. 14-16 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, NRF 2018, aka Retail’s BIG Show, helped kick off the year on the right foot by growing its participation and showfloor presence.
Owned and run by the National Retail Federation, the three-day trade show and conference for retail professionals welcomed 36,500 attendees and 719 exhibiting companies representing a wide range of categories including merchandising, operations, information technology, customer… more
Feb 08, 2018
Washington D.C.’s largest consumer culinary show, MetroCooking DC, concluded its 12th edition with a positive boost in attendance and size.
Held Dec. 9-10 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the popular gourmand shopping event saw an attendance uptick of more than 12 percent, compared with the year before, with more than 10,000 foodies shopping, sipping and sampling from an abundance of specialty food companies, local restaurants, breweries and wineries.
The annual event also expanded its exhibitor footprint, with 218 specialty food and home entertaining exhibitors showcasing… more
Feb 08, 2018
Viacom, owner of MTV, VH-1, Nickelodeon and BET, to name a few, has acquired VidCon, host of the world’s largest multi-day conference for the global online community.
The move will accelerate its participation and investment in next-generation platforms and expand its focus on live events, according to Viacom officials.
VidCon will remain a stand-alone entity and retain its senior leadership team.
“VidCon has become the foremost gathering place for the passionate online video community, and the access to talent, experts and education that VidCon provides for attendees is unparalleled,”… more
Feb 07, 2018
U.K.-based Tarsus Group has launched an exclusive buyer-seller platform, Tarsus Direct, which will include an in-person summit series, white papers and thought leadership within specific communities.
The first event in Tarsus Direct’s Industry Specific Direct Connections Summit Series will focus on healthcare security with the debut of the Healthcare Security Summit Oct. 24-25 in Boston, Mass.
"Our market research indicated a strong need for original research and education in healthcare security," said David Beck, Group Publisher at Tarsus Direct, and former publisher of the… more
Feb 06, 2018
Hurricane Harvey may cause 2017 to go down in history as a tumultuous year for the City of Houston, but that didn’t stop the city from coming back strong while setting another record in convention sales.
For the third straight year, an unprecedented number of room nights tied to future conventions were booked in 2017, according to Visit Houston officials, whose sales team locked down 429 conventions and meetings representing 802,852 room nights, up from 765,401 room nights in 2016.
“Our city is experiencing the return on investments in our convention district,” said Dawn Ullrich, president… more
Feb 03, 2018
For the past 30 years, the 9th largest convention center in the United States hasn’t permitted outside contractors, until now.
Cleveland, Ohio’s 2.2 million square foot I-X Center now will allow trade shows to utilize outside decorating providers specializing in exhibitor services and experience.
Since 1985, the I-X Center exclusively has provided on-site services, which covered all facets of decorator services for trade shows and large corporate events.
The new policy, effective immediately, provides new opportunities for the convention center and planners worldwide.
“After conversations… more
Feb 02, 2018
Last year ended on a positive upswing that will follow into 2018, according to the 20th edition of UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s Global Barometer report.
"Globally, the exhibition industry is growing at a healthy rate. Companies around the world are looking into expanding their activities within and beyond their present activities and geographic borders,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI managing director/CEO.
He added, “In parallel, new business models are under development, and many players in the industry expect them to deliver a relevant share of their company's… more
Feb 01, 2018
Two major trade show producers plan to launch a slew of new business-to-business and consumer shows this year.
Urban Expositions/Clarion Events is gearing up to unveil Healthy Food Expo, a new portfolio of trade shows and conferences serving the healthy food component of the restaurant and foodservice marketplace.
The inaugural events are slated to launch in two locations this year: Aug. 18-21 at the Los Angeles Convention Center alongside the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and Coffee Fest, and Sept. 6-8 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando with the Florida… 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