News
Apr 12, 2024
What’s the latest in Las Vegas? We spent a few days in Vegas in January, and here are some of the highlights about what’s new and trending for events in the ever-popular desert city.
Fountainbleau
Fontainebleau Las Vegas officially opened its doors Dec. 13, 2023. Located across the street from the West Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Fontainebleau Las Vegas features a 150,000-square-foot casino with 42-foot ceilings and 3,644 hotel rooms and suites.
Staying here: The 67-story resort features a bevy of high-end amenities, including a six-acre elevated pool deck, a 14,000 sq. ft.… more
Apr 11, 2024
Meeting and convention facilities across the country and around the globe have been inking new deals with leading hospitality and management providers, upgrading technology infrastructure and launching new premium spaces to accommodate the ever-growing demand from event organizers.
Smart City Networks Completes Network Upgrade at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
Smart City Networks, provider of utilities, technology and telecommunications services for convention centers and hospitality venues, completed an almost $1 million network upgrade for the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention… more
Apr 10, 2024
Visit Anaheim, the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Anaheim, Calif., has appointed Mike Waterman as its new president and CEO, effective April 29. A hospitality industry veteran with more than 30 years of leadership and sales experience, Waterman comes to Anaheim from Visit Orlando, where he previously served as chief sales officer.
Upon assuming the helm of Visit Anaheim, Waterman will be responsible for developing, directing and overseeing the CVB as well as leading its efforts to draw conventions and visitors to the Anaheim area to bring economic growth to the… more
Apr 10, 2024
Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies.
Thinking of a sustainability certification? Many events and venues are. Certifications legitimize your organization’s efforts, and there are many worthwhile programs to consider. One notable and popular program, the Events Industry Council's (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards assess organizations in detailed, points-based criteria and awards applicants with a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum rating for their percentage of compliance. Events, venues, general service contractors, vendors/suppliers can certify, with slightly different criteria for… more
Apr 09, 2024
Cvent CONNECT, an annual user conference that drew 10,000 meetings, events and hospitality professionals in 2023, in-person and online, unveiled its full 2024 agenda and its first keynote speaker, Blackstone Global Head of Portfolio Operations Jennifer Morgan. As the co-CEO of SAP, she is the first female to lead a company on the DAX, a stock market index consisting of the 40 major German blue-chip companies trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Previously held in Las Vegas, the 2024 edition of Cvent CONNECT is moving to San Antonio for the first time and will be held June 10-13 at the… more
Apr 08, 2024
What’s the state of the exhibition industry in the Asia-Pacific region? In a TSNN exclusive, we interviewed Mark Cochrane, regional director of Asia-Pacific for UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, to get the scoop on the annual in-person Regional Conference held March 7-8 at the Parisian Macao (pictured).
Serving in his role for nearly 14 years, Cochrane shared his insider’s view on what’s trending in the region for exhibitions. Here are excerpts from our conversation. Watch or listen to the full interview here.
Regional outlook: It’s almost universally optimistic news,… more
Apr 05, 2024
After a nearly 20-year tenure at NYC Tourism + Conventions, Fred Dixon has been appointed president and CEO of the U.S.’s official destination marketing organization, Brand USA, effective July 15. He is succeeding Christopher Thompson, who announced his retirement in July 2023 and has held the role of president and CEO since 2012.
Bringing more than 30 years of experience along with a proven track record of leadership in the travel industry to his new role, Dixon currently serves as president and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, a… more
Apr 04, 2024
Spring has sprung in the trade show and events industry, with organizations and suppliers far and wide touting staff promotions, executive team expansions and seasoned industry professionals joining their ranks. Here’s our roundup of the new hires and promotions.
Edlen
Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services announced several promotions among its executive team members.
Promoted to executive vice president, Zach Wetterling joined Edlen full-time in 2018 and has been responsible for the day-to-day operations in the company’s Mandalay Bay office in Las Vegas. He has worked with the Edlen team… more
Apr 03, 2024
For organizers who are truly serious about sustainability and lowering the environmental footprint of their trade shows, meetings and events, incorporating plant-forward menus is more than a culinary trend — it’s a strategic choice that aligns with broader societal shifts, especially among younger generations. By making this change, event organizers can not only enhance the attendee experience but also cut carbon and costs while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.
The demand for plant-based options is growing steadily, driven by a combination of health concerns,… more
Apr 02, 2024
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) recently revealed its final attendance data for CES 2024, the association’s annual tech mega-event in Las Vegas. According to an audit by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM), the trade show and conference drew 138,739 participants, including buyers, booth personnel and media, revealing a 20% increase year over year (YOY). Last year’s show attracted 117,841 total participants, according to the CES 2023 Audit by AAM.
Buyer numbers increased from last year but not at the same clip. In 2024, industry attendees representing buying organizations were verified… 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