Metropolitan Exposition Services Turns Over Service Contractor Clients to Freeman

Dallas-based Freeman has acquired another general service contracting company, Metropolitan Exposition Services. 

Located in Moonachie, N.J., and founded in 2001, Metro produces more than 300 shows nationwide annually.

“New York market is very important to Freeman’s clients. We are honored to have the opportunity to support Metro and its clients through this transition,” said Joe Popolo, CEO of Freeman.

Craft & Hobby Association Mega Conference and Trade Show Celebrates 75 Years

The CHA Mega Conference and Trade Show, the annual show for the Craft & Hobby Association that was held Jan. 7-12 at the Anaheim Convention Center, celebrated its 75th year, and the attendees were ready to create, connect and learn in this $30 billion world-wide industry.

“There is such a passion for this industry, and our attendees reflect this passion,” said Maureen Walsh, vice president of marketing for the Craft & Hobby Association.

Korea’s Incheon CVB Achieves International Green Meeting Certification

The Incheon Convention & Visitors Bureau, located in Incheon, South Korea, has become the latest convention and visitors bureau to be certified to an international sustainability standard for the meetings and event industry.

The Incheon CVB achieved certification to the ASTM Standard pertaining to the Evaluation and Selection of Destinations for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows and Conferences.

U.K.-based ITE Acquires Fastener Expos in China

ITE Asia has acquired a 70 percent stake in the organiser of the Fastener Expo in Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Fastener Expo Shanghai is an annual event held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.

Fastener Expo Guangzhou, was launched in 2013 and has just held its third edition at the Guangzhou Poly Trade Expo Center.

The acquisition further expands ITE’s business in Asia where it has growing interests, principally in China, India and Indonesia.

The current management team including Mr Yang Jungfeng, will stay with the business.

Coex to Launch Stylish Life Show in China 2016

Coex, the biggest exhibition organizer in Korea, will be expanding its exhibition organizing business in 2016, with the opening of the Stylish Life Show in Chengdu, China.

Scheduled Nov. 5-9 at the New Century Exhibition and Convention Centre, Stylish Life will be co-organized with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Sichuan Bureau of Expo Affairs.

Nearly 250 Exhibitors Confirmed for Yarn Expo Spring 2016, Exceeding Organizers’ Expectations

The 2016 edition of Yarn Expo Spring now is less than two months away, and nearly 250 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions, including China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Lithuania, Pakistan, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey and Uzbekistan, have already confirmed their participation.

The exhibitor number and the scale of the fair have surpassed the organizers’ expectation, and to accommodate the increased size, the fair will now occupy hall 5.1 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) March 16-18.

Four HKTDC Fairs Post Records

Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) held four co-located trade shows from 11th to 14th January at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The largest show is HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair. The others were Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Hong Kong International Stationery Fair. The Stationery Fair was jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt. Together, the four fairs featured over 3,100 exhibitors, setting a new record.

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