United Fresh Donates More than 51,000 Pounds of Produce; Global Cold Chain Expo Launches

The United Fresh Produce Association had a busy time during its show, United Fresh 2016, which was held June 20-22 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

First, the association made another substantial donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and second, it launched the Global Cold Chain Expo in partnership with the Global Cold Chain Alliance.

Besides the launch event, United Fresh is collocated with several other shows, including the International Floriculture Expo and FMI Connect.

Marketing Events Then and Now

By Elizabeth Johnson

In a 1996 article published in the Harvard Business Review, “The Future of Interactive Marketing”, the authors noted, “Clearly, marketing’s tool kit is experiencing unsettling amounts of innovation today. The boom in direct and database marketing, the dawning of electronic commerce, new ways to automate sales force management, and the sudden blossoming of the World Wide Web all suggest that the discipline is under pressure to reshape.”

Exhibitors Rave About SHOT Show Exhibitor Academy

“I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity,” and similar sentiments from SHOT Show exhibitors were repeatedly exchanged with National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) staff at the conclusion of the 3rd annual SHOT Show Exhibitor Academy.

This year’s Academy was held June 20-22 at the Sands Expo  Convention Center and was attended by more than 100 SHOT Show exhibitors. The Exhibitor Academy is the brainchild of ConvExx, the show management firm who won the bid to manage SHOT Show beginning in 2014.

Licensing International Expo Unveils Matchmaking, Sports-themed Attendee Engagement in Las Vegas

Wonder Woman, with its feature film coming out next year, led the parade of characters and other licensable properties at the 36th annual Licensing International Expo that took place June 21-23 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Produced by UBM and sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), the show boasted an extra 10,000 net square feet, with a total of about 240,000. More than 460 exhibitors represented some 5,000 brands. Attendance was expected to be on par with last year at about 16,000.

Family is Key at the AAP Experience

In July of 1929, a group of pediatricians gathered over dinner in Portland, Ore., and decided to fill a need to improve child health and welfare. At the time, infant mortality rates were extremely high, and there was a lack of programs to avoid malnutrition and preventable childhood diseases.

Dr. Clifford G. Grulee, MD, from the Chicago area was chosen to lead the initiative. In December of that year, a committee drafted an outline for the new society.

Britain Votes to Leave European Union: UFI Issues Statement on Global Exhibition Industry Impact

Despite polls indicating that the opposite result would be achieved, Britain has voted to leave the European Union, which it has been a member of since the mid-1970s.

The vote’s impact on the British pound and stock markets worldwide was swift, with the U.K. currency dropping to a 30-year low and the FTSE 100 also seeing steep declines.

As a strong backer of the ‘Remain’ campaign, British Prime Minister David Cameron also announced that he would be stepping down from his post in the next few months as a result of the ‘Leave’ campaign winning the vote.

Urban Expositions Will Launch Classic Car Show in Los Angeles

Adding to its burgeoning portfolio of 36 events, Urban Expositions will launch the Classic Car Show Jan. 27-29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Classic Auto Show, for collectors, aficionados, manufacturers and experts in the classic car markets, will feature an expansive showcase of wall-to-wall classic cars and automotive merchandise, including vintage parts, tools and accessories, memorabilia and other nostalgia.

Attendees will be able to get up close and personal with their favorite celebrities, browse the expansive auto swap and access cars rarely showcased.

Urban Expositions Will Launch Classic Car Show in Los Angeles

Adding to its burgeoning portfolio of 36 events, Urban Expositions will launch the Classic Car Show Jan. 27-29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Classic Auto Show, for collectors, aficionados, manufacturers and experts in the classic car markets, will feature an expansive showcase of wall-to-wall classic cars and automotive merchandise, including vintage parts, tools and accessories, memorabilia and other nostalgia.

Attendees will be able to get up close and personal with their favorite celebrities, browse the expansive auto swap and access cars rarely showcased.

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