News
Sep 06, 2017
The Minneapolis Convention Center has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for Existing Buildings: Operation & Maintenance (EBOM).
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED rating system is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.
“Sustainability is a priority at the Minneapolis Convention Center, and we are proud to be LEED Certified,” said Jeff Johnson, MCC executive director. “It is our… more
Sep 05, 2017
Destinations International and Travel Alberta recently announced a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) program in Alberta Canada beginning in 2018.
The CDME program is offered by Destinations International and is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement.
The certification program is part of Destinations International’s educational programs that elevate destination organizations’ credibility and effectiveness. CDME has a focus on vision, leadership, productivity and the implementation of… more
Sep 05, 2017
Just more than a week after Hurricane Harvey wreaked devastation on the Texas Coast, Hurricane Irma now is hurtling toward a possible strike in Florida, prompting organizers to start postponing events or ending them earlier than scheduled.
With the state of Florida declaring a state of emergency in 67 counties, the opening of the Miami International Auto Show, originally scheduled to open Sept. 9 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, has been postponed.
“Our priorities are to provide any assistance that helps our community better prepare for this hurricane,” said Richard Baker, president… more
Aug 31, 2017
After a slow start to the year, the second quarter of 2017 in the U.S. trade show industry jumped into high gear, posting 2.9-percent overall growth, compared with the same quarter last year, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry’s latest Index Report.
Also, in the first time since the fourth quarter of 2016, the trade show industry out-performed the macroeconomy, with real GDP growing 2.2 percent year over year.
"The increase in the second quarter validates our prediction that economic fundamentals continue pointing to moderate growth for the exhibition industry," said CEIR… more
Aug 31, 2017
Technology companies with new products or services relevant to the meetings, incentive, conference and events (MICE) industry have until Sept. 8 to enter the ibtm world Tech Watch Award.
The Tech Watch Award 2017 winner will be announced at ibtm world 2017, taking place Nov. 28-30 at Fira Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain.
Designed to recognize the achievements of up and coming technologies in the meetings and events space, the highly competitive Tech Watch Award gives technology companies the opportunity to showcase their products to thousands of global buyers, influencers and media in the… more
Aug 30, 2017
Mobile app technology can be an incredible tool for show organizers, especially those platforms that help event professionals streamline their events. As a result, you don’t have to look far these days to find a slew of mobile apps specifically designed to help improve all aspects of the event planning and execution ecosystem.
Designed to simplify the attendance tracking process for educational sessions of all sizes, Expo Logic has created TrackPod, an interactive session-scanning mobile app that uses the camera on a mobile device to keep track of session attendees.
“This app is expected… more
Aug 30, 2017
After Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Texas Coast and spurred days of record rainfall resulting in deadly flooding conditions, the doors of Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center opened and currently houses more than 9,000 evacuees.
In addition, Houston’s NRG Center opened last night as a shelter, and the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas also is mobilized so it, too, will be able to take in people as needed.
Visit Houston released the following statement:
“Over these last few days, the residents of this great city have shown the true Heart of Houston, and… more
Aug 29, 2017
August was a busy month for hiring and promotions in the trade show industry, with venues, show organizers and general service contractors all adding to their ranks.
The Expo Group has brought on Toby Purdy as Chief Sales Officer.
“Growth at The Expo Group is a constant. We are accelerating at a fast pace as the market moves to overcome the status quo and understands we can solve their challenges with compelling experiences and investment in growing client revenues,” said The Expo Group President and COO Randy Pekowski.
He added, “Toby is the right leader for our growth and customer… more
Aug 29, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveiled a new direction for the association after intense board level discussions and approval of a new strategic plan through 2025.
“IAEE’s redefined direction is based on two years of strategic planning with the board of directors and a futurist asking tough questions on what the association and the industry can and should look like in the future and how to remain relevant to our stakeholders,” said IAEE president and CEO, David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA.
The strategic plan looks ahead to 2025 and focuses on three pillars:… more
Aug 29, 2017
True to its theme on “Pressures & Profits”, the program for this year’s UFI Global Congress is filled with sessions focused on overcoming obstacles and adapting to change.
The sessions will feature a number of knowledgeable industry professionals sharing case studies of successes and failures, unpacking research results and discussing the latest trends within the exhibition industry.
The UFI Global Congress, titled “Raising the Odds - Pressures and Profits in the Exhibition Industry”, will take place Nov. 1-4 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg (South Africa).
UFI’s Global… 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