Jan 03, 2019
Across the world, trade show visitors are reporting overall satisfaction with the shows they attend but at the same time, 22-27 percent of show visitors from mature markets believe that shows are “getting worse.” Meanwhile, younger C-suite show participants are asking for trade shows that are more entertaining while still helping them meet their business needs.
These are some of the core findings of the recently released 2018/19 Global Visitor Insights Study, which was jointly conducted by UFI – the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and London-based event research specialists,… more
Dec 30, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition attracted more than 2,300 attendees representing 26 countries (pending verified audit) to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
“I cannot think of a better way to celebrate IAEE’s 90th anniversary than with the Expo! Expo! we had last week,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA.
He added, “The diversity in learning experiences offered, combined with one of our largest trade show floors ever and outstanding networking events in wonderful locations,… more
Dec 30, 2018
How can healthcare convention marketers leverage the power of digital persuasion to ignite social influence and maintain a competitive edge?
To help answer this question, HCEA has unveiled that the award-winning author Erin Gargan King will kick-off HCEAInnovate 2019, on tap Feb. 24 at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas.
“Online media continue to dominate communication across industries – and especially the dynamic healthcare sector,” said Anne Trompeter, HCEAInnovate Chair.
She added, “We are so excited to welcome Erin as opening keynote speaker to share her observations with our… more
Dec 18, 2018
Creating tension should be a key factor in developing compelling business events, said bestselling author and Marketing Hall of Fame honoree, Seth Godin.
Tension, he added, contributes to the fear of missing out, and that can create the buzz that helps make business events successful.
Godin will take participants at 2019 PCMA Convening Leaders on a journey that will have them wonder whether their events would be missed if they were gone.
His session, "You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See", is the first keynote address for Convening Leaders, taking place Jan. 6-9 at the David L.… more
Dec 18, 2018
A team of hospitality students from Kansas State University in Kansas won PCMA’s inaugural Business Events Industry Student Challenge for proposing how to protect personal data of people attending business events.
Members of the winning team were Brooks Hetle, Bailey Brown, Andie Contreras, Tia Gamble and Cameryn Rasmussen.
They were advised by Kristin Malek, an assistant professor of hospitality management.
Nearly two dozen collegiate teams from across the United States submitted proposals for the competition, which tested student knowledge and understanding of issues and trends… more
Dec 18, 2018
The Association for Women in Events (AWE) has opened registration for its premiere women’s leadership event: ELEVATE!.
The event is powered by AWE and is sponsored by Hilton and the Conrad Washington DC.
The event will be hosted March 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a networking reception will follow from 5 to 7 p.m.
The event will include:
● Disruptive, compelling sessions with women in business and politics.
● Networking opportunities with women and men who are making a difference in the industry.
● World-class speakers and leaders who are changing the dialogue around how women do… more
Dec 14, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has elected Thomas Cindric as its incoming Board of Directors Chairperson for 2019.
In this role, Cindric will focus on the changing trade show model, increasing IAEE’s global presence and the expansion of IAEE’s CEM Learning Program and Women’s Initiatives, a vision he discussed during the Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Presentation held Dec. 13 at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2018 in New Orleans.
“It is an exciting time, not only for IAEE, but the entire exhibitions and events industry,” Cindric… more
Dec 07, 2018
It’s no wonder that Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition is considered the “show for shows.”
This annual trade show for trade show professionals draws in upwards of 2,500 exhibition professionals – 60 percent exhibition organizers and 40 percent suppliers – to engage with one another, learn about the latest industry trends and technology, and push the events industry forward.
Taking place Dec. 11-13 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, the event offers a plethora of cutting-edge education (a whopping 142 education sessions on and off the showfloor!); 289… more
Dec 06, 2018
Despite uncertainty on where U.S. trade negotiations stand with China, coupled with an unstable stock market and the global economy slowing down overall, the latest Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) reports that the recent growth of the exhibition industry continued during the third quarter of 2018.
Performance of the industry, as measured by the CEIR Total Index, posted a modest year-over-year gain of 1 percent, although it underperformed the macroeconomy.
While the performance during the third quarter was weaker than the first two quarters of the year, it was a significant… more
Nov 20, 2018
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) concluded its IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018 on a high note by shattering its own attendance records and boasting the largest trade show floor in the event’s history.
A record 42,000 global attractions industry professionals from around the world converged Nov. 12-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando to learn, buy and network at the annual Expo, which doubled as IAAPA’s centennial celebration.
“There is no better way to celebrate IAAPA’s centennial anniversary than with a remarkable and record-breaking… more
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