Outsourcing: Help Is on the Way

By Leslie Thornton

Associations and other nonprofit executives face numerous challenges as they seek to allocate resources, time and staffing while also trying to create dynamic events that provide value for attendees, sponsors and other stakeholders. In many cases, these executives are turning to experienced external sources to handle specific functions, roles or even entire events.

Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting Chooses SPARGO for Housing Partner

Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) Meeting has appointed SPARGO as their housing services partner.

SPARGO will assume the management of attendee and exhibitor housing services for the PAS 2017 Meeting, May 6-9 in San Francisco.

“SPARGO will be providing a streamlined housing process and new technologies that will improve the attendee experience, promote room block utilization, and provide in-depth analytics and trending data,” said Susan Bracken, president and CEO, SPARGO.

Fun Lee Joins PCMA as Consultant on Medical Business Events

The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), a global community and educator for Business Event Strategists, announces that Fun Y. Lee, CMP-HC joins the association as a consultant.

Lee will provide an additional experienced voice to further PCMA’s education and content offerings on the trends and challenges of medical business events and compliance globally.

BIOMEDevice San Jose to Welcome Cyborg Foundation Co-founder Neil Harbisson as 2016 Keynote Speaker

BIOMEDevice San Jose, collocated with Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) Silicon Valley to bring together the engineering and medtech industries, unveiled that Neil Harbisson, cyborg activist and Cyborg Foundation co-founder, will take the keynote stage to deliver a presentation surrounding biological evolution via cybernetic technology.

BIOMEDevice San Jose and ESC Silicon Valley will take place Dec. 6-8 at the San Jose (Calif.) Convention Center.

Fresh Produce Association Rebrands Events to United FreshTEC and United FreshMKT

United Fresh, the association for the fresh produce industry, will not only expand its innovation platform, but also it will move its annual conference and expo June 13-15 into the larger West Hall at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

The event will debut new expo features in convenience and fresh foods, robotics and supply chain technology, and conference sessions bringing attendees and exhibitors together with subject matter experts to help grow their businesses. 

Tarsus Group’s Douglas Emslie Talks TSNN’s 20th History

As part of TSNN’s 20th anniversary celebration, Douglas Emslie, managing director of U.K.-based Tarsus Group - one of the largest trade show companies in the world with over 110 events – was interviewed recently about how Tarsus first came to buy TSNN, not only once, but two times.

He also discussed what role he sees TSNN playing now in the overall trade show industry and in the future.

TSNN: How did you first hear about TSNN? 

TSNN Celebrates 20th at IAEE’s Expo! Expo! This Week in Anaheim

For the past year, TSNN has celebrated its 20th anniversary with a series of articles profiling leaders in the trade show industry, as well as writing about shows and companies that are a part of the overall rich #tradeshowhistory.

All of this celebrating will culminate Dec. 6-8 at the International Association of Exhibitions and Events Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting and Exhibition in TSNN’s booth (#948) on the showfloor.

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