News

Apr 23, 2016
The North American International Auto Show will be launch AutoMobili-D, a dedicated exposition focused on the rapidly evolving global automotive and mobility landscape. Spearheaded by NAIAS, AutoMobili-D will run in conjunction with the 2017 auto show this coming January in Detroit and will feature more than 100 companies, including automakers, tier one suppliers and tech startups. “AutoMobili-D will provide an international look at the ever-changing world of consumer mobility and the ecosystem of companies and innovations that are driving this exciting transformation,” said Sam Slaughter,… more
Apr 22, 2016
UBM added more than a few dozen shows to its fashion portfolio in the United States with the acquisition of Business Journals Inc. for $69 million in cash. “We are delighted to have acquired BJI. This transaction is very much in line with our ‘Events First’, strategy,” said Tim Cobbold, CEO of UBM. He added, “It adds to our presence in North America and also in the fashion sector, both of which were already strong following UBM’s acquisition of Advanstar at the end of 2014. We see excellent opportunities to deliver an improved experience for customers and to realize the operational benefits… more
Apr 18, 2016
Richmond, Va., is rich in history, but the city’s appeal is not limited to being transported through time. Quite the opposite. Richmond is a 300-year-old town with 21st Century appeal. Just a block away from the historic Jefferson Hotel, established in 1895, is the brand new Quirk Hotel. A small boutique hotel, aptly named for its amalgam of lodging, creative meeting space, fine dining, and art exhibit space. For history buffs, Quirk is built in a beautifully renovated 1916 department store, J.B. Mosby and Co, of Italian Renaissance design. It features classic architecture such as sweeping… more
Apr 18, 2016
UFI launched its Next Generation Leadership Grant (NGL Grant), which has a deadline of April 30 for applications. The program promotes next-generation leadership in the exhibition industry, rewarding professionals who show clear initiative in driving change and innovation in their area of activity. Supported by funding from Reed Exhibitions, this new grant reflects UFI’s commitment to recognizing the best talents of the exhibition industry by involving them in the planning and realization of the largest annual events for the global exhibition industry. UFI is looking for up to five… more
Apr 18, 2016
Industry Veteran Larry Luteran has been brought on my parent company Freeman to Freeman Audio Visual, as the company continues to grow its global presence. Named chief sales officer, Luteran will be responsible for the revenue performance of Freeman Audio Visual, Freeman Audio Visual Canada and Encore Event Technologies. During the past six years, Freeman has broadened its Audio Visual presence by expanding its AV technology division through organic growth and acquisitions around the world. “We’re building a strong leadership team with a focus on extending the company’s reach, with expanded… more
Apr 18, 2016
Cvent, a cloud-based enterprise event management company, entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on investments in software, data and technology-enabled businesses. Vista will acquire 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Cvent common stock for a total value of approximately $1.65 billion. “We are pleased to announce this transaction that provides a significant premium for Cvent stockholders,” said Reggie Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Cvent. He added, “This milestone is the next chapter in our 17-year… more
Apr 18, 2016
Meeting Professionals International and host city partners Meet AC and Caesars Entertainment have unveiled several unique and exciting networking opportunities at this year’s World Education Congress (WEC) in Atlantic City. MPI is offering a new registration option – the WEC Networking Package – that grants exclusive entry to all four evening events, including the MPI Foundation’s Rendezvous, which will be headlined by the Grammy® Award-winning band Train. “Year after year, attendees tell us how valuable WEC is for growing their professional networks,” said Paul Van Deventer, president and… more
Apr 17, 2016
Meetings Professional International will use the DoubleDutch platform, a provider of mobile event apps and event performance analytics, to power the mobile app for five editions of its signature conferences – World Education Congress (WEC) and European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC) – during the next three years. Through the DoubleDutch platform, the MPI global community will have access to the full suite of mobile event capabilities. “We couldn’t be more excited about our collaboration with a renowned events association such as MPI… more
Apr 17, 2016
Meetings Professional International will use the DoubleDutch platform, a provider of mobile event apps and event performance analytics, to power the mobile app for five editions of its signature conferences – World Education Congress (WEC) and European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC) – during the next three years. Through the DoubleDutch platform, the MPI global community will have access to the full suite of mobile event capabilities. “We couldn’t be more excited about our collaboration with a renowned events association such as MPI… more
Apr 16, 2016
Ray Pekowski, CEO and chairman of family-owned The Expo Group, has been in the trade show industry for 41 years and said the key to success is creating strong relationships.  Besides TEG, he also worked at Greyhound Exposition Services Co. and then United Exposition Service Co. Pekowski’s experience and unique vision of customer service led to the development of the Single Source Solution® for exhibitors and show managers. TEG, with its patented customer service model, is celebrating its 25th year in business in 2016. He is very active in the industry and community charities… 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