News

Sep 22, 2019
The China International Industry Fair (CIIF) opened on 17th September 2019 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) (NECC). The events featured two co-located shows, the Metalworking and CNC Machine Tool Show (MWCS) 2019 and the Industrial Automation Show (IAS) 2019 – both under the CIIF umbrella. MWCS featured more than 600 exhibitors and IAS attracted over 700 exhibitors. Organised by Deutsche Messe AG and Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai, MWCS 2019 and IAS 2019 run from 17th to 21st September. This year CIIF’s overall theme was: “Intelligence & Interconnection –… more
Sep 22, 2019
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) (NECC), currently one of Asia’s largest exhibition venues, announced that the venue will add at least 60,000 m2 of new exhibition capacity. This expansion project will bring the venue’s total capacity to more than 464,000 m2 of gross indoor space. NECC will add two single-storey pavilions. In addition, the venue will invest in new high-quality hardware and software throughout the venue – after the completion of the expansion. According to NECC, construction on a 5G network has already begun at the venue. Other facilities and services will… more
Sep 22, 2019
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its 38th edition of the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the seventh edition of the Salon de TE last week. Despite the recent political unrest in Hong Kong, the event welcomed close to 18,000 buyers from 104 countries and regions. Jointly organised by the HKTDC, the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries Ltd, the co-located fairs ran from 3rd to 7th September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). According to the HKTDC, “satisfactory growth”… more
Sep 20, 2019
The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center is getting ready to grow. On Sept. 19, the  Massachusetts Convention Center Authority board of directors accepted a proposal announced by Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito on Sept. 16 that includes expanding BCEC and selling Hynes Convention Center to fund the project. According to Governor Baker, the expansion plan will make Boston’s convention space more efficient by consolidating the city’s major convention business in one central location. It will also maximize new economic opportunities in both the Seaport and Back Bay… more
Sep 19, 2019
Trade Show News Network has selected the 10 finalists for our 2019 TSNN “Best of Show” awards. The TSNN Awards’ is celebrating this 10thAnniversary this year and marketing it with record-breaking nominations for the “Best of Show” category!  We asked show organizers to tell us why they believed their show was “best,” and the shows listed below are ones that we believe exemplify true innovation in the trade show industry. Now, we need all of YOU to vote for the show that you think deserves to be named the Best of Show.  The two overall winners will be announced at the TSNN Awards, which… more
Sep 19, 2019
Last year, Cori Dossett, president of Conferences Designed based in Dallas, spent two weeks in New Zealand. It was meant to be a holiday, but despite being 7,500 miles from home, it didn’t feel like one.  “I literally worked half the vacation — some days I did not leave my hotel room,” recalls Dossett. “It was unfortunate and sad in so many ways.” This meeting planner’s experience is relatable on many levels. It’s hard to take time away from work in this industry, and even more so when you’re the boss. As a self-employed small business owner, Dossett says she has freedom to take as much… more
Sep 18, 2019
Modern event sponsorship strategies are a dime a dozen. Each one is based on a learning from a different time and place. The strategy might have stemmed from a previous experience or a past position; or it may be a combination of strategies that pull together most efficient and effective parts. When developing your event sponsorship strategy, you do not want to leave revenue on the table. There are two (obvious) ways to maximize your net revenue: increase your sponsorship revenue and reduce event expenses. While you can achieve this goal in many ways, a few strategies hold true over time.… more
Sep 17, 2019
Following an extensive international search, Tourism Toronto appointed Scott Beck as president and CEO. For the past 14 years, Beck has served as the president and CEO of Visit Salt Lake in Salt Lake City, Utah, and will begin his new role on Oct. 15.  A proven leader in the destination sales and marketing industry, Beck served on the Executive Committee of Destinations International for six years and served as the organization's International Board Chair from 2014-2015. "To say that I am excited about the opportunity to join the highly respected team at Tourism Toronto is an… more
Sep 17, 2019
Two new shows representing two very popular and expanding industry sectors will debut in the next two years.  Questex is gearing up to launch Impact CBD, a content-based trade show and conference and digital platform focused on the rapidly evolving world of the $22 billion CBD market.  Set for Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2020, at Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego, the inaugural Impact CBD will feature in-depth education with tracks analyzing the impact of CBD on patients, clients, health practices and businesses. It will also have an expo hall with hundreds of CBD providers and experience centers… more
Sep 16, 2019
If you were flying home from Las Vegas last week, there’s a good chance you were seated next to a fellow IMEX attendee. This year’s IMEX America, held at Sands Expo and Convention Center from Sept. 10-12, drew an estimated 14,000 attendees and generated an economic impact of more than $20 million, according to show officials. Held in Las Vegas for nine years now, IMEX included more than 3,500 exhibitors from 150 countries on the trade showfloor. IMEX Group, which organizes the show, estimates a total of 76,000 individual and group appointments took place over the three-day event. That marks… 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