Sep 12, 2016
Atlanta-based Shepard Expositions, a provider of trade show general services contractor and event production services, has expanded their service offerings by acquiring Virginia-based Aquarian, a producer of corporate events and large-scale entertainment shows.
“By adding live event production to our portfolio of services, we’ll be in the position to more completely meet the needs of our clients as they look to more fully integrate all aspects of their events into a cohesive experience for their participants,” said Carl Mitchell, president of Shepard.
He added, “Aquarian brings a full… more
Sep 12, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has unveiled the recipients of the 2016 Helen Brett Scholarship awards: Sarah Chung, Jordan Lacey and Mackenzie Thompson.
The Helen Brett Scholarship was established by Robert Kolinek and named for his grandmother, Helen Brett, who was a pioneer in the trade show industry.
The purpose of the scholarship is to assist individuals who are exploring the study of exhibitions and events management with the end goal of advancing their career in this field.
“It is incredibly rewarding to honor my… more
Sep 12, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released two more reports from its newest 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: A Positive Outlook of an Industry or Company Linked to Increased Exhibition Industry and Exhibitions Foster Business Relationships.
A Positive Outlook of an Industry or Company Linked to Increased Exhibition Industry affirms the longstanding trend documented in the CEIR Index that performance of the… more
Sep 09, 2016
SOURCE DIRECT, an import/export trade show group in the U.S., will be expanding to New York by partnering with NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift.
The expansion will launch Feb. 5-8, 2017, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.
SOURCE DIRECT at NY NOW will connect brands and product development executives in the home textile, accents, furnishings, home décor and gift products market seeking to purchase merchandise or find new overseas manufacturers or suppliers right here in New York City.
“SOURCE DIRECT has tripled in size in the past three years and has generated a… more
Sep 09, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson
With the rise of digital entertainment options and the fall of attention spans, now just eight seconds on average, engaging attendees beyond a trade show or event has never been more important, or challenging. Year-round attendee engagement has become critical for building a strong event brand and maintaining attendee retention rates.
On Event Manager Blog, Kerry Creaswood explained how engagement adds power to events. She wrote, “Event marketing is no longer about creating sales pitch opportunities. It’s about getting customers to form a connection with a… more
Sep 06, 2016
The Future of Events was meant to be a launch, scheduled Aug. 22-24 in Amsterdam, but every starter event’s worst nightmare occurred when organizers decided they needed to cancel it a month beforehand.
A stellar line up of speakers had been scheduled, airline tickets and hotel accommodations were made. Despite the last-minute setback, some long-time event professionals banded together and decided to hold a brand new event any way, and it would all be online.
“(We didn’t want) to lose the chance to have a brain date with the thought leaders of our industry that were scheduled to come to this… more
Sep 06, 2016
The Shenyang New World EXPO (EXPO) is only days from its special opening. The new venue will host China’s Annual National Planning Conference 2016 (ANPC) Sept. 24-26.
Current advance registrations ensure that more than 7,000 delegates will attend the event from throughout China.
Cliff Wallace, chairman of the EXPO’s private management and operating company said, “To host this prestigious event as EXPO’s opening event while celebrating the 60th anniversary Urban Planning Society of China (UPSC) as a part of the event is very special for our professional management team.”
ANPC is being… more
Sep 06, 2016
For the past 15 years, Messe Frankfurt has established a strong foothold in the thriving Chinese market and now is widely represented in a number of subsidiaries and joint ventures in Greater China.
One such division is Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd, Messe Frankfurt’s first branch in Mainland China established in 2002. T
he Shanghai office has expanded in scale in recent years to employ more than 130 employees, with 40 more in its Beijing auxiliary office.
To accommodate this growing number of staff, the Shanghai office moved to a new premises in June 2016. The new office is located in… more
Sep 06, 2016
The trade show industry has a history of being generous to its surrounding communities, and a few companies recently have lent a helping hand to those in need.
SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals, based in Hauppauge, N.Y., continues to be a strong supporter of Long Island Cares, the nonprofit organization based in the same town and founded by the late Harry Chapin, which brings together resources to benefit the hungry on Long Island and meet other vital humanitarian needs.
SmartSource, which has a longstanding tradition of raising funds and volunteerism on behalf of Long… more
Sep 06, 2016
The 4th edition of Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE) was held Sept. 2-4 at Hall D, Cotai Expo of the Venetian Macao.
Organized by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and other co-organisers include Macao Chamber of Commerce, Macao Federation of Trade Unions, the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau and Women’s General Association of Macau, the show’s purpose was to highlight Macau’s competitiveness as an international travel destination for overseas tourists.
The three-day event also was supported by the China National Tourism Administration.
More than 135… 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