May 10, 2016
The digitization of events, as well as the proliferation of platforms, applications, and devices designed to “retool” traditional trade shows, is proceeding much more quickly than many are prepared for. In his forthcoming book, “Future of the Tradeshow Industry, the Modern Digital Tradeshow (MDT”), Francis Friedman dives deep into digital transformation, increasing competition from online marketing channels and private corporate events, and the need to redouble efforts on improving the customer experience. In this TSNN Webinar, moderator Michelle Bruno will lead a discussion… more
May 10, 2016
Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2016's trade showfloor continues to grow at a record-breaking rate with 11,500 net square meters of exhibit space reserved by more than 350 companies. The strong interest by international manufacturer and supplier companies to showcase their new products and services is reflective of the growth of the attractions industry in the Asia-Pacific region and China specifically. AAE 2016 takes place June 13-16 at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre in China, with the showfloor open June 14-16. The event is the region's premier global conference… more
May 10, 2016
Following its success in 2015, the 12th edition of Meat Expo China is scheduled to run Nov. 14-16, once again at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in China. Organised by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and Circulation Industry Promotion Center of the Ministry of Commerce of P.R. China (CIPC), the annual show compiles one of the most comprehensive showcases on cutting-edge technologies and machinery, meat and meat-based products as well as total solutions for the meat-processing industry in China. Richard Li, general manager of Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd, the… more
May 09, 2016
Mark Shashoua, who currently is CEO of London-based i2i Events Group, now will be stepping back into a familiar place, as CEO of ITE Group, also based in London. Shashoua was one of the original founders of ITE Group in the early 1990’s. Shashoua will succeed Russell Taylor, who will stand down Sept. 1 from the Board and as the Group’s CEO, following thirteen years at the company. “On behalf of the Board and all of our employees I would like to welcome Mark Shashoua to ITE. Mark has been a key figure in the international events industry for over 20 years and inherits a robust platform,” said… more
May 08, 2016
In April 1951, a couple dozen exhibitors and about 200 attendees gathered in Columbus, Ohio, for the first table-top show of the Produce PrePackaging Association (now known as the Produce Marketing Association). Because many women were joining the workforce in those post-war years, the demand for packaged fruits and vegetables was rising. Self-service supermarkets were spreading across the country and frozen foods were gaining popularity. “The suppliers of fresh produce realized they had to up their game to improve the quality of packaged produce – especially delicate items like… more
May 06, 2016
With a couple of decades in the trade show industry, Philip McKay definitely has learned a lot of things along the way. McKay currently is the founder and CEO of nGage Events, which owns or partners with the industry’s leading publications in 10 annual hosted buyer events in cutting-edge markets such as; Enterprise Mobility, IoT, Enterprise HPC, Big Data, InkJet Printing, Digital Packaging, Design in Healthcare and Education. These invitation-only events host the true decision-makers in each market, where the content is provided by the leading analysts in the globe.   Before founding… more
May 06, 2016
Revenues for the Marketing & Events Division of Viad, which is Global Experience Specialists, dipped 8.1 percent in the first quarter of 2016 to $236.1 million, compared with $256.9 million during the same period in 2015. “We saw lower year-over-year revenues during Q1 from corporate clients and short-term event bookings,” said Steve Moster, Viad’s president and CEO. “This was really due to a shift in timing, as we’re seeing stronger activity in the back half of 2016. “ Some of the decrease in revenues was a result of a few large shows that were in an off year, such as Promat in the… more
May 05, 2016
In a move to expand its reach even more, Dallas-based Freeman has acquired Red Bank, N.J.-based events industry research firm Exhibit Surveys. The acquisition supports Freeman’s goal to continue to grow its resources to support strategy, design and digital by adding an experienced group of researchers with a deep understanding of data and measurement, according to Freeman officials.  “By expanding our research, data and analytics expertise, we will continue to support our clients as they optimize their event investments and prove out the immense value that brand experiences deliver in… more
May 04, 2016
Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) and Progressive Business Media (PBM) have teamed up for the launch of the Home Furnishings Manufacturing Solutions Expo (HFMSE), a trade show showcasing solutions for home furnishings manufacturers. HFMSE, on tap June 7-8, 2017, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, will be the only trade show of its kind in the U.S. serving the $150 billion home furnishings industry, according to show organizers. The Expo will provide attendees with innovative and timely solutions for their home furnishings business including manufacturing equipment and… more
May 03, 2016
For the first time in the event’s history, the Exhibition & Convention Executives Forum has sold out several weeks before it is set to run June 1 in Washington, D.C. “ECEF has a waiting list for the first time in 15 years,” said Sam Lippman, president of Lippman Connects, producer of ECEF. “In recent years, ECEF has consistently sold out, but not anywhere as early as this year,” he added. “I talk to industry executives every day, and my impression is they are more aggressively reaching out for new business opportunities. And that includes attending ECEF for presentations by the… 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