Dec 21, 2017
The Air Force Association (AFA) broke attendance records and sold out exhibit space for a second consecutive year at its most recent Air, Space & Cyber Conference and Technology Exhibition, held Sept. 18-20 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
Produced and managed by NTP Events in conjunction with AFA, the annual conference and trade show for military, defense and aerospace professionals who plan, design, operate, maintain and manage military technology and infrastructure attracted 9,066 attendees, a 24 percent increase over 2016, when the… more
Dec 21, 2017
This article is the third in a series we have been running throughout the holiday season to shine a bright, well-deserved spotlight on companies that are #GivingBack.
December has been a busy month for several trade show industry vendors wanting to make the holidays a little brighter for people in their communities and beyond.
Earlier this month, Convention Data Services kicked off its annual Season of Giving Program designed to assist the local community, industry and employees who could use a little extra holiday cheer.
As part of CDS’s Corporate Giving Program, the initiative will… more
Dec 20, 2017
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released its full 2017 report on the World Map of Exhibition Venues.
The report analyzes indicators on key regional trends and includes the largest venues for all 28 markets with a total capacity exceeding 200,000 square meters (more than 2 million sq. ft.) of gross indoor exhibition space.
It has been six years since UFI last produced this global exhibition venue census. This year’s release shows a capacity increase in the majority of markets around the world.
According to report data, global venue space has grown by 1.2… more
Dec 20, 2017
After years of seeing technology revolutionizing the meetings industry and accelerating the rate of change in how people live and work, there will be a return to a focus on humanity in 2018, according to IMEX Group.
The global event producer believes that while new technological innovations will continue to transform the world around us, individuals throughout the events industry and in society are asking questions about whether people – along with their lives, feelings, aspirations, health and minds – are receiving enough priority as society deals with tremendous challenges and adapts to… more
Dec 19, 2017
Caesars Entertainment Corporation will develop CAESARS FORUM, a new 550,000 square foot conference center on the east side of the Las Vegas Strip.
Featuring 300,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, the $375 million facility will include two of the largest pillarless ballrooms in North America, according to Caesars officials.
“Consistent with our post restructuring plans, Caesars Forum is the first installment of our growth strategy for the benefit of Las Vegas and our employees, which will also help meet the increasing demand for group business meetings of all sizes,” said Mark Frissora,… more
Dec 14, 2017
In just a few days, 2017 will be history. The year brought event professionals a host of challenges around technological advancements, security, politics and travel, to name just a few. While next year will continue to prove difficult in many of those same areas, experts are pointing out that 2018 will be filled with opportunities for show organizers to rethink how events can capitalize on the human factor.
To wrap-up the year, here are a few predictions from five event industry veterans about what they foresee coming down the pike for events in 2018.
According to Marco Pardi, managing… more
Dec 13, 2017
Play Fair, a public celebration of play and entertainment for all ages, returned to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City for its second year with a larger showfloor, more exhibiting companies and a broader itinerary of immersive, family-friendly activities.
Held Nov. 4-5 and Hosted by The Toy Association in partnership with LeftField Media, the event provided a sold-out crowd of more than 20,000 children, parents, families and fans with a first glimpse of the toys, games and entertainment expected to be topping wishlists this holiday season.
Play Fair 2017 attracted 75… more
Dec 12, 2017
Full-service global event marketing and labor management company, Nth Degree, has finalized an agreement to merge with Atlanta-based Zenith LaborNet effective January 1.
The company will be headquartered in Nth Degree’s Duluth, GA office and will continue to operate in all major convention cities across the country and the globe.
“This merger with Zenith LaborNet will complement our labor management offering – the combined team will offer best-in-class service in every trade show market, deeper project management talent pools for large projects and city expertise that is unparalleled in the… more
Dec 11, 2017
With the holiday season upon us, the trade show industry busily continues to grow its ranks and promote from within.
In addition, some long-time people in the industry passed away recently.
Bob Lozier, former executive vice president of sales and director of The Freeman Company, passed away peacefully at his home with his family Dec. 7 after a long-term illness.
Lozier, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, was hired at The Freeman Company by Buck Freeman in 1967 after service in the United States Marine Corps.
After a period of employment with Wernecke Exposition Services and United… more
Dec 11, 2017
Private equity firm Onex Corporation has agreed to acquire SMG Holdings Inc., in partnership with its existing management team.
“SMG is the global gold standard in venue management,” said Amir Motamedi, a managing director with Onex. “We’re excited to work with Wes, his management team and the general managers within each of SMG’s venues to continue to provide the same world-class service their clients have come to expect.”
SMG is the leading global manager of convention centers, stadiums, arenas, theatres, performing arts centers and other venues.
The transaction is expected to close in… 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