News
Dec 09, 2016
During its annual meeting and exhibitions, Expo! Expo!, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveiled launch of its newest initiative, the IAEE Certified Exhibition Program, a certified exhibition designation that they say will set the “Gold Standard” for exhibitions and events, as well as establish a broad set of best practices that all events with exhibitions should adhere to.
“IAEE members who earn and display the Certified Exhibition symbol are telling their customers, exhibitors, members and the general public that they produce a quality exhibition that meets IAEE… more
Dec 09, 2016
Gen Con, North America’s largest and longest-running consumer hobby, fantasy, science fiction and adventure gaming convention, has announced it will continue to call Indianapolis home through 2021.
The one-year extension agreement also allows the show to renew its contract on an annual basis, according to city officials.
“Indianapolis has warmly welcomed Gen Con with its Hoosier hospitality for more than a decade, and we appreciate the city’s commitment to making all of our guests feel at home,” said Adrian Swartout, Gen Con CEO and owner of the show. “With Gen Con approaching its 50th… more
Dec 09, 2016
Reed Exhibitions has acquired Imbibe Media Limited, the organisation behind Imbibe Live, the Imbibe media platforms and the annual Sommelier Wine Awards.
“Imbibe Live, together with its media platforms, has established itself as the UK’s leading event and voice for the on-trade with an unparalleled reputation for delivering quality and innovation to the £10.6 billion on-trade industry,” Richard Mortimore, CEO, Reed Exhibitions U.K., said
He added, “We are delighted to be welcoming the Imbibe team to Reed Exhibitions and looking forward to taking its events and media to even greater heights.”… more
Dec 09, 2016
Today, 2016 IAEE Chairperson Julie Smith, CEM, CTA passed the baton to 2017 IAEE Chairperson Ryan Strowger, CEM at the Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Presentation, held during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Anaheim.
“I am honored to serve as the 2017 Chairperson and continue the incredible work of my fellow IAEE members,” Strowger said.
He added, “I plan to focus on IAEE chapter involvement, as I see local involvement as the foundation upon which many great associations successfully build. And, of course, continue the great strides IAEE has made in industry… more
Dec 06, 2016
After a series of strategic planning meetings over a two-year period, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research Board of Directors is realigning its resources to focus more clearly on the mission of the organization: producing industry-leading research on the exhibitions and events industry.
As a result, CEIR will not only work more closely with International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ to produce forward-looking research in collaboration with the CEIR Research Committee, but also CEIR President Brian Casey will be stepping down in January.
“I am honored to have led CEIR for… more
Dec 06, 2016
By Kai Hattendorf, UFI managing director/CEO
Predicting the future is basically impossible. But estimated guesses are possible, even in times as these. So, as in previous years, we have held many conversations on showfloors, at conferences, and at numerous events all around the world to identify the core themes that the UFI team feels will impact the global exhibition industry in 2017. So today, let me share with you “UFI’s 5 trends to watch in 2017”:
1. Growing uncertainties
In recent months, we have seen a U.K. vote on Brexit, a failed coup in Turkey, growing tensions between Russia and the… more
Dec 05, 2016
U.K.-based Tarsus Group made its second recent major acquisition by scooping up 80 percent of the issued share capital of Connect Meetings, a market-leading U.S. business travel and meetings event organizer headquartered in Atlanta.
Connect Meetings is a provider of trade shows that serve the business travel and meetings sector through a combination of national, regional and vertically focused events that are supplemented by an integrated media offering and additional marketing solutions.
“Connect Meetings is a strong brand, led by an entrepreneurial team with a track record of delivering… more
Dec 05, 2016
a2z, Inc., a provider of award-winning web and mobile solutions for event organizers and participants, will launch ChirpE Meet at Expo! Expo! 2016 in Anaheim, on tap Dec. 6-8.
A fully functional, native app that's available completely free of cost to a2z's clients, ChirpE Meet will significantly simplify the search and planning experience for attendee,s as well as extend exhibitors' visibility to their target audience.
Available for download on Apple iTunes and Google Play, ChirpE Meet includes the following eventspecific features: · Interactive Event Map · Exhibitor… more
Dec 03, 2016
=Sean Guerre is a media entrepreneur and currently is the co-founder of Stone Fort Group- a Live Event & Digital Media startup serving b2b communities in the Energy, Transportation and Workforce/HR markets.
His claim to fame is serving as a former chairman of the Society of Independent Show Organizers, and he has been a keynote presenter and speaker at SISO, IAEE, Folio, Niche EventFest and CEIR Predict.
Prior to founding Stone Fort Group, he co-founded TradeFair Group (energy media), which was sold in 2012 to private equity firm Veronis, Suhler & Stevenson.
Guerre graduated from… more
Dec 03, 2016
The original inspiration behind EXPOCAD® was to help engineers with computer-aided design (CAD) software. Paul Ososky, a plastics engineer, his brother Mike, a process engineer (now President and CTO), and Rich Stone, a synthetic fuels researcher (now CEO), started EXPOCAD’s parent company A.C.T., Inc. in 1986.
“Like any startup, life was not easy,” said Stone. “Frugal was an understatement. We started in a closet … it was only big enough for two people. If one had to leave the office, the other had to walk out into the
hall to let them out.”
A third Ososky brother, Peter, joined as a… 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