News
Oct 24, 2016
In recent years, smart technology has enabled event organizers to automate transactions, scale processes, and simplify interactions with participants.
With significant reduction in manual effort, as well as in duplication of work, they can now centralize and analyze data more efficiently.
In fact, technology has become an indispensable part of an event management team’s operations. A larger range organizations are looking to replicate the same success for their nascent events as well.
However, picking the best possible options while remaining cost effective can seem like a daunting… more
Oct 23, 2016
Karen Gebhart, vice president Business Development, Helicopter Association International, has spent more than 25 years in the trade show industry, even though, like most – it was entirely by accident. Now, she oversees HAI HELI-EXPO, the world’s largest vertical flight trade show and conference. HAI HELI-EXPO produces more than $2 billion in floor sales annually for the vertical flight industry and attracts attendees from 90-plus countries.
Under her direction, Gebhart also leads HAI’s membership, marketing, sales and business development departments. Prior to HAI, Gebhart served as executive… more
Oct 21, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released the final two reports of its series, 2016 Changing Environment of Exhibitions.
This study consists of 10 fact sheets articulating the power of exhibitions from the perspective of exhibitors, including its most recent: Use of Exhibitions and Exhibitor Sales Channel and Exhibitor Profile – Overall Compared to Power Users.
Use of Exhibitions and Exhibitor Sales Channel reflects positive linkage between sales channels and participation in business-to-business exhibitions. Exhibiting companies aiming to increase use of a… more
Oct 21, 2016
Las Vegas unveiled its trade show booth, Vegas Interactive, at IMEX America, which ran Oct. 18-20 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The trade show booth featured an interactive video wall that allows users to access detailed information about hotel, convention and event spaces through the power of touch-screen technology.
"Our new trade show booth creates a unique and memorable brand connection to Vegas," said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing, LVCVA.
She added, "The technology allows travel professionals who plan or sell leisure… more
Oct 20, 2016
Greenbuild International Expo and Conference was held Oct. 5-7 at the Los Angeles Convention Center and brought in more than 18,000 attendees and 530-plus exhibitors for its 15th year to a showfloor of approximately 139,000 square feet of exhibit space.
Both attendees and exhibitors alike were focused on all things green at the show.
“There was such a need for a show like this when it was formed, and grew in 2007 to one of the largest 200 trade shows in the US,” said Lindsay Roberts, group director at Informa Exhibitions, which runs the show. “The show appeals to a deeper cause, and to… more
Oct 18, 2016
Just one week after buying the Digital Dealer Conference & Expo, Emerald Expositions has scooped up another show - the National Pavement Expo - from AC Business Media, a business-to-business media company with a portfolio of brands in heavy construction, asphalt, concrete, paving, rental, sustainability, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain markets.
“NPE has a long and storied history in its over 30 years, and we are glad that it will be in the capable hands of one of the top trade show operators in the world, providing many benefits to our loyal attendees and exhibitors,” said Carl… more
Oct 18, 2016
Moving into the last quarter of 2016, bringing on new employees and promoting from within, especially in the executive ranks, still is occurring at a swift pace in companies from several trade show sectors.
U.K.-based Tarsus Group has appointed Mark Temple-Smith as CEO Asia. Temple-Smith has more than 20 years’ experience in the global exhibitions industry and has led and developed successful businesses in Europe, Africa and Asia.
He will be joining Tarsus from ITE Group plc, where he is regional director for Asia. During the past four and a half years, Temple-Smith has grown ITE’s… more
Oct 17, 2016
Tyson Foods and the National Association of Convenience Stores partnered to donate a truckload of protein to Atlanta Community Food Bank to help eliminate hunger in the greater Atlanta area.
“We are thankful for the generosity of Tyson Foods and the NACS for their donation of more than 33,000 pounds of food,” said Kyle Waide, CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “One in seven people in metro Atlanta and north Georgia need help putting food on the table. This partnership allows us to provide high quality protein for thousands of them.”
Atlanta Community Food Bank, which serves 29… more
Oct 16, 2016
Larry Arnaudet has spent more than 45 years in the meetings and convention industry, starting in 1970 with Manncraft Exhibitors Services in New Orleans.
When Manncraft was purchased by Greyhound Exposition Services (GES) in 1972, Arnaudet remained with the company and was promoted through a series of positions in warehouse operations, drafting and design, show site operations, sales and executive management.
In 1979, he was named regional vice president, Southwest Region of GES, based in New Orleans.
In 1981, Freeman Decorating Company purchased the eastern half of GES and… more
Oct 16, 2016
The High Point Market Authority (HPMA) has made several enhancements and updates to the MyMarket app for Fall Market, on tap Oct. 22-26 in High Point, N.C.
Originally released in April 2016 in advance of Spring Market, the app features innovative indoor and outdoor mapping technology.
Utilizing GPS technology, the app offers building to building blue dot navigation, allowing users to easily select an exhibitor and quickly map a route from their current location to the showroom’s address.
Additionally, the app features indoor mapping technology within specific buildings, allowing… 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