News

Feb 21, 2018
In the past few years, MAGIC, the biannual series of shows serving the fashion retail industry, has undergone one major change of ownership and is on the cusp of a possible other, as well as bought even more shows so that now there are a dozen running at the same time in Las Vegas. The most recent MAGIC, held Feb. 12-14 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Convention Center, marked a further evolution in the fast-growing series of shows. In 2016, MAGIC’s parent company, UBM, bought Business Journals Inc. and took several of BJI’s shows, including STITCH, MRket and… more
Feb 21, 2018
Trade show organizers and meeting planners strive to create experiences for both attendees and exhibitors that will provide value and be memorable. Historically, events have been designed based on what organizers felt attendees needed but in recent years, some organizers have flipped that notion on its head. Greg Bogue, chief experience architect at Maritz Global Events, believes it’s important to think about events differently and approach planning from the attendees’ perspective. “Walk in the shoes of your guests,” Bogue said. “Seriously consider going through the process of exactly what… more
Feb 20, 2018
In an effort to help customers transform their businesses by going fully digital, Ungerboeck has integrated DocuSign with its event and venue management platform. Known as the global standard for Digital Transaction Management (DTM) and eSignature, DocuSign empowers anyone to transact safely and securely anytime, anywhere, on any device and 100 percent digitally. The integration with DocuSign will enable more global events organizations to close business faster when using the cloud-based Ungerboeck platform, according to Manish Chandak, Ungerboeck president and CEO. “As we transform the… more
Feb 20, 2018
In an effort to enhance international business relationships, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), owner and producer of the annual Consumer Electronics Show, closed out last month’s CES with an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the World Trade Center Las Vegas and the World Trade Center Trieste in Trieste, Italy. Through the agreement, Las Vegas and Trieste will co-market under the World Trade Center brand, creating access to key trade information, market research and facilitate business trade opportunities… more
Feb 20, 2018
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has named Nick Savage as the association’s new regional manager for the Middle East-Africa region. With his appointment, the regional UFI office will relocate to Dubai, and will be hosted by the Info Salons Group. Savage follows on the work initiated by Ibrahim Al-Khaldi, who is handing over the baton for personal reasons. Al-Khaldi will work jointly with Savage over the next few months to facilitate the handover. "With Nick, we have found a senior industry professional who will work as part of the global UFI team, raising the… more
Feb 20, 2018
ASAE launches the call for association professionals and industry partners to apply for open positions on the ASAE and the ASAE Foundation Board of Directors to help lead the association dedicated to furthering the profession of association management. There are six open positions: Secretary-Treasurer and five At Large Directors (four At Large and one Industry Partner). All directors selected will serve on the ASAE Board, and two of the four selected will also serve on the ASAE Foundation Board. “Being part of the ASAE Board is a great honor and gives you the opportunity to give back to… more
Feb 19, 2018
Global business-to-business events organizer, UBM, and its UBM Fashion Group division, recently partnered with Mandalay Bay Convention Center to collaborate in the development of a more energy efficient and sustainable lighting system within its exhibit halls. The new LED system debuted during MAGIC Marketplace, held Feb. 12-14 at the MBCC and the Las Vegas Convention Center. In a demonstration of MBCC and UBM’s commitment to progressive leadership in sustainable, environmental and socially responsible business practices, the multi-million-dollar investment is expected to provide… more
Feb 16, 2018
Naylor Association Solutions has partnered with Credly to deliver an end-to-end solution for issuing, managing and tracking digital credentials in Naylor’s Career Center solution. A digital credential service provider, Credly helps organizations officially verify their members’ skills and competencies, distribute portable and secure digital credentials and open badges, as well as gain actionable data and insights. The company’s solution offers power and scalability to global organizations, innovative education and training providers, as well as assessment publishers and professional… more
Feb 15, 2018
Two leading event industry associations recently have released important research reports this month. The International Association of Exhibitions and Events released Personally Identifiable Information – Data Security, a 17-page report that provides a thorough overview of various aspects and considerations regarding personally identifiable information (PII) for the non-technical reader. “How data is handled should be a high-level priority for all exhibition industry organizations,” said David DuBois, IAEE president and CEO. “Understanding the importance of PII and the many considerations… more
Feb 15, 2018
With better than expected results, GES closed out not only the fourth quarter of 2017 with a revenue jump of 6.8 percent, but also an increase of its full-year results, with top line growth up 7.4 percent. “GES finished 2017 with stronger than expected fourth quarter revenue growth of 6.8 percent, while operating income was near the bottom end of our prior guidance range due largely to higher costs in our ON Services audio-visual business,” said Steve Moster, president and CEO of Viad, GES’ parent company. He added, “For the full year, GES delivered top line growth of 7.4 percent.  We… 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