Feb 20, 2023
Following an incredibly challenging period of unprecedented, pandemic-inflicted hardships, the hotel industry is making promising strides toward recovery. According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2023 State of the Hotel Industry Report, this resilient industry is projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels of demand, nominal room revenue and state and local tax revenue this year, while moving closer to other key 2019 performance metrics. However, with economic concerns such as inflation and borrowing costs, and operational challenges such as staffing shortages rising to the… more
Feb 17, 2023
Access Intelligence (AI), a privately held B-to-B -to-b media, events and information company headquartered in Rockville, Md., has promoted Heather Farley from COO to CEO. She succeeds Don Pazour, who has served as CEO since 2000. He will transition to executive chairman. Farley will lead the company’s 200-plus employees, who provide solutions for a dozen key global market sectors.
“After 9 years as COO, I’m excited to succeed Don as CEO,” Farley told TSNN. “AI’s highly-talented team will focus on serving our communities through our world-class event and media brands, innovating to meet the… more
Feb 17, 2023
Denver is readying for a future boost in meetings and conventions business, with vertical construction of the $233 million expansion of the Colorado Convention Center recently culminating in a commemorative “topping out” ceremony, as the project remains on schedule for a late 2023 opening.
“This is a welcome milestone in the progress of the expansion, which will assist us with booking multiple groups simultaneously to maximize capacity,” said Richard W. Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER. “Ultimately, these improvements will pay huge dividends for years to come by generating new… more
Feb 16, 2023
Julie Pazina, national director of sales for Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services, was formally sworn in as Nevada State Senator on Feb. 6, the first day of the 82nd Session of the Nevada State Legislature. Representing District 12 in southeast Las Vegas, she will chair the Natural Resources Committee and serve on the Commerce and Labor and Growth and Infrastructure committees.Pazina, who has worked at Edlen since 2006, served as president of the Las Vegas Hospitality Association, creating mentorships and internships for students. She brought speakers to high schools, UNLV and the College of… more
Feb 15, 2023
Exclusively Sponsored by MGM Resorts
World class entertainment, dining, and business amenities means wherever an organization is heading, getting there starts with being here.
You’ll find meeting and event spaces other places but what you won’t find is all we offer here at MGM Resorts. For decades MGM has been leading the way by providing world-class experiences across all our destinations. Here we host events that create synergy, meetings that move members, conferences that foster collaboration. Here we create memorable experiences that move business forward. Because no matter where… more
Feb 13, 2023
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., recently kicked off 2023 with two simultaneous, industry-leading trade shows held Jan. 4-6 that boasted sizable upticks in attendance and strong buying activity.
ASI Show Orlando
As the first promotional products industry show of the year, ASI Show Orlando attracted 4,500 supplier and distributor professionals to a lively show floor packed with more than 700 booths showcasing the leading in-stock products of 2023. Of the nearly 400 exhibiting companies, 65 were new to Orlando this year.
The show also attracted 351 woman-owned… more
Feb 10, 2023
Temporary exhibitor growth of 15% and strong order writing characterized International Market Center’s (IMC) Atlanta Apparel February 2023, as buyers were out in full force to source fashion for the upcoming seasons and take advantage of educational and networking opportunities.
“Atlanta Apparel buyers and brands brought the energy to educational and networking events, temporary exhibits and permanent showrooms this February,” said Caron Stover, International Market Center’s (IMC) senior vice president, apparel. “Throughout this market, including the successful extra day of temporary… more
Feb 10, 2023
Emerald, in collaboration with Abasto Media, is spicing up its portfolio with the recent acquisition of Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade Expo, the only B2B event in the U.S. solely dedicated to the Latin food and beverage sector.
Formerly a regional event in Southern California, Cocina Sabrosa will be enhanced and expanded to create the first U.S.-based, national Latin food and beverage industry event serving restaurateurs, grocers, suppliers and entrepreneurs within the growing business segment. “It’s an honor and privilege to work alongside Abasto to launch this premiere nationwide… more
Feb 07, 2023
As the trade show industry gears up for a busy 2023, event-related companies throughout the U.S. and across the pond are moving forward with strategic acquisitions and partnerships designed to empower and prepare them for a year of robust growth. Take a look!
Skyline Exhibits
Eagan, Minn.-based trade show exhibit company Skyline Exhibits kicked off the new year on a strong growth trajectory by acquiring two of its authorized dealer offices—one in New York and one in California—as part of a strategic effort to provide a seamless client experience and additional expert resources.
Serving… more
Feb 06, 2023
The global retail industry is about to get a new conference and exhibition to meet the needs of a rapidly growing marketplace. Beginning in 2024, Retail’s Big Show will expand to the Asia Pacific region with the inaugural NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific, set for June 11-13, 2024, at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in Singapore. The new event will launch six months after NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show, scheduled for Jan. 14-16 at Javits Center in New York City.
Aiming to integrate regional leaders across the retail industry to collaborate at a Pan Asia Pacific level, the new… 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