News

May 07, 2016
Convention Data Services added a Lead Retrieval Dashboard to the CDS X·Press Reports event management tool. The new dashboard provides show management with a deeper understanding of exhibit hall activity and charts important data on exhibitor and attendee behavior.  The product, which analyzes data collected from scans on all CDS lead retrieval devices, provides a unique display of the aggregated data. This data can be accessed during the show or post-show by all onsite and remotely located show management staff to monitor the activity and progress of the event. The dashboard… more
May 07, 2016
Convention Data Services added a Lead Retrieval Dashboard to the CDS X·Press Reports event management tool. The new dashboard provides show management with a deeper understanding of exhibit hall activity and charts important data on exhibitor and attendee behavior.  The product, which analyzes data collected from scans on all CDS lead retrieval devices, provides a unique display of the aggregated data. This data can be accessed during the show or post-show by all onsite and remotely located show management staff to monitor the activity and progress of the event. The dashboard… more
May 06, 2016
With a couple of decades in the trade show industry, Philip McKay definitely has learned a lot of things along the way. McKay currently is the founder and CEO of nGage Events, which owns or partners with the industry’s leading publications in 10 annual hosted buyer events in cutting-edge markets such as; Enterprise Mobility, IoT, Enterprise HPC, Big Data, InkJet Printing, Digital Packaging, Design in Healthcare and Education. These invitation-only events host the true decision-makers in each market, where the content is provided by the leading analysts in the globe.   Before founding… more
May 06, 2016
Revenues for the Marketing & Events Division of Viad, which is Global Experience Specialists, dipped 8.1 percent in the first quarter of 2016 to $236.1 million, compared with $256.9 million during the same period in 2015. “We saw lower year-over-year revenues during Q1 from corporate clients and short-term event bookings,” said Steve Moster, Viad’s president and CEO. “This was really due to a shift in timing, as we’re seeing stronger activity in the back half of 2016. “ Some of the decrease in revenues was a result of a few large shows that were in an off year, such as Promat in the… more
May 05, 2016
In a move to expand its reach even more, Dallas-based Freeman has acquired Red Bank, N.J.-based events industry research firm Exhibit Surveys. The acquisition supports Freeman’s goal to continue to grow its resources to support strategy, design and digital by adding an experienced group of researchers with a deep understanding of data and measurement, according to Freeman officials.  “By expanding our research, data and analytics expertise, we will continue to support our clients as they optimize their event investments and prove out the immense value that brand experiences deliver in… more
May 04, 2016
Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) and Progressive Business Media (PBM) have teamed up for the launch of the Home Furnishings Manufacturing Solutions Expo (HFMSE), a trade show showcasing solutions for home furnishings manufacturers. HFMSE, on tap June 7-8, 2017, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, will be the only trade show of its kind in the U.S. serving the $150 billion home furnishings industry, according to show organizers. The Expo will provide attendees with innovative and timely solutions for their home furnishings business including manufacturing equipment and… more
May 03, 2016
For the first time in the event’s history, the Exhibition & Convention Executives Forum has sold out several weeks before it is set to run June 1 in Washington, D.C. “ECEF has a waiting list for the first time in 15 years,” said Sam Lippman, president of Lippman Connects, producer of ECEF. “In recent years, ECEF has consistently sold out, but not anywhere as early as this year,” he added. “I talk to industry executives every day, and my impression is they are more aggressively reaching out for new business opportunities. And that includes attending ECEF for presentations by the… more
May 03, 2016
This year, in the sunny city of Orlando, E2MA’s annual meeting, the Red Diamond Congress, came together with several other conferences (Engagement University, the Loyalty Academy and Rewards & Recognition Expo) under the umbrella of Engagement World. The conference took place April 25-28, 2016, with over 350 attendees gathered under this new platform. “ We wanted to bring together areas that affect enterprise-wide engagement, and see how we can share education and networking,” said Jim Wurm, executive director, Exhibit and Event Marketers Association.  “This was our inaugural… more
May 03, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson After several years working with other host cities, TRANSACT, powered by the Electronic Transaction Association (ETA), returned to Las Vegas for the first of four annual events. TRANSACT 16 drew the highest number of participants for the show in Las Vegas to date. The show, held April 19-21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, had 65 new exhibitors on the floor and more than 700 first-time attendees. It also had a record number of countries represented at the show. TRANSACT 16 represents the world of payments technology; an industry that is growing and evolving on a… more
May 01, 2016
What if you had a tool that helped attendees navigate the show floor so they can find exhibitors more easily; one that helped attendees connect with each other in more meaningful ways; and one that improves feedback on things such as session surveys? Sound good? Using technology, it doesn’t have to be a ‘what-if’. Beacons - pieces of hardware that use battery-friendly, low-energy Bluetooth signals to transmit messages to a smartphone or tablet - are revolutionizing attendee experiences. Several show organizers have deployed beacons at their events and are measuring the… 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