Pat Swan

Pat Swan, Global Account Manager with showNets, LLC, develops and oversees the implementation of network services for high-priority corporate clientele such as Salesforce, Amazon, and the American Society of Hematology. 

Exhibit Design House MC² Buys Marketing Firm Brand Promotions

MC² (“MC-squared”), an exhibit, event and environment design and production agency, has acquired Brand Promotions, an experiential marketing and brand activation company. 

The addition of Brand Promotions expands MC²’s growth opportunities within its existing trade show and events portfolio by offering expanded experiential marketing tours capabilities, according to  MC²  officials. 

New Omni Hotel Breaks Ground Next to Kentucky International Convention Center

Dallas-based Omni Hotels & Resorts broke ground on its 30-story, 853,000-square-foot hotel and luxury apartment complex today in downtown Louisville adjacent to the Kentucky International Convention Center.

“The Omni is a game-changer for Louisville’s hospitality industry increasing our convention business potential in a competitive marketplace. Louisville currently hosts 12.7 million visitors each year,” said Karen Williams, president and CEO of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Global Trade Show Industry Indicates Strength in North America, Europe – Challenges with Millennial Staffing

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s Global Barometer Survey, which takes the pulse of the trade show industry worldwide, indicated that North America and Europe, with the exception of Russia, are predicting positive revenue results in 2016.

On the other hand, in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, the situations remain generally positive, but with a certain level of uncertainty.

Submit Now! 2015 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show List – Deadline Feb. 15

Each year, Trade Show News Network compiles a list of the Top 250 Trade Shows ranked by net square footage in the United States and Top 50 trade shows ranked by net sq. footage in Canada.

Submissions to be included on the 2015 lists are now open, and the shows must have occurred in 2015. Shows that are over 40,000 net sq. ft. have an opportunity to make the list. The form to fill out is HERE, and the deadline is Feb. 15.

San Antonio’s Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Unveils $325 Million Expansion

San Antonio unveiled the $325 million Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center expansion, which marks the largest capital improvement project in the City of San Antonio’s history and increases the footprint to 1.6 million square feet.

Festivities were celebrated with the unveiling of “Liquid Crystal,” a public art installation by artist Jason Bruges that is located in the center’s expansive new lobby atrium.

Meetings Mean Business Report Indicates Executives Find Value in Face-to-face

Not only do business leaders say in-person meetings are beneficial to operations, according to a new survey released by the national coalition Meetings Mean Business, but also face-to-face is critical to career development.

As a result, corporate leaders are making in-person meetings a financial priority and report increasing investment in face-to-face meetings in 2016.

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Partner Voices
Partner Voices
NO WISH IS TOO BIG AT THE ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
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
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