News

Nov 21, 2018
Several trade show organizing, venue management and event services companies have been busy renewing contracts and snagging new business with a host of industry suppliers. Independent show management company, ConvExx, has been selected by the National Confectioners Association to handle attendee and exhibitor services for the annual Sweets & Snacks Expo. ConvExx’s responsibilities will include registration and attendee services, exhibitor outreach, housing oversight and assistance with the show’s special programs, such as the Most Innovative New Products Awards. “ConvExx is excited to… more
Nov 21, 2018
The social media platforms of Vision Expo West 2018 reached an all-time high with a double-digit percentage increase across impressions, engagements and video views compared to the year before.  Held Sept. 26-29 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Vision Expo West and its East Coast edition, Vision Expo East, are B2B conferences and exhibitions for eyecare and eyewear professionals presented by co-owners Reed Exhibitions and The Vision Council.  In the 30 days following the Show, reports indicate impressions, engagements and video views climbed up by the thousands,… more
Nov 20, 2018
Data has never been such a big focus for corporate marketers, according to The Freeman Data Benchmark Study, a new report by brand experience company, Freeman. In fact, data plays a critical role in all aspects of corporate marketing, the study shows, from developing successful marketing strategies and campaigns to deciding where to allocate budgets and best reach target audiences. Released earlier this month and produced in partnership with Chief Marketer, the report examines how brands are leveraging data across the entire marketing mix, demonstrating that data is becoming a top priority… more
Nov 20, 2018
Known as the largest and most influential North American gathering of policy, technology and market leaders in energy grid storage, Energy Storage North America (ESNA) concluded its sixth annual conference and exhibition designed to empower collaboration on the global intersection of power and transportation. Held Nov. 6-8 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, Ca., ESNA 2018 hosted approximately 2,000 attendees, representing more than 800 organizations and more than 30 countries.  Produced by Strategen and Messe Dusseldorf North America, and part of the larger World of Energy… more
Nov 20, 2018
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) concluded its IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018 on a high note by shattering its own attendance records and boasting the largest trade show floor in the event’s history.  A record 42,000 global attractions industry professionals from around the world converged Nov. 12-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando to learn, buy and network at the annual Expo, which doubled as IAAPA’s centennial celebration. “There is no better way to celebrate IAAPA’s centennial anniversary than with a remarkable and record-breaking… more
Nov 19, 2018
As part of a nearly $9 million marketing plan following Hurricane Michael and this year’s red tide blooms, VISIT FLORIDA has relaunched Florida Now, a landing page that provides real-time information from destinations across the state and is designed to encourage the continuation of tourism and event bookings to Florida.  Relaunched Nov. 1, the new landing page features a collection of Hurricane Michael recovery information and updates including an interactive map with photos, videos, twitter feeds and webcams.  “Following Hurricane Michael, VISIT FLORIDA has been working with both the… more
Nov 19, 2018
Last week, an overwhelming majority of voters from the City of Miami Beach approved the lease of public land for a privately-funded convention headquarter hotel that will be connected to the newly renovated and reimagined $620 million Miami Beach Convention Center.  The yes vote on ballot item No. 388 sets the completion of Greater Miami’s convention center district in motion, according to City officials.  “The City of Miami Beach residents have spoken loud and clear,” said City of Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “A super majority of nearly 64 percent is no easy feat and this is a huge… more
Nov 19, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced today the release of the fifth report in the Attendee ROI Playbook series, Generational Differences and Similarities. “This document is more than a fact sheet,” said CEIR Senior Research Director, Nancy Drapeau, PRC. “It summarizes all aspects in this study, pinpointing how the value proposition for attending varies and is the same generationally. Career-stage needs, information source preferences and influence of the experiential aspect of attending from a generational perspective are discussed. Results signal the high importance… more
Nov 15, 2018
Matthews Southwest Hospitality, a national hospitality industry developer based in Dallas, released an initial conceptual design of the proposed headquarters hotel that would be attached to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, giving the public a first glimpse at the proposed exterior of the $558 million addition to the city’s hospitality inventory.  In addition to Matthews, the project team includes Preston Hollow Capital, Provident Resources Group, The Convention District Development Associates and Omni Hotels & Resorts.  “The design of the new convention center… more
Nov 15, 2018
Event management technology provider, Hubb, has raised a $6.3 million Series B funding round, which was led by Five Elms Capital and includes follow-on investment from Oregon Venture Fund and Elevate Capital. This latest round brings the tech startup company’s total funding to $10 million, with Joe Onofrio from Five Elms Capital joining the board as part of this round. Hubb, which develops event management solutions and business intelligence tools designed to bring innovation and data-driven decision-making to the events industry, boasts key clients including Microsoft, Atlassian, Tableau… 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