News
Jun 12, 2016
Freeman President and COO Bob Priest-Heck was in the right place during the right time to ride the new wave in the digital technology community in publishing when he joined the Seybold Seminars organization early on in his career.
Prior to his current role at Freeman, he also served as executive vice president and chief sales officer. Before joining Freeman, he was president and CEO of Wheelhouse Solutions, the parent organization to Champion Exposition Services, George Fern Company and Immersa Marketing, which were acquired by Freeman in June 2011 (Fern was only briefly part of Freeman… more
Jun 12, 2016
There is a lot of technology in the trade show industry today and more on the way. While technology creates opportunities, it also poses challenges. One challenge is how to transform and integrate data from multiple technologies.
Another is the complexity of managing numerous apps and platforms (vs. a single system that does it all), an obstacle that prevents many event organizers from employing new technology.
There are ways to pull it all together and it’s not as difficult as you think.
Avoid Single-Platform Thinking
Today, there is no single, universal software that does everything.… more
Jun 12, 2016
There is a lot of technology in the trade show industry today and more on the way. While technology creates opportunities, it also poses challenges. One challenge is how to transform and integrate data from multiple technologies.
Another is the complexity of managing numerous apps and platforms (vs. a single system that does it all), an obstacle that prevents many event organizers from employing new technology.
There are ways to pull it all together and it’s not as difficult as you think.
Avoid Single-Platform Thinking
Today, there is no single, universal software that does everything.… more
Jun 11, 2016
The world of broadcasting has changed dramatically since the first National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Convention at New York’s Commodore Hotel in October of 1923. Back then, “broadcasting” meant merely a limited number of AM radio stations and neither the NBC or CBS radio networks even existed yet.
Only 23 members attended that first meeting, where session topics included government regulation and “The Future of Broadcasting.”
NAB continued to hold a convention each year, although those during World War II were limited in size and scope. The only time it was canceled was in… more
Jun 10, 2016
The first-ever Global Exhibitions Day, which included the third annual U.S.-based Exhibitions Day, was a smashing success and not only included more than 60 countries taking part worldwide, but also 100-plus event professionals, who took meetings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to discuss the value of exhibitions.
“For a long time, many people in the exhibitions industry felt that it would be great to have a day where the exhibition industry celebrates itself and sends a joint message about the importance and the strength of the industry not just in one country but worldwide,” said UFI… more
Jun 10, 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.
UFI’s international panel of exhibition professionals selected Feathr for its innovative Event Marketing Cloud, a suite of tools designed to help event organizers “know, grow, engage and monetize their digital audiences”.
“At UFI’s ICT Committee we… more
Jun 10, 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.
UFI’s international panel of exhibition professionals selected Feathr for its innovative Event Marketing Cloud, a suite of tools designed to help event organizers “know, grow, engage and monetize their digital audiences”.
“At UFI’s ICT Committee we… more
Jun 09, 2016
JCK Las Vegas, the flagship show of Jewelry Market Week, began its 2016 show June 3 with a revamped shopping experience utilizing the new expansion of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. From the new entrance straight from the parking lot to a redesigned floorplan, it sparkled with jewels and inspiration.
“We had to move 2,000 companies this year because of the upgrades to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center,” said Katie Dominesey, industry Vice president for JCK Las Vegas and JCK Tucson.
She added, “However, we were methodical in placing each product neighborhood and which companies… more
Jun 07, 2016
SIGNCHINA 2016 and LED CHINA 2016 recently joined forces with Digital Signage 2016 Exhibition.
Trade professionals are able to get access to three events with only one badge by registering online before Sept. 10.
Organized by UBM Trust, a joint venture with UBM Asia Ltd, the concurrent exhibitions will take place on September 19-22, 2016 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), Shanghai, China.
From now until Sept.10, visitors can experience a whole new interface with our event website and registration system -- with comprehensive personal… more
Jun 07, 2016
Convention and visitors bureau veteran David Whitaker was named by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Choose Chicago Board Chair Desiree Rogers as the new president and CEO of the Windy City’s bureau.
"David Whitaker is a tourism champion with the vision and leadership required to steer Chicago's visitor industry to new heights," Mayor Emanuel said.
He added, "Over the past five years, Chicago's tourism industry has strengthened our city's economy and provided more than 15,000 jobs. With more than 25 years in the industry, David Whitaker has the experience and expertise to build on this… 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