News

Nov 26, 2016
As part of TSNN’s 20th anniversary celebration, Douglas Emslie, managing director of U.K.-based Tarsus Group - one of the largest trade show companies in the world with over 110 events – was interviewed recently about how Tarsus first came to buy TSNN, not only once, but two times. He also discussed what role he sees TSNN playing now in the overall trade show industry and in the future. TSNN: How did you first hear about TSNN?  Douglas Emslie: In 1999, Tarsus purchased the Exhibition Bulletin magazine in the U.K., which is considered the bible of the exhibition industry - listing all… more
Nov 26, 2016
For the past year, TSNN has celebrated its 20th anniversary with a series of articles profiling leaders in the trade show industry, as well as writing about shows and companies that are a part of the overall rich #tradeshowhistory. All of this celebrating will culminate Dec. 6-8 at the International Association of Exhibitions and Events Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting and Exhibition in TSNN’s booth (#948) on the showfloor. Besides a timeline designed by The Expo Group highlighting some of the trade show leaders, trade show history and TSNN’s own 20 years of history, there also will be a trivia… more
Nov 26, 2016
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has named the event marketing software company Feathr as winner of its prestigious UFI Technology Award. With a focus on “Digital innovation”, this year’s competition set out to find the best new technologies that support the exhibition industry. international panel of exhibition professionals selected Feathr for its innovative Event Marketing Cloud, a suite of tools designed to help event organisers “know, grow, engage and monetise their digital audiences”. “At UFI’s ICT Committee we strive for… more
Nov 26, 2016
Smart City Networks, an event telecommunications, and technology services provider for the convention industry, completed a complete overhaul of the Hawai’i Convention Center’s data and wireless capabilities in 27 days, an industry record. “This project under normal circumstances would have required three to four months to plan, purchase and receive components, contract construction, install equipment, configure, test, and deploy,” said Smart City Networks President Mark Haley. “Our team worked tirelessly to meet this record deadline and this serves as an… more
Nov 25, 2016
In 1986, Madonna broke through the male-dominated music scene, Oprah Winfrey debuted her TV show, and Nancy Hallberg and Kris Sieradski launched Connections Housing in Atlanta. The two women met after both moved to Atlanta to work in hotel sales (Hallberg from Kansas, Sieradski from Michigan). Hallberg likes to say that “Connections was born in a closet.” In reality, they rented a small space near the Margaret Mitchell House in Midtown Atlanta. It was just the two of them working in the business, other than Hallberg’s father who came in to answer the phone. Back in those days, hotels… more
Nov 25, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) will hold its annual Expo! Expo! Dec. 6-8 in Anaheim. IAEE has slated a full program of 70 sessions “all about Action”. Sessions will include major topics such as safety and security, sales and sponsorship, show design and strategy, career advancement and tech trends and foresight. “This year we are adding additional flairs to the education at Expo! Expo!” said Brooke Pierson, education manager at IAEE. She added, “Our goal is to fully engage all attendees by creating casual and comfortable learning… more
Nov 22, 2016
In its latest trading update, U.K.-based Tarsus Group not only said its remaining events for the year are in line with its expectations and forward bookings for 2017 are strong, but also the company bought PNO Exhibition Investment (Dubai) Ltd. Company officials added that if exchange rates remain at current levels, particularly the weakness of the pound against the dollar, this will benefit its 2017 results. Because of foreign exchange hedges taken out earlier in the year, the financial results for 2016 are not materially impacted by changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rate.  Excluding… more
Nov 21, 2016
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) held the inaugural Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo Oct. 26-29 at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). The event featured about 380 exhibitors from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Malaysia, Korea and Taiwan. The Outdoor and Tech Light Expo showcased four major themes: outdoor lighting; lighting accessories, parts & components; professional & industrial lighting; and advertising lighting. During the same period, the HKTDC also held three other shows, Eco Expo Asia, and Hong Kong International Building and Hardware Fair ran… more
Nov 21, 2016
The 4th edition of ProWine China, International Trade Fair for Wines and Spirits, recently concluded successfully in Shanghai: 12,431 trade visitors - an increase of 20 percent compared to the last staging - took part, with 36 percent of the trade visitors coming from outside of Shanghai. At this year’s ProWine China, some 650 wines and spirits manufacturers, importers and distributors from 37 countries showcased their newest products in the 13 country group exhibits and 5 regional pavilions. As a regional event of the Messe Düsseldorf worldwide wine trade fair portfolio, ProWine China… more
Nov 21, 2016
UBM Asia, a UBM plc company, recently concluded its 4th edition of Taiwan Jewellery & Gem Fair, attracted a total of 6,963 trade visitors to the four-day event from 21st to 24th October 2016. Held at Taipei World Trade Center, Hall 1, the event featured 183 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, occupying 303 booths. Of the 6,963 visitors, 836 visitors, or 12% were from outside Taiwan. The top three visiting countries were Mainland China, India and Japan. Sabine Liu, General Manager of UBM Asia Ltd., Taiwan Branch, commented, “With the B-to-B trade platform provided by UBM, the world… 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