Oct 25, 2016
The International Association of Venue Managers has named Ronald Melton as the organization’s new COO/CFO. “We are thrilled to have Ron leading vital teams inside our organization.” said Brad Mayne, CFE, IAVM President and CEO. He added, “Ron’s background in our industry, coupled with his operational expertise, gives our members a strong proponent in professional growth and greater success as an association. I personally look forward to working with Ron as we look for new ways to bring more value to our members.” Melton will be joining the staff mid-November and oversee all operational and… more
Oct 25, 2016
Aimed at filling a void and helping smaller, more entrepreneurial organizers, trade show industry veteran Britton Jones, who recently sold not only Business Journals Inc, but also LeftField Media, is back in the business again with the launch of a new event production and digital content company – NXT Events Media Group. “I have never been more excited about a career opportunity,” Britton Jones said. “I look forward to helping to fill a real void in the industry. Up until the launch of NXT Events Media Group, owners of smaller show production companies have primarily had only the industry’s… more
Oct 25, 2016
In a room last week at IMEX America in Las Vegas, 135 people gathered to learn about the official launch of the Exhibitions and Meetings Safety and Security Initiative (EMSSI), which was founded to address safety and security concerns at venues around the United States. “Everywhere we go in (the trade show and meetings industry), safety and security keeps us up at night,” said International Association of Exhibitions and Events President and CEO David DuBois. The initiative is a joint effort between IAEE, International Association of Venue Managers, and the Exhibition Services &… more
Oct 24, 2016
October is set to be the busiest MICE month at Marina Bay Sands as the integrated resort welcomes 17 major tradeshows and key conferences. It is the highest number of tradeshows and conferences to be held at Marina Bay Sands in a single month since its opening in 2010. More than half of these events at Sands Expo and Convention Centre are repeat shows and they include notable names such as ITB Asia, Singapore International Energy Week and Franchising & Licensing Asia. The biggest airline passenger experience trade show in Asia, comprising Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)… more
Oct 24, 2016
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (“HKCEC”) celebrated a major milestone Oct. 14. During the world’s largest electronics fair – the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), the HKCEC welcomed the 100,000,000th visitor since its opening in 1988. Nicholas J McVeigh from the United Kingdom was surprised by a flashmob made up of a group of uniformed staff of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (“HML”), the operating and management company of the HKCEC.  He was then officially welcomed by  Monica Lee-Müller, HML’s managing director,… more
Oct 24, 2016
October is set to be the busiest MICE month at Marina Bay Sands as the integrated resort welcomes 17 major tradeshows and key conferences. It is the highest number of tradeshows and conferences to be held at Marina Bay Sands in a single month since its opening in 2010. More than half of these events at Sands Expo and Convention Centre are repeat shows and they include notable names such as ITB Asia, Singapore International Energy Week and Franchising & Licensing Asia. The biggest airline passenger experience trade show in Asia, comprising Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)… more
Oct 24, 2016
U.K.-based UBM will bring a licensing expo to Shanghai, China in 2017. Licensing Expo China will be open on 18-20 July at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), Shanghai, China. Licensing Expo China will feature over 100 brands and properties from China and overseas. The show will connect the most influential entertainment, character, fashion, art and corporate brand owners and agents with consumer goods manufacturers, licensees and retailers from all product categories across Asia. "China's licensing industry is growing faster than all other… more
Oct 24, 2016
Tarsus Group has appointed Mark Temple-Smith as CEO Asia. Temple-Smith has more than 20 years’ experience in the global exhibitions industry and has led and developed successful businesses in Europe, Africa and Asia. Temple-Smith will be joining Tarsus from ITE Group plc, where he is Regional Director for Asia. During the past four and a half years, he has grown ITE’s Asian business from start-up to some 50 exhibitions and over 400 employees in India, South East Asia and China. Prior to joining ITE in 2012 Temple-Smith was a member of the management team at Canon Communications LLC. He is… more
Oct 23, 2016
Karen Gebhart, vice president Business Development, Helicopter Association International, has spent more than 25 years in the trade show industry, even though, like most – it was entirely by accident. Now, she oversees HAI HELI-EXPO, the world’s largest vertical flight trade show and conference. HAI HELI-EXPO produces more than $2 billion in floor sales annually for the vertical flight industry and attracts attendees from 90-plus countries. Under her direction, Gebhart also leads HAI’s membership, marketing, sales and business development departments. Prior to HAI, Gebhart served as executive… more
Oct 21, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released the final two reports of its series, 2016 Changing Environment of Exhibitions. This study consists of 10 fact sheets articulating the power of exhibitions from the perspective of exhibitors, including its most recent: Use of Exhibitions and Exhibitor Sales Channel and Exhibitor Profile – Overall Compared to Power Users. Use of Exhibitions and Exhibitor Sales Channel reflects positive linkage between sales channels and participation in business-to-business exhibitions. Exhibiting companies aiming to increase use of a… 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