News

Nov 01, 2018
David Loechner has stepped down as president and CEO of Emerald Expositions and as a member of the company’s Board of Directors, effective as of the close of business on November 8.  Emerald CFO Philip Evans will serve as interim president and CEO until a permanent replacement is chosen, while Loechner will stay on with Emerald as an employee through December 31, working closely with Evans and the company’s leadership team to ensure a smooth transition. “After more than 35 years with Emerald and its predecessor companies, this was a difficult decision to make, however, I believe that the… more
Nov 01, 2018
For another year in a row, the ASSEMBLY Show wrapped up its annual Conference and Expo boasting upticks in attendance, exhibiting companies and expo space. Held Oct. 23-25 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill, the 6thedition of the show for assembly technology, equipment and products attracted nearly 9,000 registered manufacturing professionals and 318 exhibiting companies – participation increases of 12 and 15 percent, respectively, compared to 2017.  Besides its popular education program, the ASSEMBLY Show boasted the largest exhibit hall in its history at 88,000… more
Oct 31, 2018
More than 450 events professionals from UFI members in more than 54 countries met today in St. Petersburg, Russia, to review UFI’s work throughout 2018 and confirm plans for the year ahead. The 2018 UFI General Assembly took place before UFI’s Global Congress, “The Dynamics of Transition – Our Industry’s Complex Future”. Chaired by UFI’s 2018 President, Corrado Peraboni, the General Assembly highlighted an array of new initiatives supporting UFI’s 780 members in 86 countries. Global membership has grown by another 5 percent this year. “It has been a busy year serving the growing global… more
Oct 31, 2018
We all want to have experiences that we feel are worthy of sharing with others and that we look back on with positive feelings. Traditionally, those experiences haven’t been found at trade shows. While a good place to get business done, the standard model trade show – aisles of pipe and drape and dozens of lecture rooms – is not as strong when it comes to creating a lasting impression. Today, however, the model is changing at events of all sizes. Krista LeZotte, senior manager of conferences at ASAE says that making an event memorable is the best way to capture attendees’ attention both… more
Oct 30, 2018
More than 24,000 printing technology industry professionals converged in Las Vegas to celebrate the final SGIA Expo, which the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association will be transforming into PRINTING United in partnership with NAPCO Media next year. Held Oct. 18-20 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the annual trade show and conference not only boasted robust attendance but also a sold-out expo, with 612 exhibitors spanning a 279,000 net square foot floor, special showfloor activities, 72 educational sessions and a host of networking events. Last year, SGIA Expo welcomed more than 19,300… more
Oct 30, 2018
The finalists for the 2018 IBTM World Technology Watch award have been selected. The shortlist comprises technology companies with innovative new products or services relevant to the meetings, incentive, conference and events (MICE) industry. This year’s finalists are:    Kubify— Learning Toolbox interactive e-poster system CadmiumCD— Meeting room scheduling/resource management system and event logistic management platform RadarioAI— Event marketing and analytics platform Event Tech Tribe—A collaborative ensemble of best-in-craft event technology providers that have chosen to work… more
Oct 29, 2018
U.S.-based audio-visual and live event company PSAV has acquired FMAV, an audio-visual and live event production company in Canada.  The transaction broadens PSAV’s reach into another region, as well as expands its overall capabilities.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. FMAV CEO Bill Brown and his senior team will remain in place and continue to execute on their growth plans, now in partnership with PSAV. “FMAV is an ideal addition to the PSAV group of companies due to its event production expertise and strong alignment to our purpose and mission,” said Mike McIlwain, CEO for… more
Oct 26, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has formed a partnership agreement with VisitDallas for its Women’s Leadership Initiative and its annual forum in Washington, D.C.  Going forward, VisitDallas will be the prominent partner in IAEE’s Women Leadership-focused activities including the Women’s Leadership website, ConnectNow newsletter and other products and services available to female IAEE members (with the exception of other sponsored events at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition or webinars). “We’re honored to partner with IAEE on this important… more
Oct 25, 2018
Event platform Bizzabo has launched a new application to help event marketers create a more personalized attendee experience through community building.  The Bizzabo Events Cloud offers tools that allow event marketers to build end-to-end branded experiences for attendees, plus measure performance and ROI. Organizations can create websites, event communities, marketing emails and now, event apps that are seamlessly interconnected.  “The events app market has evolved tremendously since we began in 2012, and over the years, brands have sought out more holistic and more high-end customizable… more
Oct 25, 2018
As cities across the U.S. continue to make significant investments in major expansions and upgrades to their convention centers in order to better compete for group business, two more facilities are joining the flurry of construction projects.   Last week, the city of Indianapolis announced plans to expand the Indiana Convention Center and build two new hotel towers that will add more than 1,400 connected hotel rooms to the city’s room inventory. The ICC’s new 50,000 square foot ballroom will be the largest in the state, while the additional hotel towers will increase the city’s number of… 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