Aug 13, 2014
Houston is on its way to a new hotel adjacent to the George R. Brown Convention Center, with an RFP being issued to find a team to develop and design the new property.
The RFP, issued by Houston First Corporation, said the team would privately finance, own and operatethe hotel, which would attach via sky bridge to the north end of the convention center. HFC expects to enter into a site/pad lease with the hotel owner.
The location has been designed to accommodate about 400 rooms on 15 floors above the 1,900-spaceparking garage and would include a ground-floor lobby and guest drop-off area. Up… more
Aug 12, 2014
A giant logo of Sony PlayStation is projected onto the terracotta wall of The Westin Resort and Spa Los Cabos, Mexico. The Sea of Cortez rushes against the shore in the background. Tomorrow, some 200 game developers will descend onto this luxury resort to show off their ideas, compete in “Olympics” on the private beach and talk geek over flaming margaritas.
“We’re back at pre-recession levels,” said Edward Burgos, tour and sales travel manager at the property. “Meetings are up and so is our incentive business.”
Along with the improving economic situation and ease of access from the U.S.,… more
Aug 10, 2014
Trade show and expo organizers and even exhibitors looking to add a fun, no-hassle charitable component to their event, need look no further than the Foundation for Hospital Art.
The Foundation for Hospital Art installs brightly colored murals in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities around the world. The murals are often painted by attendees at events.
This is an activity that all ages can participate in. There are no physical limitations, and no artistic ability is required. If you can color in the lines, you can paint a mural. Whether someone has just three minutes to… more
Aug 07, 2014
Before even getting to the San Diego Convention Center, it was clear that Comic-Con International 2014 was in full swing. Nearly 200,000 attendees were showing their best costumes that rival any Halloween party during the four-day event held July 24-27. And Comic-Con brought their A-game as well, with events, interactions, games, panel, and previews spread in and around the convention center.
For Dark Horse Comics Public Relations Strategist Aub Driver, the event exceeded expectations yet again.
“We have been attending for such a long time and the energy and activity here are… more
Aug 07, 2014
Newly named IBTM America, previously called AIBTM and run by Reed Travel Exhibitions, has named Jaime Rosov as event director, with Michael Lyons stepping down from his role after running the event for two years.
"We thank Mike Lyons for his significant contribution to the success of AIBTM and wish him continued success with his new endeavors,” said Sallie Coventry, IBTM Global Events Portfolio director.
She added, “Meanwhile, we are delighted that Jaime Rosov who has worked on the show for the past 2.5 years, and is a 9-year veteran of Reed Exhibitions, will now lead the team. As we roll out… more
Aug 06, 2014
Even though the Georgia World Congress Center is one of the country’s largest convention center venues with 1.3-plus million square feet of exhibit space, the building is used for much more than just hosting meetings, conventions and trade shows.
Through unique partnerships in the community, the venue not only has two education centers tucked into converted meeting room space, but also the College Football Hall of Fame will be opening in August on the venue’s campus.
For local students looking for a career in the trade show industry, the GWCC offers an invaluable opportunity… more
Aug 05, 2014
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) celebrated its 100th anniversary with record attendance of 1,400 delegates, as well as the launch of its Hall of Fame and presentation of a landmark study during its 2014 Annual Convention that took place July 21-23 at Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
“Our organization is delivering some of the most advanced research and insights shared in its 100-year history and opening new opportunities for DMOs to continue nurturing their business and their communities,” said Michael Gehrisch, president and CEO of DMAI.
Earlier this year, the… more
Aug 05, 2014
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) celebrated its 100th anniversary with record attendance of 1,400 delegates, as well as the launch of its Hall of Fame and presentation of a landmark study during its 2014 Annual Convention that took place July 21-23 at Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
“Our organization is delivering some of the most advanced research and insights shared in its 100-year history and opening new opportunities for DMOs to continue nurturing their business and their communities,” said Michael Gehrisch, president and CEO of DMAI.
Earlier this year, the… more
Aug 05, 2014
The American Bus Association (ABA) has chosen Cleveland as the will host of the ABA’s annual Marketplace, scheduled Jan. 14-17, 2017, at the Cleveland Convention Center.
The ABA’s Marketplace is the motorcoach, travel and tourism industry’s top event
"The American Bus Association is thrilled when we can bring new cities into the ABA Marketplace family,” said President and CEO Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS.
He added, “Cleveland will be a fantastic host city. We know our members will have a great time, visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the city’s many other attractions, and, of… more
Jul 31, 2014
The Global Business Travel Association Convention (GBTA) focused this year on Business In Motion. Having the show at the Los Angeles Convention Center kept in line with that theme, and nearly 7,000 attendees interacted with more than 400 exhibitors. The attendance set another record year.The show ran July 26-30 and hit the ground running with educational sessions that addressed the current industry trends. “Business isn't just moving – it's accelerating. People traverse the globe more quickly than ever before, letting new ideas and knowledge propel them past yesterday's… 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