Aug 07, 2023
Freeman has acquired Sparks, a global brand experience agency with more than 750 employees. Sparks provides exhibit and event experiences to a diverse group of Fortune 1000 brands, including Google, Salesforce, Anheuser-Busch InBev and T-Mobile. Sparks will combine with Freeman’s agency business, which also caters to major corporate clients, including Amazon, Cisco and Kohler.
“Our combination with Sparks creates a unique opportunity to accelerate Freeman’s vision to become a leader in the corporate space,” said Freeman CEO Bob Priest-Heck. “Sparks, like Freeman, is built by great people,… more
Aug 07, 2023
Exclusively Sponsored by Visit Tampa Bay
With an award-winning airport, cutting-edge venues, a vibrant array of amenities and innovative tech grants, Tampa Bay can transform your meeting into an unforgettable success story.
Celebrated service for air travelers from around the world.
Occupying the number two spot on the J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is home to world-class service. And now it can bring an even wider range of attendees to your meeting.
The crown jewel of your meeting.
Now meetings at the waterfront Tampa… more
Aug 04, 2023
Oak View Group (OVG), which takes over venue management for Chicago’s McCormick Place on Oct. 1, named veteran convention and hospitality executive Samuel Thomas Jr. as senior vice president and general manager of the campus, which includes McCormick Place, featuring 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space, the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena and the 4,249-seat Arie Crown Theater.
Thomas, who will relocate to Chicago from Washington, D.C., where he was executive vice president and chief operating officer of Events DC, will begin his new role the first week of September.
McCormick Place… more
Aug 03, 2023
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) is thrilled to unveil the 2023 TSNN Awards top honoree for the Industry Support Award.
All of the award honorees will be celebrated Oct. 27-29 at the 2023 TSNN Awards at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The two-day event will kick off with an opening party at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort and Casino sponsored by Discover Puerto Rico, followed the next day by an education conference at the Puerto Rico Convention Center and an awards gala at the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico and after-party at the Sheraton.
Industry Support Award… more
Jul 31, 2023
The Specialty Food Association's (SFA) 67th Summer Fancy Food Show, held June 25-27 at the Javits Center in New York, drew more than 30,000 professionals from the specialty food and beverage industry. The sold-out event marked a 20% increase in registration compared to 2022, with significant growth in all key buyer categories, including a 21% rise in retailers, a 20% surge in food service professionals, and a 12% jump in distributors.
Recognized as one of the largest specialty food industry gatherings in North America, the Summer Fancy Food Show drew more than 2,200 companies covering… more
Jul 27, 2023
Following an extensive and competitive RFP process, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) has selected global sports and live entertainment company Oak View Group (OVG) as the new private management and food service partner for Chicago’s McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena and Arie Crown Theater.
Beginning Oct. 1 and running through Sept. 2028, the management and F&B contracts were awarded to OVG360 and OVG Hospitality, respectively, following a unanimous vote by the MPEA Board.
“I am thrilled to welcome OVG360 and OVG Hospitality to our campus,” said Larita Clark, CEO of… more
Jul 27, 2023
Informa PLC announced that its revenue and profit in the first half of 2023 shot up following a strong return to live events, in addition to plans for continued growth through an “exclusivity to acquire” HIMSS Global Health Exhibition/Conference and an investment in Talahuf, its Saudi Arabia trade show business.
In its half-year that ended June 30, the London-based public company (which owns TSNN) reported that revenue increased 53% to GBP1.52 billion, up from GBP993.5 million in H1 2022. Pretax profit surged to GBP314.6 million, up from GPB41.5 million year over year. During an earnings… more
Jul 26, 2023
Fast Forward Events has expanded its portfolio of events in the adult alcohol beverage industry with acquisition of the Craft Beverage Expo & Distribution Conference (CBE), the Craft Beverage Experience and the Women in Craft Symposium. CBE Co-Founder Kellie Shevlin joins Fast Forward as vice president, sales and marketing.
Created by Shevlin and industry veteran Vincent Polito, CBE has connected professionals and enthusiasts across the craft alcohol beverage space for the past decade. The event is focused on small-batch beverages including beer, wine, spirits, mead and cider and the… more
Jul 25, 2023
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) is thrilled to unveil the 2023 TSNN Awards top honorees for the Industry Icon Award, Sustainability Award and DEI Leadership Award.
All of the award honorees will be celebrated Oct. 27-29 at the 2023 TSNN Awards at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The two-day event will kick off with an opening party at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort and Casino sponsored by Discover Puerto Rico, followed the next day by an education conference at the Puerto Rico Convention Center and an awards gala at the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico and after-party… more
Jul 24, 2023
New Business Deals: Hyve Group, Skyline Exhibits and More Consolidate Business, Launch New Platforms
As the summer season heats up, trade show-related companies and suppliers in the U.S. and abroad have been busily inking new contracts, fine-tuning and expanding their offerings and scooping up new clients. Take a look!
Hyve Group
Hyve Group’s recently launched Fintech Meetup, the second largest U.S. fintech event focused on fintech, banking, lending and payments, has made an agreement with Fintech Nexus, an independent digital media company dedicated to the financial services industry. Announced in late June, the deal will see Fintech Nexus shift its focus to its content publishing… 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