Mar 18, 2020
Even though mergers and acquisitions activity has slowed down significantly as a result of COVID-19, Diversified Communications announced yesterday it had acquired Energy Storage North America (ESNA) from producer ESNA EXPO LLC.
The investment not only grows Diversified Communications’ portfolio of events for the renewable energy industry, but also reinforces its commitment to supporting the new energy economy.
In addition to acquiring three of the leading solar + energy storage industry events from the Intersolar portfolio last year, Diversified Communications also owns and operates a 1.… more
Mar 18, 2020
A new report from Tourism Economics shows that the impact of the coronavirus outbreak will have far-reaching consequences for the travel industry. The total economic loss is projected to translate into a total economic loss of $809 billion — more than six times worse than the world experienced post-9/11.
The report predicts that the U.S. economy will lose 4.6 million travel-related jobs as a direct result of the decline in travel, 3.6 million of which are estimated to be directly within the industry. Based on historical precedent, this will push the unemployment rate up to 6.3 percent in the… more
Mar 17, 2020
In a time where most face-to-face meetings aren’t an option, many event professionals are turning to virtual events. But as we all know, it can be difficult to keep a remote audience engaged.
How many times have you signed up for a webinar with the best of intentions, only to realize midway through that you’ve been multitasking — checking email, browsing the web or talking to your coworker who just had “one quick question”? Or, you signed up for a virtual event only to experience difficulty with logging in, viewing the livestream or seeing pop-ups such as polls? These are the types of… more
Mar 16, 2020
As of March 15, the CDC is recommending that for the next eight weeks (until at least May 4), all events consisting of 50 people or more be postponed or canceled.
According to the statement: “Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but… more
Mar 14, 2020
The overall largest trade show in the United States and North America’s largest construction trade show, the triennial CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE, set a new square footage record March 10-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center amid COVID-19 concerns and travel restrictions.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG spanned 2.67 million net square feet, up from 2.5 million in 2017. The cancellations totaled 66,950 net sq. ft., or roughly 2.48 percent, with 15,000 sq. ft. resold. IFPE lost 45,000 sq. ft. or 26 percent of the 172,500-sq. ft. of floor space.
Attendance numbers were unavailable, but pre-registration was… more
Mar 12, 2020
The NBA has suspended its season and the NCAA Tournament will be played without fans. Organizations around the country are reacting to the news of COVID-19 by encouraging “social distancing,” and federal, state and local governments are imposing bans on travel and large gatherings—all in the name of halting the spread of the virus. What that means for event professionals is that in many locations, canceling or postponing an event is not a choice, but a requirement.
Here’s what you need to know now on a national, state and city level. Please note, this story continues to develop.
NATIONAL… more
Mar 11, 2020
Another major travel industry conference has been canceled due to the global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). Previously scheduled for May 12-14 in Germany, IMEX Frankfurt will not go on as planned, according to show officials. IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom and CEO Carina Bauer issued the following letter this morning detailing the cancellation:
Sad to announce IMEX in Frankfurt cancels
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of this year’s IMEX in Frankfurt (due to take place 12-14 May).
We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not… more
Mar 11, 2020
The news cycle the past few weeks has been nearly non-stop about coronavirus (COVID-19), and it seems like the virus is the only thing people are talking about right now. The global outbreak of this virus, and the uncertainty behind how it’s being spread, is disruptive and frightening, and can lead to feelings that the world is less secure or somehow out of control. On top of that, experts promoting “social distancing” — or maintaining a bubble of personal space to help stop the spread of COVID-19 — feels threatening, at the very least, for the meetings and events world that thrives on face-… more
Mar 10, 2020
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released global numbers that reflect due to the spread of COVID-19 the impact that trade show postponements and cancellations are having for both the exhibiting companies, as well as for the trade show industry around the world.
“Globally, the fact that more than 500 trade shows have not taken place in recent weeks is creating an escalating ripple effect for whole industries,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI managing director/CEO.
In the United States alone, with large trade shows such as The Inspired Home Show (est. 800,000+ net square… more
Mar 10, 2020
The events industry is filled with a lot of uncertainty right now due to the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent event cancellations.
“I don’t think there’s a single event scheduled for the next 90 days that isn’t currently fielding concerns about coronavirus from attendees and stakeholders,” says Alex Plaxen, vice president, experience strategy for Nifty Method Marketing and Events.
Plaxen, who has been educating the events industry on crisis communications for the past two and a half years, stresses that if you have an event scheduled anytime in the coming months, you need to be… 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