News
Jul 28, 2020
Instead of kicking off the new year with its usual in-person fervor, CES 2021 will be an all-digital experience connecting exhibitors, customers, thought leaders and media from around the globe in early January next year. According to the Consumer Technology Association, which owns and operates the show, CES’s new virtual format will allow participants to hear from technology innovators, see cutting-edge technologies, learn about new products, and engage with global brands and startups — all from the safety of their home or office.
The decision to shift the massive global technology trade… more
Jul 27, 2020
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the trade show industry is still conducting business deals in preparation for better times ahead. Take a look.
Centerplate
Event venue food and beverage provider Centerplate has renewed its long-term hospitality partnership with the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Md. The agreement, which extends through June 2025 and comes with an additional five-year option, precedes the venue’s 30,000-square-foot expansion project.
“While we work hard to transform the complex into a premier, next-generation meeting and entertainment destination, we are… more
Jul 24, 2020
When Jeff Fugate’s lost his decade-long position as senior vice president of sales and marketing for Experient due to the pandemic, it could have sent him into a tailspin. But instead of wallowing, Fugate used this life change to channel his passion into something he’d always wanted to do. As of July, he’s the owner of Empty Bowl Queso, a new company purveying New Mexico hatch green chile pepper cheese dip with the world (or at least, the Washington, D.C. area—for now).
He’s far from the only trade show professional launching a new business or perfecting a hobby lately. All facets of the… more
Jul 23, 2020
With concern over germs at perhaps an all-time high, event organizers must rethink areas that are traditionally high-touch at conferences and trade shows. These three companies have options to help decrease the risk of spreading the coronavirus at events.
Antimicrobial Handrails
Ad Rail USA — which is working with major events including CES, RECon, AAFP, AWS Public Summit, Microsoft Inspire, NADA, VMWorld and others — has an antimicrobial handrail media that can significantly cut down germs on escalators. The handrail graphics include a special additive in lamination that has been tested… more
Jul 22, 2020
Information and events company Questex is entering the artificial intelligence marketplace with the launch of Fierce AI Week, a new virtual event focused on how AI can be used to drive business, customer and process value for emerging and large enterprises. Set to take place Aug. 10-12, the complimentary event will feature three days of presentations and tracks focused on how AI can be leveraged in the life sciences, healthcare, electronics and telecom markets.
Designed for C-level, technology, automation, marketing and AI-specific professionals as well as investors and channel partners,… more
Jul 22, 2020
Following the success of the United Fresh 2020 LIVE! virtual trade show and conference in June, United Fresh Produce Association is transitioning its new online platform into a year-round digital marketplace for the global produce industry.
United Fresh LIVE! 365 will allow buyers to source new products and technology and access hundreds of vendors, as well as offer exhibitors year-round opportunities to highlight their companies while connecting with buyers and attendees. Association members will also have access to ongoing offerings including webinars, conference programming and… more
Jul 21, 2020
Event and tourism industry professionals aren’t about to sit out this pandemic, as evidenced by the number of meetings, webinars and conventions taking place virtually these past few months. Among these key industry events is Destinations International’s Annual Convention, which was held virtually for the first time July 14-15.
With a record attendance of 3,024 attendees from 14 countries, the global destinations industry gathering featured a packed agenda offering more than 20 educational sessions designed to inform and inspire. Keynote presentations were made by Author Mitch Albom, U.S.… more
Jul 20, 2020
Marc Lapides hopes that when in-person trade shows come back strong, he’ll be forced out of business. It’s an interesting mindset, but one that serves him well mid-pandemic in 2020: Serving a community in the way they need now, even though it may not be sustainable long-term.
That’s why the experienced trade show marketer—along with Chad Chappell, most recently a national sales director with The Expo Group, and one other industry colleague (yet to be publicly announced)—have come together to launch the American Restaurant & Food Service Virtual Expo.
Set to take place online March 21-22… more
Jul 16, 2020
Self-service event app and event data management company Attendify has launched a new offering, Attendify for Virtual Events, that aims to transform the in-person, virtual and hybrid event experience.
According to company officials, Attendify’s goal for its new platform is to help make the industry resilient. Whether it’s a future economic shock, another health crisis or a major industry strike, the event industry can’t be as susceptible to future shocks that are completely out of an organizer’s control. Through Attendify for Virtual Events, event organizers can build out a modern virtual… more
Jul 16, 2020
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released the latest edition of its Global Barometer research that took the pulse of more than 450 exhibition organizers globally.
The report highlights the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the exhibition industry worldwide.
“On the back of an exceptional year in 2019, we are now seeing an unprecedented drop in revenues around the world,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI Managing Director and CEO.
He added, “While the industry remains confident that it will bounce back, everyone is aware that this crisis will lead to major changes… 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