Association Show News

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Mar 28, 2016
While the convention and meetings industry is able to breathe a sigh of relief today in Georgia, headaches abound in North Carolina, after both states recently dealt with legislation that was deemed discriminatory to the gay community by many.   Less than two weeks after the Georgia assembly voted through House Bill 757 – the Free Exercise Protection Act, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed the bill.   The bill would have allowed churches to refuse to perform gay marriages and not hire people they felt conflicted with their religious beliefs, which prompted big-name companies, such as… more
Mar 24, 2016
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) is pleased to announce the release of the 2015 TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows in the United States. Culled from show management and data supplied to TSNN, the list had a record number of submissions this year and represents the top 250 trade shows held last year in the U.S. ranked by net square footage. The full, searchable list, sponsored this year exclusively by Expocad and the Orlando/Orange County Convention Center, can be found HERE. The Consumer Technology Association’s CES 2015 show snagged the No. 1 spot and spanned more than 2.2 million net square feet at the… more
Mar 21, 2016
The Electronic Software Association’s E3 Expo won’t have some key gaming companies on the showfloor – such as EA and Activision – when the show opens its doors in June at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The game publishers, instead, are opting for smaller, public-focused events. Other companies, including Wargaming and Disney Interactive, also have decided to skip booths at the show this year, prompting rumors that maybe the show would change its rules and allow the public to attend. Not so fast, according to Dan Hewitt, ESA’s vice president of Media Relations and Event Management. “The… more
Mar 18, 2016
One hundred and eighty-seven years hardly is a nice round number, so the Pennsylvania Flower Show (founded in 1829) is sharing the stage with the relative youngster National Park Service, celebrating its sweet 100. “The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is honored that the Philadelphia Flower Show has been chosen by the National Park Service as a centennial event marking this amazing milestone,” said Sam Lemheney, PHS Chief of Shows & Events. The centennial celebrations formed this year's theme "Explore America" at the show, which ran March 5-13 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and… more
Mar 15, 2016
The Consumer Technology Association, formerly the Consumer Electronics Association, announced the return of its CES Unveiled event series to France for a fourth consecutive CES Unveiled Paris and a debut event, CES Unveiled Prague. These two events, uniting innovative technology companies, top members of the press, industry analysts, buyers and key consumer technology influencers, will serve as a prelude to the innovation that will be showcased at CES® 2017.  Owned and produced by the CTA, CES is the global stage for innovation and will run Jan. 5-8. This year's CES Unveiled events… more
Mar 15, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has opened the call for nominations for its annual awards program to recognize exceptional professionals in the exhibitions and events industry. Industry professionals who meet the outlined criteria may be nominated for any of the awards listed below, and recipients will be honored at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held 6-8 December in Anaheim, Calif. The deadline to submit nominations for the following award categories is 10 June 2016: The IAEE Pinnacle Award recognizes… more
Mar 10, 2016
Trade Show News Network has named Atlantic City, N.J., as the host city for the 7th Annual 2016 TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence. As the premiere awards program in the trade show industry celebrating fastest-growing shows, more than 50 show organizers will be feted during the three-day weekend event Oct. 28-30 (www.T-awards.com).  “We are very excited to bring the 2016 TSNN Awards to Atlantic City,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. “Atlantic City has a really exciting convention center/hotel package, as well as incredible restaurants and entertainment options that will… more
Mar 02, 2016
The ISA International Sign Expo 2016 trade show floor has completely sold out, topping out more than 200,000 square feet and nearly 600 exhibitors. This comes well in advance of the show, which occurs April 20-23 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The ISA International Sign Expo 2016 will feature the latest in new technologies and products. It also will include dozens of educational opportunities free with trade show admission. “Selling out the trade show floor this far in advance of the show signals the excitement in the sign and graphics industry,” said Lori Anderson, ISA… more
Feb 25, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s CEIR Total Index, which tracks the overall health of the trade show industry, ended last year with a substantial uptick in not only the fourth quarter, but also for the full year. The index posted a strong year-on-year gain of 3.7 percent in the fourth quarter. This growth is the second highest rate since the second quarter of 2012. It also marked the 22nd consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth. During the three years, 2012 through 2014, the exhibition industry growth generally lagged the pace of GDP, but the industry has now outperformed the… more
Feb 24, 2016
In just more than a month, top-level executives from trade show organizing companies worldwide will converge at the Society of Independent Show Organizer’s CEO Summit to hear about the latest trends in the market, whether it be why so many overseas companies are buying up U.S.-based shows or how every event should be considering its content marketing program. “Ranked as one of the best networking events of the year in the trade and consumer show industry, the SISO CEO Summit gathers together CEOs and executives from more than 100 small and large global show organizing companies for not only… 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