Ohio School Boards Association Attracts 9,000 to Greater Columbus Convention Center

The largest educational trade show and second-largest education convention in the nation returned to the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center, as more than 9,000 attendees attended the 61st annual Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference and Trade Show Nov. 13-16.

“This is the time that we get to shine for our members,” said Jeff Chambers, OSBA director of Communication Services.

Ohio School Boards Association Attracts 9,000 to Greater Columbus Convention Center

The largest educational trade show and second-largest education convention in the nation returned to the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center, as more than 9,000 attendees attended the 61st annual Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference and Trade Show Nov. 13-16.

“This is the time that we get to shine for our members,” said Jeff Chambers, OSBA director of Communication Services.

Ohio School Boards Association Attracts 9,000 to Greater Columbus Convention Center

The largest educational trade show and second-largest education convention in the nation returned to the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center, as more than 9,000 attendees attended the 61st annual Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference and Trade Show Nov. 13-16.

“This is the time that we get to shine for our members,” said Jeff Chambers, OSBA director of Communication Services.

Amusement Park, International Baking Shows Boast Largest Events in History

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ 2016 IAAPA Attractions Expo, currently running in Orlando, and the 2016 International Baking Industry Exposition both can boast that their largest events in history are this year.

IBIE was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center with more than 1,000 exhibitors - 340 new to IBIE and a 28-percent increase, compared with 2013 - on more than 700,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Germany’s Massive Equestrian Show – EQUITANA – Set to Launch in U.S. Market

Billed as the ‘world’s largest’ equestrian event - held in Essen, Germany, and drawing 200,000 visitors and 850 exhibitors from 30 nations - a new EQUITANA show will be heading to the United States in 2018.

“EQUITANA USA will become a landmark event - one created with vision and purpose which markets the future of equestrian sports," says Robert Keegan from EQU Expo.

He added, “It is our responsibility as the show producer to set forth practical, professional and socially correct themes in order to awaken new interest and markets around the horse.”

Join #Expochat 1pm ET Nov. 16: Attracting International Attendees to Your Shows

With the election last week, international trade remains a big topic. What does it mean for trade shows? Major players in the global exhibition industry are taking a “wait and see” attitude.

However, the new Administration with their, “America First” position represents a terrific opportunities for US show organizers to increase their international visitors.

Join us for this week’s #Expochat led by Stephanie Selesnick, who will discuss bringing international visitors to your shows. 

Here are some questions:

Fatigue at Events and 4 Tips on How to Beat It

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Sat, 11/12/2016 - 21:44

Steady on Superman, fatigue at events is real, and we’ve all had it!

Events and exhibitions can last all day or all night and your business or client requires you to be on your feet and on your best at all times. It’s true, this can be exhausting and dragging yourself through the day, with a constant smile on your face is a real challenge. Yet the best event organisers and coordinators somehow manage it, so what’s their secret?

Here’s some top tips for keeping those eyes open at your next event …

Get to know your venue

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