News
Jul 23, 2019
London-based Giant iTab — an event technology company that provides giant touchscreens, tablets and smartphones designed to enhance digital engagement at trade shows and events — is expanding its reach internationally with new partners in Cyprus, Greece, Japan, Scandinavia and South Africa.
These new partnerships encompass a range of AV rental companies, creative agencies and technology providers (including LedApp in Greece and Cyprus, Bright Giants in South Africa, Garnet in Japan and Multinet across Scandinavia) that are now offering Giant iTab Smartphones for their clients in their… more
Jul 23, 2019
With the goal of reshaping the food and beverage industry for meetings and conferences, New York Convention Center Operation Corporation (which operates Javits Center) has launched a new hospitality brand called Cultivated. Created in partnership with Levy Convention Centers and CxRA catering, Cultivated will design creative dining presentations and high-end catering for events, incorporating local ingredients from New York producers.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of this new hospitality brand, Cultivated, which illustrates our strong connection to New York and our mission to host… more
Jul 22, 2019
AMR International, a global strategy consultancy specializing in events, has released a new white paper entitled, “The U.S. Exhibitions Industry: Developments and Opportunities for Organizers.”
The five-page report explores the industry’s performance, as well as the evolving needs of attendees and exhibitors.
Among the notable topics discussed in the white paper:
The U.S. exhibitions market remains attractive, with forecast growth continuing at 3.5 percent CAGR through 2022*
A 3-percent decline in attendee numbers across the sector in 2017* signals a timely warning to the market that… more
Jul 19, 2019
Greater Columbus Convention Center, managed by SMG, is now Certified Sensory Inclusive — the first convention in the convention center to earn this certification.
KultureCity, which issues the certification, is a non-profit organization based in Birmingham, Alabama, that works toward creating sensory-inclusive venues. It’s meant to assist individuals with sensory challenges, such as those with autism, dementia, PTSD and similar health concerns, navigate such venues often affected by excess noise.
Sensory-sensitive guests of the GCCC can now enjoy events in the venue, thanks to this effort… more
Jul 18, 2019
Connect Travel is gearing up to launch Connect THRIVE Summit, a global conference focused on community development through LGBTQ travel, sports and entertainment. Taking place Oct. 3-5 at Parc 55 hotel in San Francisco, the event is expected to attract more than 300 attendees, including representatives from destination marketing organizations; sports councils; sports planners; resorts and hotels; attractions; domestic and international tour operators and travel agents; sports rights holders; meeting planners; and media, marketers and brands.
According to Will Seccombe, president of Connect… more
Jul 18, 2019
Cloud-based association management software company MemberSuite, based in Atlanta, has acquired Event Farm, an event engagement software company with offices in Santa Monica, California, and Washington, D.C.
Event Farm’s event management and CMS platform will be integrated into MemberSuite’s AMS, giving event planners in the nonprofit world a new tool with double functionality. The company's extensive list of high-profile clients (it has provided services to 38 Fortune 100 businesses) was attractive to MemberSuite, as was its software that helps companies understand attendee engagement… more
Jul 17, 2019
To help draw attention to the serious issue of human trafficking, ECPAT-USA, part of ECPAT International — a global network working to eradicate sexual exploitation of children — is launching a new campaign called 20BY20.
The year-long initiative aims to train 20,000 business events professionals on what they can do to prevent and respond to human trafficking by July 2020. It officially kicks off on July 30, coinciding with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, an awareness day designated by the United Nations.
Participation by the business events community is especially important, as… more
Jul 17, 2019
Center for Exhibition Industry Research has released the third report in its Head of Marketing Insights Series, entitled Overcoming Non-Exhibitor Objections. The report provides insights and ideas for how B2B exhibition management and exhibit sales teams can not only overcome barriers when making the case for exhibiting at their trade shows, but also formulate strategies for gaining new exhibitors.
“Overcoming prospect objections is an ongoing challenge,” said Cathy Breden, CEO of CEIR. “This report identifies how to minimize objections through offering the right event content and deploying… more
Jul 16, 2019
Premium exhibitor profiles are a valuable tool within your event technology solution. Frankly, if your solution doesn’t offer an option for premium exhibitor profiles, it may be time to look for a new one. This is because your event may be missing out on thousands in unrecognized revenue from the sale of these digital add-ons.
First, what is a premium exhibitor profile? It is an upgraded profile for companies who are exhibiting at your event and it provides deeper insight than a traditional option. Your event may have a printed show program for their attendees. Within that show program,… more
Jul 16, 2019
IMEX America, IMEX’s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events, will be held Sept. 10–12 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas. Now in its ninth year, IMEX America will bring together 4,000 buyers and 3,500 suppliers from across the events industry and around the world.
The IMEX Group’s aim is to unite and advance the meetings industry through education, innovation, and fostering connections and at its event, provides multiple opportunities for those interactions to happen.
Each year, IMEX America features an annual talking point that explores a single… 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