News

Feb 23, 2016
Meeting management firm Spargo has been on a hot streak recently, kicking off 2016 with several new business contracts signed, along with other companies that have added clients to their busy portfolios. The International Council of Ophthalmology appointed SPARGO, Inc. as their exhibit and sponsorship sales and management firm for the 2018 World Ophthalmology Congress, on tap June 16-19 in Barcelona.  This gathering of international ophthalmologists occurs every two years, attracting upwards of 15,000 attendees from more than 130 countries. “One of the primary reasons we selected SPARGO… more
Feb 23, 2016
The past month has marked a busy time, with several companies not only bringing on new employees, but also naming people into top positions. SnowSports Industries America, the snow sports industry’s member-owned trade association, has named Nick Sargent as SIA president. Sargent, who joined the organization in August 2015 as SIA’s incoming president, has spent the last five months working alongside exiting President David Ingemie. “Nick holds a background in all aspects of the snow sports industry, which has proved to be extraordinarily beneficial in helping to strategize future growth,” said… more
Feb 23, 2016
In 2016, MEDICAL FAIR ASIA, 11th Exhibition on Hospital, Diagnostic, Pharmaceutical, Medical & Rehabilitation Equipment & Supplies, will be held at a new venue:  the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands Singapore from Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Also new will be the first staging of the MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE ASIA, scheduled Sept. 1. The conference is jointly organized by Messe Düsseldorf Asia (also organizer of MEDICAL FAIR ASIA) and Navispace AG, with the support from the founding cooperation partners Sports Medical Association Singapore (SMAS), Exercise is Medicine… more
Feb 23, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson From classic toys like Lincoln Logs and Legos to innovative tech toys like drones, the world of toys came together for the 113th time Feb. 13-16 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York. This year’s North American International Toy Fair exceeded 30,000 play professionals from 92 countries - a 16-percent increase, compared with 2015. The show also included 1,237 exhibitors covering 415,000 net square feet. And, amongst the fanfare, excitement and business deals, the Toy Industry Association that supports it all quietly turned 100. "With hundreds of thousands of… more
Feb 21, 2016
UK.-based Informa Exhibitions has scooped up the WATER & WASTEWATER EQUIPMENT, TREATMENT & TRANSPORT Show from Cole Publishing. Terms of the deal were not discussed. “Bob has spent the last 40 years creating and building the leading environmental services industry event,” said Rick McConnell, president, of Informa Global Exhibitions. He added, “The acquisition is a great addition to the Informa portfolio and we are excited to partner with Cole Publishing to continue to make Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport the must-attend event for the industry.” The WATER… more
Feb 21, 2016
Powerful, cloud-based technology solutions, which are also cost-effective and fast to deploy, easily are available to show organizers in the events industry. If you currently are exploring technology options for your event, here are some tips on what to look out for and how to make an informed decision.  1.     Appraise track record When picking a technology vendor, check their long-term history and performance in the industry. Consider their market share and reputation before investing in a partnership with them. Select them for what they have delivered to other… more
Feb 21, 2016
Powerful, cloud-based technology solutions, which are also cost-effective and fast to deploy, easily are available to show organizers in the events industry. If you currently are exploring technology options for your event, here are some tips on what to look out for and how to make an informed decision.  1.     Appraise track record When picking a technology vendor, check their long-term history and performance in the industry. Consider their market share and reputation before investing in a partnership with them. Select them for what they have delivered to other… more
Feb 20, 2016
In an effort to reach out to foreign visitors and increase Milwaukee’s international exposure, VISIT Milwaukee has launched a “bucket list” of the area’s major attractions in 10 languages on its website. The languages – German, Spanish, French, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Polish – were selected based on recent experience with international visitors and foreign press, taking local resident ethnic groups into consideration, and projecting ahead to expanded tourism from countries like China. “The… more
Feb 20, 2016
In an effort to reach out to foreign visitors and increase Milwaukee’s international exposure, VISIT Milwaukee has launched a “bucket list” of the area’s major attractions in 10 languages on its website. The languages – German, Spanish, French, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Polish – were selected based on recent experience with international visitors and foreign press, taking local resident ethnic groups into consideration, and projecting ahead to expanded tourism from countries like China. “The… more
Feb 19, 2016
The 15th anniversary of the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum will feature a bevy of high-profile speakers when the one-day conference is held June 1 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C. “The ECEF 2016 program has confirmed the participation of 11 ‘A-list’ executive presenters and panelists” said Sam Lippman, president, Lippman Connect. He added, “Because ECEF is renowned for its C-level program, I am keenly aware that expectations for the 15th Anniversary are extraordinarily high. To meet the challenge, the 2016 agenda takes an unblinking look at the… 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