News
May 28, 2020
There is no doubt that COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the trade show industry globally, but in the past week or two, there have been several big steps forward to start meeting in person again.
Some shows, suppliers and associations have released health and safety plans on how they are going to look after attendees and exhibitors coming to their events or venues.
Properties in Las Vegas also announced plans for several hotel/casinos that will be opening initially for leisure travel beginning June 4. Everyone is crossing their fingers that all goes well and trade shows and meetings are not… more
May 28, 2020
Earlier this month, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council announced the GBAC STAR facility accreditation, which establishes protocols, procedures and systems for event facilities like convention centers to help control risk associated with infectious agents, such as COVID-19. Complementing that accreditation is a new set of guidelines from event experience company PSAV that is designed to be part of a system to help event venues adapt to the changing landscape for meetings and events.
MeetSAFE, announced earlier this month, is a set of tools focused on redesigning events to deliver on the… more
May 27, 2020
In response to the influx of physical events transitioning to virtual, AI live event chatbot creator 42Chat has launched Virtual Event Bots to help streamline the virtual attendee experience. Attendees simply type their queries into a chatbot window on the event’s registration microsite, virtual event site or both, and the virtual bot responds to their event-related questions within seconds.
Able to be deployed in less than an hour and capable of responding to questions around the clock, Virtual Event Bots serve as a low-friction customer support tool that helps free up event staff to focus… more
May 27, 2020
Clarion Events Food & Beverage Group has cancelled four of its 2020 restaurant, foodservice and specialty coffee trade shows in California, Florida and Illinois due to COVID-19 concerns and government-issued State of Emergency orders.
“We are saddened and disappointed we have to cancel our industry events; however, in light of both government direction and general public health advisories, we believe it is not possible at this time for a safe public gathering,” said Tom Loughran, vice president of the Clarion Events Food & Beverage Group, which produces 37 events across 13 trade… more
May 26, 2020
Typically, TSNN would write a straightforward news article on a long-time member of our industry’s passing - Gerald G. "Jerry" Kallman, Sr. – Jan. 10, 1931 - May 20, 2020 (age 89.)
In these times we are in, and because of the person Jerry was overall, I wanted to write something a bit more personal.
I have been incredibly lucky to have some great mentors in this industry during the years – Jerry was one of them.
Early on, he opened my eyes and taught me quite a bit about the international trade show industry. He was a trailblazer in areas all around the world for exhibitions.
Here is… more
May 26, 2020
GES Executive Vice President of Industry Development John “Jack” Patronski will retire from the Las Vegas-based global experiential marketing company, effective June 30.
During his 44-year career in the industry, Patronski has dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours working toward its continued success. He has been active in improving labor and exhibitor rights in Chicago; and served as chairman of the board for Choose Chicago from 2007-2009 and as chairman of the board for the PCMA Foundation in 2006. He also served on the boards of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and PCMA, and was a… more
May 26, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has event organizers rethinking every component of live events, including food and beverage. With convention centers such as Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta winding down makeshift hospital operations as they prepare to reopen for meetings, conventions and trade shows later this year, catering companies are being forced to address every component of how they’ll serve guests again, too. But will event F&B ever be the same? What’s on the plate may look similar, but how it’s served will be forever changed.
For starters, catering teams are going to be charged… more
May 22, 2020
So your meeting or trade show has been postponed or cancelled. You turned your misfortune into good fortune for others by donating your unused food and event supplies to local food banks and charities. You even got your team involved in the feel-good effort, which you made sure to share with your event audience via your marketing and social media channels. But as an event planner who believes in the power of corporate social responsibility to engage audiences and support those in-need in host communities, you may be asking – now what? How can you continue to support the common good with… more
May 21, 2020
Recent job reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics are dismal, yet the good news is that some companies within the events industry are still making hires and promotions. Check out the latest news from this month.
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Royce Chwin was appointed president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver on May 15, following the 117-year-old organization’s extensive global search to fill this role. He was most recently CEO of Travel Alberta, and has also held roles with Destination Canada and Starbucks
“Royce’s unique understanding of the tourism industry and proven track record of leading passionate and… more
May 20, 2020
TSNN is pleased to share some good news and unveil the 2019 TSNN Top Trade Shows list. All of the shows on the list are based in the United States and are ranked by overall net square footage.
Please CLICK HERE for the 2019 TSNN Top Trade Shows list.
The Consumer Technology Association’s 2019 CES took the top spot on the list, boasting a 2.9-plus million net square foot showfloor that drew more than 180,000 total attendees to various venues around Las Vegas.
“CES 2019 connected every major industry across the world and illustrated that every tech company is a tech company,” said Karen… 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