News

May 23, 2018
E.J. Krause & Associates (EJK) is expanding its 2018 event portfolio with the debut of its Electric Bike Events series, created to cover the recreational electric bicycle sector.  This year, the new series will launch eMTB Experience, a four-city electric mountain bikes (eMTB) tour developed as a collocate with Bonnier Corp., producers of the EnduroCross series, and will include events in Prescott AZ, Reno, Denver and Boise, ID running August through November, respectively.  “This partnership will allow for a unique expansion of the Eudurocross program by engaging consumers through… more
May 22, 2018
JD Events will be launching Plant Based World Conference & Expo, set to take place June 7-8, 2019 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. PBW intends to catalyze a healthier world by establishing a home for the rapidly evolving community of human beings making the shift towards a more plant-based lifestyle, according to show organizers. The event will feature an exhibit floor ripe with innovative plant-based foods, beverages, products, services and brands, as well as an educational conference with separate tracks for healthcare professionals, businesses and… more
May 22, 2018
Audio-visual and event services company, Staging Connections, has launched Cumulus, its latest mobile event app that allows clients to create a tailored solution with a range of features to streamline their management process and maximize event ROI. With Cumulus, event organizers can manage their own event-specific content via a user-friendly interface so that they can make changes instantly, while event attendees have easy access to important event information from their smartphone or tablet. Event information accessible on Cumulus includes venue details, floor plans, maps, event program,… more
May 22, 2018
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) recently concluded its largest NPE2018: The Plastics Show, known as the top plastics industry event in North America.  The triennial trade show and conference, which took place May 7-11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, attracted approximately 65,000 attendees and more than 2,180 exhibiting companies covering more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space.  In addition, more than 11,000 international attendees from 110 countries participated in the event.  At its 2015 edition, held March 23-27 at the OCCC, NPE boasted 65,810… more
May 21, 2018
Drumroll please …. After a RECORD year of nominations, TSNN proudly unveils the top seven show finalists competing for the TWO “Best of Show” Awards being announced at TSNN Awards Aug. 10-12 in Louisville (www.T-awards.com). The two winners will be determined on social media and industry voting!  So, get out there and vote for your top choice today! (Voting closes June 16.)  Waste Expo – Why a finalist? Because they "wowed" in multiple ways and didn’t waste any time jumping in on their 1960's theme. They got groovy and celebrated 50 years (rockin’ it since 1968) carrying their fun theme… more
May 18, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has chosen The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI) as this year’s recipient of the 2018 IAEE International Excellence Award. The award recognizes an individual or organization that has made exceptional strides in creating, launching and managing an event in the exhibitions and events industry on an international scale. PMMI was honored at the IMEX Gala Dinner & Award, which took place at IMEX Frankfurt, held May 15-17 at Messe Frankfurt Germany. Krista DeBrosse, PMMI’s international trade show… more
May 17, 2018
Meet Betty. She fields attendee questions, answers them with accuracy, oh, and she works all day, every day, even holidays. What kind of superhuman is this? She’s not a person at all – Betty is a chatbot, which uses artificial intelligence to simulate human conversation. Event organizers are adopting the cutting-edge technology known as artificial intelligence (AI) Chat to streamline customer service while improving attendees’ event experiences. Whether it’s Betty, Alexa, TIFFBot or Piobot, chatbots are increasing in numbers in the event industry. “Chatbots are a new way of communicating… more
May 15, 2018
International Market Centers and AmericasMart, two operators in the furniture, gift, home decor, rug and apparel B2B industries, have entered into an agreement to form the world’s largest owner and operator of premier showroom space. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The combined corporate entity, which will operate under the name “International Market Centers,” will own and operate nearly 20 million square feet of permanent showroom space in Las Vegas, High Point, and Atlanta. The individual Markets and their respective venues will continue to operate under existing… more
May 15, 2018
In the wake of movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp, every industry must act to end sexual harassment and create positive, lasting change. The exhibitions and meetings industries are no exception. A new coalition recently was formed to eradicate sexual harassment in the events industry and workplace; a task force that will identify tools and develop new resources to assist in educating individuals and the events industry about sexual harassment.  Comprising leaders and executives from organizations including the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); Association for Women in… more
May 15, 2018
Food&HotelAsia (FHA) and ProWine Asia (Singapore) concluded last month, attracting an impressive 81,896 attendees and over 7,200 trade visitors. Organised by UBM, FHA 2018 featured 3,500 exhibitors from 76 countries and regions, with 71 international group pavilions, including first time exhibitors from Latvia, Tunisia and Qatar. The 81,896 attendees came from more than 105 countries and regions, representing an increase of 14% compared with the last edition held in 2016. The second edition of ProWine Asia (Singapore) was jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf Asia and UBM, and was held… 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