News

Jun 27, 2018
CES2018 set a record with 63,784 international attendees - more than a third of the entire show attendance - according to a final audit report that will be released by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), owner and producer of CES. The audit also confirmed 4,473 exhibitors across a record number of 2.78 million net square feet of exhibit space. CES 2018, the global stage for innovation, ran Jan. 9-12, 2018 in Las Vegas.The CES 2018 final audit reports 182,198 total attendance from 160 countries, including 6,645 media, with a record 166 key online influencers. This is the second… more
Jun 27, 2018
Holistic events cloud, Bizzabo, which enables B2B events throughout the globe, has processed more than $100 million in gross paid registrations for its customers, with $47 million of the total ticket sales taking place in the past six months alone.  The company’s major growth milestone also coincides with recent news that Bizzabo has exceeded annual recurring revenue by more than 200 percent in size over the past year, demonstrating growth both in the company and the market demand for its Events Cloud, designed to manage professional events from end-to-end. “Marketing leaders continue to… more
Jun 26, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released the third installment of its 2018How to Grow Attendance report series.  The four-part research report series is based on phone interviews and in-depth surveys conducted with executives responsible for final decision-making for attendee marketing for North American business-to-business (B2B) exhibitions.  Titled “Messaging that Resonates and Delivers,” the report identifies the three primary ingredients of marketing messaging that help drive attendee growth as well as the most effective elements that all B2B event marketers… more
Jun 25, 2018
It goes without saying that environmental and social advocates tend to be incredibly passionate people driven by a burning desire to change the world in a positive way. Mariela McIlwraith is such an individual. As the Director of Industry Advancement for the Events Industry Council, this Toronto-based events and sustainability expert leads up the organization’s sustainability committee, which works to create the educational tools and resources needed to move the industry forward in a more environmentally conscious direction. TSNN enjoyed sitting down with this very dedicated and… more
Jun 25, 2018
Convention centers that are passionate about sustainability and helping their local communities might want to consider following the example of the Metro Toronto Convention Center, which boasts a robust food donation program that partners with events and conferences to reduce food waste by donating leftover food to local organizations dedicated to combatting hunger.  In fiscal year 2017/2018, the Canadian facility contributed more than 90,000 kg (198,416 lbs.) of food – the equivalent in weight to 16 elephants– to Toronto organizations that support individuals in need. According to MTCC… more
Jun 25, 2018
Caesars Entertainment Corporation just reinforced its commitment to fight climate change by setting science-based targets to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the company and throughout its supply chain.  Targets adopted by companies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are considered “science-based” if they are in line with the level of de-carbonization required to keep global temperature increase below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial temperatures. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a collaboration among CDP (formerly known as the Carbon… more
Jun 25, 2018
The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and the Global Center for Health Innovation, managed by SMG, opened the Cleveland Convention Gallery, an exhibition space for local and regional artists located on the C2 Concourse in the Convention Center. The Cleveland Convention Gallery is located near meeting rooms 1 through 6, on the connector concourse overlooking Exhibit Halls A and B with a direct connection to the Hilton Cleveland Downtown. “As a Cuyahoga County-owned facility, the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland belongs to the people and our mission in creating an art… more
Jun 21, 2018
PSAV, a global leader in event experiences, entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by private equity and real estate funds affiliated with Blackstone from affiliates of Goldman Sachs and Olympus Partners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. “We are very excited to partner with Blackstone, one of the world’s preeminent investors in the hotel, tradeshow, travel and leisure, and business services sectors, to support the next phase of PSAV’s growth,” said Mike McIlwain, president and CEO of PSAV. He added, “Blackstone is an ideal partner who is highly supportive of our… more
Jun 21, 2018
The Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) has joined forces with Emerald Expositions (EEX) in a partnership intended to strengthen the presentation of Italian jewelry manufacturers in the U.S. market at EEX events, including COUTURE and the soon-to-be-launched PREMIER. Both events are set to place during Jewelry Market Week, which runs late May through early June in Las Vegas. The agreement is part of IEG’s long-term strategy to broaden its foothold in the U.S., which represents more than 43 percent of the world’s total trade show market.  “For the Italian Exhibition Group, this new partnership… more
Jun 21, 2018
Healthy Food Expo, a series of trade shows that brings together the leading purveyors of healthy, natural and organic products has partnered with the Green Restaurant Association, which has signed on as a participating organization.  The Healthy Food Expo is set to take place Aug. 19-21 alongside the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and Coffee Fest at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and Sept. 6-8 with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.  The event will also debut March 3-5 in New York City, where it will collocate with… 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