Diversified Communications Reorganizes Management Structure to Focus on U.S.

With business booming in the U.S., Portland, Maine-based Diversified Communications has reorganized its management structure into two leadership teams - one to support Diversified Communications’ global divisions, and another to lead Diversified Communications US.

“These organizational moves will enable Diversified US to grow in the important and reliable North American market and create additional career path opportunities, while also improving corporate governance across all our divisions,” said Ted Wirth, president and CEO. 

GES’ Steve Moster, onPeak’s Michael Howe Discuss GES Acquisition of onPeak and Travel Planners

With Global Experience Specialists acquisition of two housing services companies – onPeak and Travel Planners - its clients now have an entire suite of services provided by one company.

The combined businesses will serve clients under the name onPeak, a GES Global Company (onPeak | GES).

GES President Steve Moster and Michael Howe, formerly president of onPeak and now executive vice president of onPeak | GES, took a few moments to talk with TSNN President Rachel Wimberly about the big news today and what it means for their clients and the industry overall.

Global Experience Specialists Acquires Housing Services Companies - onPeak and Travel Planners

Global Experience Specialists has acquired two housing services companies – onPeak, with headquarters in Chicago, and Travel Planners, which is headquartered in New York City.

The combined business will serve clients under the name onPeak, a GES Global Company (onPeak | GES).

“Our clients told us that they want GES to create unique, integrated experiences delivered by just one trusted partner for their most critical event needs,” said Steve Moster, GES’ president.  

Hong Kong Exhibition Industry Unaffected by Student Protests

More than a week after students took to the Hong Kong streets demanding that Chief Executive C.Y. Leung step down from his post, as well as for full democracy and voting rights, the protest groups are much smaller and have not impacted the exhibition industry in the city, according to the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association.

The protests began when three pro-democracy student leaders were arrested after a class boycott and their supporters were tear gassed. Tens of thousands of protestors flooded the streets as a result. 

Reed Exhibitions Buys Mexico-based Grupo Fidalex Portfolio

Reed Exhibitions continues to expand into Mexico with the recent buy of event organizer Grupo Fidalex, which has 15 brands in the country. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"In 2015, Reed will deliver well over 75,000 net square meters of exhibition volume and serve almost 2,800 exhibiting customers and more than 140,000 buyers (in Mexico)," said Nancy Walsh, president of Reed Exhibitions North America.

5 Tips for Successful Corporate Events

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Sun, 10/05/2014 - 08:30

There are a lot of generalizations when it comes to our industry. Many people who are unfamiliar feel the same type of planning and work goes into an exhibition, meeting, consumer event, corporate event or congress. Well, we all know that isn’t true; the planning and execution differs by the type of live event being produced. Drayage, kit rules and regulations, negotiating show floor packages, etc. often aren’t a topic of conversation with my corporate events clients. One thing that is critical across the board with corporate events is planning for attendee engagement.

Social Media Tips for a Successful Trade Show Booth

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Sun, 10/05/2014 - 08:22

Small and big businesses alike have found out just how powerful social media can in helping their company expand.  In fact, according to CeBIT, the massive German technology show, 97 percent of consumers search for businesses online. The more technologically-advanced our society becomes, the more people will be relying on social media websites and mobile apps to help make their purchasing decisions.

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