Association Show News
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Jan 26, 2016
The CHA Mega Conference and Trade Show, the annual show for the Craft & Hobby Association that was held Jan. 7-12 at the Anaheim Convention Center, celebrated its 75th year, and the attendees were ready to create, connect and learn in this $30 billion world-wide industry.
“There is such a passion for this industry, and our attendees reflect this passion,” said Maureen Walsh, vice president of marketing for the Craft & Hobby Association.
She added, “The energy we see when the exhibit floor is about to open is what we see throughout the industry and the conference. It is like our Black… more
Jan 25, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson
The cold January temperatures couldn’t be felt inside New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center last week as the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Big Show sizzled with new technology and solutions for retailers.
The show is held in New York City every year - the mecca of the retail industry and a convenient location for international retailers who make up about 25 percent of the attendees.
“The energy, enthusiasm and passion come together at the Big Show and it makes every January something truly very special,” Matthew Shay, president and CEO, NRF announced.
This… more
Jan 24, 2016
In the latest Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s 5-year Census Report, the number of annual business-to-business and business-to-consumer events in the United States increased 3.5 percent to 11,427.
The 2015 CEIR Exhibition Industry Census tracked the overall number of B-to-B and B-to-C shows held in the U.S., Canada and Mexico to be 13,447, accounting for just more than 107 million attendees and 1.9 million exhibitors.
"The Census, along with the yearly Index are two of the most powerful research tools offered to the exhibition industry by CEIR," said CEIR President and CEO, Brian… more
Jan 22, 2016
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) named Don Welsh, CEO of Choose Chicago, as the new president and CEO.
DMAI retained the executive recruiting firm SearchWide to manage the search process for a new CEO last fall.
“After a thorough search process that included a stellar group of candidates, we are thrilled that Don has accepted this position,” said Bob Lander, chairman of the DMAI board of directors and CEO of the Austin CVB.
He added, “We are confident that he will lead DMAI in becoming the premier trade association for destination marketing organizations both in the… more
Jan 19, 2016
The Association for Women in Events (AWE), launched last March, is officially opening its doors and accepting applications for membership starting Jan. 20.
AWE’s mission is clear: to be an inclusive community dedicated to the professional advancement of women in all facets of the events industry.
“When presented with the AWE mission statement, I knew right away that I wanted to become a Charter Member of the Leadership Society,” said Stephen Peeler, vice president, Development of ASAE Foundation.
He added, “I encourage my friends, peers, former coworkers, fellow association members from… more
Jan 19, 2016
The first-ever “Global Exhibitions Day” - a global initiative that unites exhibition organizers, venues, associations and service providers from countries all around the world - will launch June 8.
Driven by Paris-based UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and Dallas-based IAEE – The International Association of Exhibitions and Events, a growing list of associations and industry players have pledged to join forces to promote the industry and to highlight its achievements.
“There are many great national and regional initiatives, addressing exhibitors, visitors, policymakers… more
Jan 14, 2016
Association management company, SmithBucklin, acquired SDI, an incentive travel, strategic meetings and special events company based in Chicago.
The announcement was made by Matt Sanderson, president and CEO of SmithBucklin, and Scott Dillion, founder and president of SDI.
"Scott and his team have built a tremendous reputation for themselves and their company due to the successes they have driven for their clients, and we're excited to have SDI become part of the SmithBucklin story," Sanderson said.
The transaction enhances SmithBucklin’s growing corporate event planning portfolio, and brings… more
Jan 13, 2016
Experient, a meeting and event solutions company, formed a strategic partnership agreement with Talley Management Group.
This partnership allows Experient to offer its clients outstanding á la carte association management services, including comprehensive financial management, membership growth through database management, and business and administrative support.
“Partnering with Talley Management Group will give our clients access to selected association management services delivered by a respected and well known association management company while still maintaining their… more
Jan 12, 2016
The status quo of holding a meeting the same old way just isn’t going to be good enough to truly capture and engage attendees in the future.
Change is on the horizon, with more of a focus on helping attendees find their ‘tribe’, create spaces and events for them to eat well and be well and make content more personalized and organic.
To address these imminent changes, Marriott International, as part of its Meetings Imagined initiative, partnered with the Professional Convention Management Association to review the implications on the future of meetings.
Together, they assembled a group of… more
Jan 11, 2016
CES 2016 broke its own record from last year with 2.47 million net sq. ft. showfloor, up from 2.2 million last year, taking over the Las Vegas Convention Center, Sands Expo & Convention Center and the Venetian, as well as the Wynn, Aria, Vdara and Cosmopolitan.
Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (formerly the Consumer Electronics Association), the world’s largest technology show took place Jan. 6–9.
For the first time, attendance was capped at 176,000 to help with logistics and actual attendance exceeded 170,000.
Commenting on the move to cap, Karen Chupka,… 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