News
Apr 08, 2020
Networking and events platform Hio (which stands for “hit it off”) has launched two new offerings to facilitate virtual networking and socialization — and is offering free Hio Premium access from April 1 – June 30.
Event planners can create, host and manage virtual events free of charge on the Hio platform. The Host-Moderated Virtual Event option works for webinars, speakers and individual networking sessions during an event, while the new Virtual Lounge format provides a formal opportunity for attendees to engage in one-on-one networking sessions. Network Now, a new Hio Premium feature,… more
Apr 07, 2020
ASAE applauded Congress for swiftly constructing a $2.2 trillion emergency coronavirus relief package while calling on policymakers to include more association-specific relief in a fourth relief package currently taking shape.
A review of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, shows that Congress allocated extraordinary relief for individuals, small businesses, corporations, hospitals, state and local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofit groups, but few provisions that directly assist trade and professional associations experiencing severe… more
Apr 06, 2020
Many members of the health community — doctors, nurses, first responders, and others who are helping in the fight against COVID-19 — are struggling to find housing close to their outposts. The American Hotel and Lodging Association’s Hospitality for Hope initiative is helping to address this by connecting hotel properties with the health community.
AHLA is the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry and contributes nearly $660 billion to U.S. GDP. The group created Hospitality for Hope to boost collaboration between the hotel industry and local, state… more
Apr 03, 2020
While it’s important for all of us to stay informed about the current health crisis and its impact on our industry, TSNN believes it’s important to balance out the negative with positive and inspiring news. That’s why we’ve launched this weekly Good News column to shine a well-deserved spotlight on all the amazing events and event-related companies making a positive difference during this challenging time. Here, five reasons to smile today:
Good360 Helps Canceled Events Donate Unused Items
Good360 is helping show organizers and vendors of cancelled trade shows, conferences and festivals… more
Apr 02, 2020
The phrase “all hands on deck” has never been more appropriate for this unprecedented time in history, and general service contractors and exhibit companies are stepping up to the plate. Here’s how companies like T3 Expo, Fern Expo, Display America, GES and Willwork Global Event Services are giving back, using their resources at hand to support the work of FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and local and state agencies to help others get through this unimaginable crisis with makeshift hospitals and testing centers.
T3 Expo
The team behind this general service contractor knows every square… more
Apr 02, 2020
Like all in-person events right now, the Society of Independent Show Organizers had to cancel its’ annual SISO CEO Summit, which gathers executives from the for-profit global trade show industry annually and was meant to run this week in Dallas at the Four Seasons.
SISO’s Executive Director David Audrain said, “SISO feels strongly, now more than ever, we need to come together as a community, share our experiences and pivots, and get answers to burning questions.”
To still make that happen, SISO held a virtual Town Hall March 31, with Audrain moderating and panelists that included Greg… more
Apr 01, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic may be keeping exhibition professionals away from one another, but the desire to connect, discuss and learn has only accelerated. To fill this need and support its membership after postponing its global events slated for this spring, UFI has launched UFI Connects, a new online program offering free talks, panels and webinars to help event professionals stay connected and prepare for what comes next.
According to Kai Hattendorf, managing director and CEO of UFI, the online content presented on this program is designed to mirror the live content delivered at UFI’s… more
Mar 31, 2020
After closing their doors to trade shows and events due to the coronavirus pandemic, many convention centers across the U.S. are taking on an entirely different role. This week, many are being converted into makeshift medical facilities to help relieve beleaguered hospitals and staff so they can provide better care for more serious and critical patients. Take a look.
Javits Center
The Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City – currently the epicenter of the U.S. pandemic as of press time – is one of the first U.S. convention facilities to be converted into a temporary medical station. This… more
Mar 31, 2020
Tuesday, Apr. 14 was meant to be a day for event professionals around the globe to meet in person and celebrate our industry. Last year, 275 Global Meetings Industry Day events spanning six continents and more than 50 countries were held on this international day of advocacy.
In light of COVID-19 meeting restrictions, travel guidance and social distancing policies, the Meetings Mean Business coalition has officially postponed in-person participation in #GMID20. In a statement released on Mar. 31, MMBC announced that its goal is to share a new date as soon as possible, and is considering a… more
Mar 30, 2020
With travel slowed nearly to a halt around the world, this isn’t an easy time for anyone, let alone destination management organizations. While there is a silver lining to come, says Don Welsh of Destinations International, for now, CVBs around the country are doing what they can to assuage meeting planners’ fears by coming up with solutions for cancelled or postponed events and being a support system for destination partners.
Nowhere is this more evident than in Florida’s Palm Beach County, where Discover The Palm Beaches is focused on an empathy-driven communications plan to help event… 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