SuperZoo Caps Showfloor, Focuses on Growing Attendance

Determined to have a vibrant event, World Pet Association decided to cap the square footage for its 2014 SuperZoo, a trade show for independent pet store owners, that took place July 22-24 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

“We have a waiting list of about 250 companies that want to get on the showfloor,” said Doug Poindexter, president of World Pet Association that produces the SuperZoo. “Last year, our attendance grew 10 percent and our floor grew 20 percent. So we decided to pull back this year and let attendance catch up.

Light Reading’s Big Telecom Event a Success with Attendees and Sponsors

In April, TSNN reported on the Big Telecom Event being produced by Light Reading. CEO and founder of Light Reading, Stephen Saunders had referred to the Big Telecom Event as the anti-tradeshow in an article he wrote announcing the event.

BTE took place last month in Chicago, and the question on many people’s minds is: Was the event his readers asked for, indeed an event they wanted. Also, were his sponsors happy not having a traditional trade showfloor?

Submit Your Show for the TSNN Awards’ “Best of Show” Award

For the “Best of Show” award, we are leaving it up to you to tell us why you think your show is the BEST.

This is the fourth year for this special award, and five nominees will be invited to the TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence Nov. 14-16 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

The overall winner will be announced at the gala awards celebration Nov. 15th. To be considered, please, submit your show HERE.

Boston Rebrands as Signature Boston, Introduces New Web Site

In a move to further showcase Boston as a top meeting and convention destination, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) and the Boston Convention Marketing Center (BCMC) have rolled out a new brand, Signature Boston, and Web site – SignatureBoston.com.

Signature Boston will be the customer-facing brand for Boston’s two convention centers, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC), and the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center.

China International Pet Show on Track to Break Exhibitor Records in November

Everything for pets is on show in the New China International Exhibition Center in Peking, where the 18th China International Pet Show (CIPS) will take place Nov. 17-20.  

This year’s event already promises to be a record six months before the start, with 650 companies already signed on.

Increased awareness of pet care and rising incomes are the major drivers of the growing pet market in China.

Rolex, Mickey Mouse or iPhone

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Tue, 07/22/2014 - 16:51

A powerful message I received early on in life about time management is that it doesn't matter if you wear a $10,000 Rolex or a $29 Mickey Mouse watch - we all have 24 hours in a day. And, for the new Smart Phone generation, who no longer wear timepieces, the point is the same - we all have the same 24 hours - no more, no less and you can't buy time, sorry Rolex!

Richard Maples

As Shepard Exposition's Executive Vice President of Sales, Richard fosters a team-based culture with a winning attitude, inspiration and a passion for providing the most customer-centric service in the trade show industry.

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