Association Show News
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Jun 12, 2017
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has unveiled Fira Barcelona as the winner of its annual Sustainable Development Award.
The theme of this year’s competition, “Best destination approach to implementing sustainability”, was chosen in order to recognize initiatives that combine the efforts of a destination, in partnership with a professional exhibition operator, to implement sustainability around an individual exhibition or a series of events.
The award jury was composed of Members of the UFI Sustainable Development Committee and Dianne Young, Chair of the UFI… more
Jun 10, 2017
For the fourth year in a row, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events spearheaded #ExhibitionsDay, held June 6-7 in Washington, D.C., at which 112 trade show professionals had more than 100 face-to-face meetings with congressional representatives on Capitol Hill.
"The 4th Annual Exhibitions Day was a tremendous success, as we realized a 30-percent increase in participation of IAEE members who joined us in Washington, D.C., to make important calls on Congressional staff,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, CTA, FASAE
He added, “This year's issues were very… more
Jun 08, 2017
Urban Expositions scooped up the U.S. Coffee Fest event portfolio from Lifestyle Events, which includes the 2017 Coffee Fest Chicago and Portland events, along with the 2018 Baltimore and Denver shows.
Coffee Fest trade shows launched 25 years ago and focus on the coffee, tea and beverage industry.
“We are pursuing strategic opportunities to grow our business, and specifically our foodservice and hospitality sector. These shows perfectly align with the profile and growth potential we were hoping to add to this portfolio,” said Craig Dooley, president and CEO, Urban… more
Jun 05, 2017
The trade show industry was back on the positive side after slipping in the final quarter of 2016, with a year-over-year 1.6-percent uptick in growth to kick off the first quarter of this year, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Index Report.
However, the industry has continued to underperform the macroeconomy.
"The increase in the first quarter validates our prediction that economic fundamentals still point to moderate growth for the exhibition industry," said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., chief economist for Global Economic Consulting Associates, Inc.
The … more
Jun 01, 2017
In an effort to create more meaningful meetings for their attendees, guests and exhibitors, several national and international dental organizations will be joining forces to combine three major dental conventions in 2019 and two in 2020.
The American Dental Association (ADA), FDI World Dental Federation (FDI), California Dental Association (CDA) and San Francisco Dental Society (SFDS) will be partnering up to host a joint 2019 meeting in San Francisco.
In addition, the ADA and Florida Dental Association (FDA) will be consolidating their 2020 meetings in Orlando while the ADA explores… more
May 31, 2017
More keynote speakers have been unveiled for the 2017 Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Annual Convention in Montréal, Canada July 11‐14.
“We are thrilled to have assembled such a diverse and respected group of speakers for the Annual Convention,” said DMAI President and CEO Don Welsh.
He added, “We look forward to inspiring and equipping our members with education sessions as well as giving them the unique opportunity to connect with industry peers in Montréal.”
Here are a few of the new keynotes:
Evita Turquoise Robinson
Since her first taste of Europe at the age of 21… more
May 29, 2017
Kicking off in New Zealand June 7 and circling the globe to end in Hawaii, the exhibition industry will be celebrating the 2nd annual Global Exhibition Day (#GED17).
Global Exhibition Day, founded last year by UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, was formed to shine a bright spotlight on the importance of the industry worldwide.
“UFI is calling on everyone working in exhibitions and trade shows to take part in Global Exhibitions Day on June 7 and share their initiatives loud and proud!” said Dr. Andreas Gruchow, president of UFI.
He added, “In 2016, the inaugural GED… more
May 24, 2017
Trade show marketing firm mdg has expanded its foorptint by opening a new office in Chicago to service several clients based in the area.
The downtown office will be led by Leana Salamah, account strategist and executive director, who has experience on both sides of the client/agency relationship.
Salamah was proactively recruited by ownership to serve as a strategic lead for existing Chicago clients and to be a resource for other association and for-profit event clients looking for audience acquisition solutions.
“Chicago, with its reputation as a world-class event destination and… more
May 24, 2017
With Outdoor Retailer looking for a new home after a public land dispute resulted in the decision to leave Utah, Denver in the hunt as one of the cities trying to capture it and the January timeframe getting crunched with different crossover shows, it makes perfect sense that Emerald Expositions would buy SnowSports Industries America’s SIA Snow Show.
Now, two of the strongest shows geared toward segments of the outdoor sports industry will both be combined under one roof – the Colorado Convention Center – in Denver starting January 2018.
“By merging these two January shows, we will bring the… more
May 17, 2017
The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) and The Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO) have entered into a reciprocity agreement following a meeting among several of their independent trade and consumer organiser members in Miami last month.
The agreement sees both organisations supporting each other with information exchange, research insight and mutual discounts for members to attend each associations’ events.
In addition, it sees the formation of a new special interest group the ‘Independent Organiser Network’ (ION).
The ION is a group formed of AEO and SISO commercial event… 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