News
Nov 20, 2017
International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) will hold its annual Expo! Expo! in San Antonio, TX November 28-30. The organization will bring in experts from both inside and outside of event industry to examine data, sales strategies, new technology and much more.
In “pit stops”, “tech huddles”, workshops and more, trade show and event organizers will have more than 50 learning opportunities during the three-day event.
“As with every year at Expo! Expo! I hope that attendees walk away with meaningful connections, ideas for the new year and actionable insights to incorporate… more
Nov 16, 2017
The 9th Annual 2018 TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence will head Aug. 10-12 to Louisville, Ky., to celebrate the top U.S. fastest-growing trade shows in net square footage and attendance just days after the massive transformation of the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville is unveiled.
The completely renovated center is just one piece of an extensive development project that includes several new hotels and renovations to existing ones, such as the Marriott Louisville Downtown, the host hotel for award attendees, as well as a bevy of new distilleries and… more
Nov 16, 2017
Event Technology collective Event Tech Tribe have unveiled the newest addition to their family of technology solutions for event planners, EventOPS, a platform that allows event organizers to plan and manage their operations and logistics from an intuitive, user-friendly dashboard, on any device.
EventOPS unveiled its partnership with the Tribe last month at IMEX America, held Oct. 10-12 in Las Vegas.
“We’re thrilled to welcome EventOPS to the Tribe,” said Event Tech Tribe COO Marie-Claire Andrews.
She continued, “They embody the best-in-craft philosophy and have a fantastic product that,… more
Nov 15, 2017
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors has approved a recommendation to retain tvsdesign/Design Las Vegas to provide design services for the Las Vegas Convention Center District Phase Two $860 million expansion project.
“The selection of tvsdesign/Design Las Vegas for the expansion project signals an exciting new era for conventions and convention business in Southern Nevada,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, LVCVA president and CEO.
He continued, “Our destination thrives on evolution and reinvention, and this design team will allow us to continue providing the world… more
Nov 15, 2017
After a relatively quiet period, the global exhibitions market has heated up in the mergers and acquisitions sector, with Hospitality Management Group, UBM and Messe Frankfurt all recently making buys.
HX: The Hotel Experience, a trade event for the hospitality industry (formerly IHMRS), announced at the opening of its 2017 show, held Nov. 12-13 in New York City, that it has transitioned to full ownership under Hospitality Management Group (HMG), a division of ST Media Group.
HX previously was co-owned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the Hotel Association of New… more
Nov 14, 2017
From building houses through Habitat for Humanity and helping homeless pets at a local animal shelter, to helping victims of natural disasters and building bikes for underprivileged children, volunteer projects are becoming increasingly popular at trade shows and conferences as companies and organizations look for ways to give back to their host communities.
“(CSR teambuilding events are) a great way for people to get to know each other on a more personal level, have a little bit of fun, learn about each other and their personalities, and in a different setting rather than in an office or… more
Nov 14, 2017
A brand experience company and an event technology service provider recently have made key acquisitions.
In an effort to enhance its interactive experience capabilities, Freeman has acquired Helios Interactive, the latest in a series of commitments Freeman has made since forming Freeman Digital Ventures, a fund set up to accelerate innovation and provide investments and partnerships supporting the increasing impact technology and digital advances are having on the brand experience category.
The acquisition of Helios will allow Freeman to improve its ability to integrate technologies… more
Nov 12, 2017
Three teams of Clark County (Nev.) student entrepreneurs earned the opportunity to pitch their business ideas at CES 2018 - owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) - Jan. 9-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The teenagers are part of the CTA Future Innovators program - established by CTA and EVERFI in 2015 - which teaches students how to apply math and creative skills to think entrepreneurially about business.
During a recent semi-final round, 17 teams of students pitched their business plans to four judges: Cindy Hoag, senior director, CTA; Helena Lagos,… more
Nov 12, 2017
The PCMA Education Foundation Leadership Committee reviewed an extraordinary group of candidates for the 2018 Board of Trustees. Following committee deliberations and approval by the current Board of Trustees, the slate was deemed elected. Officers and Trustees will immediately take office Jan. 11 following the PCMA annual meeting, Convening Leaders in Nashville, Tenn.
2017 SLATE OF TRUSTEES
Chair: David G. Peckinpaugh, CMP
President
Maritz Travel Company
Term: 2018
Chair-Elect: Carol McGury, MPS
Executive Vice President, Events and Education Services
SmithBucklin Corporation
Term:… more
Nov 12, 2017
As the total amount of exhibition space available around the world continues to grow, exhibition organizers have a more and more diverse choice of venues available in their target markets.
Data released by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, shows that the number of venues offering more than 100,000 square meters (1.1 million square feet) of gross indoor exhibition space is the fastest growing segment, while the number of venues offering at least 5,000 square meters (53,000 square feet) of gross exhibition space also continues to grow.
“We are pleased to see that in… 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