Aug 11, 2015
Two hundred attendees experienced the best that Dallas has to offer during three days of networking and education at the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ 2015 SISO Leadership Conference, held Aug. 3-5. “Dallas as a destination should be considered by anyone in the industry,” said Lew Shomer, SISO’s executive director. He added, “We put a program together to encourage young professionals to become leaders. The content was directed toward them, and we achieved that goal.” The opening night party kicked off with attendees heading over to the world-famous Gilley’s, where they donned… more
Aug 11, 2015
In fiscal year 2014-2015 (July 2014 to June 2015), a total of 1,113 events were held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, including 111 exhibitions and 38 conferences, along with hundreds of corporate meetings, banquets and entertainment events.  The total attendees at the 1,113 events, combined with diners at the HKCEC’s seven restaurants, was almost 6.4 million people, including visitors from around the world and broke the HKCEC’s attendance record. Seven of the year’s 111 exhibitions were new at the HKCEC.  They included… more
Aug 11, 2015
NürnbergMesse China officially has been under new management since July. Darren Guo, already interim managing director since March, now will occupy the position permanently. “Darren Guo has had a bond with NürnbergMesse from the start of his career”, said Dr. Roland Fleck and Peter Ottmann, the CEOs of the NürnbergMesse Group. “His linguistic and inter-cultural expertise make him the optimal connecting link between Nuremberg and Shanghai.” From 2011 to February 2015, in his capacity as International Sales & Business development manager Asia Pacific, Guo was responsible to a key extent for… more
Aug 10, 2015
Emerald Expositions’ASD Marketweek not only scored 14-percent growth in buyer attendance, compared with last year, but also VIP attendance surged 23 percent throughout the four-day show. The increase was attributed to a number of different strategic marketing and internal restructuring initiatives, according to show organizers. “We substantially enhanced our marketing budget this year to invest in a rebranding campaign, increase outreach campaigns including print and digital media buys, expanded engagement across all social media platforms, expanded our VIP buyer program, and launched a… more
Aug 10, 2015
Continuing the tradition of recognizing individual show managers across the industry, nominations are actively being sought for the 2015 edition of The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Awards. Since 2000, the crystal SMOTY obelisk has been presented to those people creating amazing experiences within their exhibition and convention. “These awards began in order to honor show managers who make our industry great, who exemplify a can-do spirit,” says Ray Pekowski, president and CEO of The Expo Group. He added, “I cannot stress enough that these awards are about the person, not the growth… more
Aug 07, 2015
A study jointly released by ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership, Center for Exhibition Industry Research, Destination & Travel Foundation, Meeting Professionals International and Professional Convention Management Association Education Foundation, revealed that on average, one in three group room nights in the United States are booked outside of the event contracted room blocks. “Despite general agreement that many attendees book outside the room block, the meetings industry traditionally relies on the historical room block pick-up as one of the most important metrics to value an… more
Aug 05, 2015
Naylor Association Solutions, which provides integrated communications, event management, online learning, career services, association management software (AMS) and advertising, exhibit and sponsorship sales for the North American association marketplace, has acquired Schaumberg, Ill.-based WJ Weiser and Associates, a provider of association management solutions.  WJ Weiser services include everything from full outsourced management of associations to specific services such as accounting and financial management, branch and chapter management, and information and technology services. “… more
Aug 05, 2015
International Carwash Association (ICA) and Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) will collocate AOCA’s annual convention and trade show with The Car Wash Show, beginning next year. The Car Wash Show, the world’s largest car wash convention and trade show, attracted nearly 7,000 car wash and related business professionals this year – a 22 percent increase in attendance, compared with last year. AOCA’s iFLEX, the international fast lube exhibition, regularly attracts more than 700 attendees. “Adding the leading event in the fast lube industry to The Car Wash Show is just another example of… more
Aug 05, 2015
Townsquare Media, a diversified media, entertainment and digital marketing services company that owns and operates radio, digital and live event properties, bought the Phoenix-based Bridal Fashion Debut shows for an undisclosed sum. The shows, held each January and June, have more than 1,000 exhibit booths with 900 exhibiting companies and attract 20,000-plus attendees each year. “Will Hegarty and his team created the Bridal Fashion Debut events many years ago and built up the business into the two largest Bridal Expos in the United States,” said Nick Curci, president of Corporate… more
Aug 04, 2015
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society partnered with Interbike, an annual bicycle show, to present Bike MS: Las Vegas. The fundraising cycling event will return to the Las Vegas community Sept. 19 and bring together hundreds of cyclists, volunteers, and people who want to change the course of MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. “MS has touched so many of us through friends and family, that when the MS Society approached us about supporting a ride in and around Interbike, we just knew we had to get involved,” said Pat Hus, vice president of Interbike… 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