News
Sep 29, 2023
Simpleview, a CRM, CMS and marketing solutions company for destination marketing organizations (DMOs), has teamed up with Viator, a subsidiary of Tripadvisor, to bring an online marketplace offering more than 300,000 tours, activities and attractions to destination websites.
Event organizers will have a new tool to help attendees and exhibitors book experiences in the host city before, during or after their meetings, trade shows and conventions. By offering Viator's trusted platform, DMOs can provide visitors with a secure and reliable booking experience.
"At Simpleview, our mission is to… more
Sep 27, 2023
On Sept. 26, members of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 voted 95% in favor of authorizing a citywide strike at 22 casino resorts properties on the Las Vegas Strip, operated by the three of the largest gaming employers: MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment Corporation and Wynn and Encore Las Vegas.
The strike authorization attracted tens of thousands of hospitality workers, who packed in two sessions to cast their votes at the Thomas and Mack Center at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. According to union officials, 53,000 Las Vegas workers were eligible… more
Sep 26, 2023
IMEX America is less than one month out. Are you prepped and ready for the global gathering for the business events industry? This year’s event runs Oct. 17-19 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
TSNN has the inside scoop on what you need to know about IMEX America 2023 — whether you are a first-timer or regular attendee.
Launched in 2011 in Las Vegas, IMEX America is produced by IMEX Group, which also produces IMEX Frankfurt. Last year, IMEX America drew more than 4,000 buyers from 69 countries and more than 3,300 exhibiting companies from 180+ countries, according to an IMEX… more
Sep 25, 2023
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has appointed Cathy Breden, current IAEE executive vice president and COO, as the interim CEO for the organization, effective Oct. 1. She assumes the helm following the departure of IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, for whom the organization is currently searching for a permanent successor.
“With 28 years of service to IAEE, there was no question in the minds of the Board of Directors who the best person would be to lead the association as we continue the search for a new president and CEO,” said 2023 IAEE Chairperson Dennis… more
Sep 25, 2023
Imagine an event that serves an industry where the products are still illegal at the federal level. Now imagine that show’s attendance growing four times.
That’s exactly what happened in June when Psychedelic Science 2023 (PS23) landed in Denver at the Colorado Convention Center.
When the last Psychedelic Science conference was held in Oakland, Calif., in 2017, more than 3,000 attendees from the international scientific community came together to explore new research into the benefits and risks of MDMA, LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca, ketamine, ibogaine, medical marijuana and more.
Since… more
Sep 22, 2023
By the time she began working in the male-dominated field of technology, Daphne Hoppenot was used to being one of the few women in the room.
“Even in high school when I was studying engineering, there were two classes of 30 students where I was the only girl,” she said. “For better or worse, you get used to it when you’re in this field.”
After graduating from Princeton University with a bachelor of science in engineering, Hoppenot spent her 20s working in business and market development roles at digital AI-led experience platform company Yext, which gave her exposure to hundreds of… more
Sep 21, 2023
After serving as a cornerstone event for the natural and organic consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry for nearly four decades, Natural Products Expo East has opened its doors for the final time, with a new event preparing to take its place in 2024. Sister show Natural Products Expo West will continue to take place annually at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Currently taking place Sept. 20-23 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Natural Products Expo East has played a vital role in the natural and organic CPG sector since its establishment in 1985. The… more
Sep 21, 2023
Combining more than 75 years of trade show and conference industry experience, Wayne Crawford and Jim Forlenza have formed Cobalt Event Studios, a new company that serves not-for-profit associations, independent organizers, corporate events and exhibiting companies. The company provides strategic insight and consulting to optimize event sales, efficiencies and planning.
Crawford and Forlenza have integrated their expertise and knowledge in sales maximization, business development, strategic planning, event technology platforms, event creation, international event management, M&A and… more
Sep 19, 2023
Google has introduced sensory event kits for its own corporate events, and the company is making them available for purchase to other events through the Google Merch Shop.
“As we rolled these out internally in a series of other efforts, we wanted to make them accessible to other event professionals who want to be more inclusive for more than 20% of attendees who are neurodivergent or experience sensory sensitivities,” said Megan Henshall, global events strategic solutions lead for Google.
Henshall is the force behind Neu Project, a community that began at Google, working to inspire safe,… more
Sep 18, 2023
Choosing to eat a more plant-based diet has been one of the biggest trends among consumers in recent decades, as it’s been proven to have health benefits and be better for the planet, offsetting the carbon emissions generated by the meat and dairy industry.
As event professionals grapple with catering to the various dietary needs and restrictions of attendees, one of the best perspectives to take is a plant-forward yet balanced view that is nutritious and inclusive to all attendees while also being sustainable and leaving the planet in a healthier place, according to Tracy Stuckrath,… 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