News
Apr 15, 2016
Fifty years ago, about 2,000 attendees and 80 exhibitors gathered under the grandstands at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles for the first Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) trade show.
The exhibits that year consisted mainly of racing equipment and products that enhanced the performance and safety of high-performance competition automobiles. The show was managed by automotive publisher Petersen Publishing and a 10’x10’ exhibit space cost $200.
The next year, the show moved to the Anaheim Convention Center, before relocating to Las Vegas in 1977. Now known as the Specialty… more
Apr 15, 2016
Las Vegas top meetings and convention experts came together April 14 to celebrate the first Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) at the newly opened T-Mobile Arena.
The event marked the expansion of North American Meetings Industry Day, held earlier this year and was spearheaded by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and Convention Industry Council.
It had special significance to Las Vegas, where meetings, conventions and tradeshows bring over $9.3 billion in economic impact and support more than 66,000 jobs. It’s also home to the largest 54 tradeshows in North America, as ranked by the 2015… more
Apr 14, 2016
Hannover Fairs USA, a subsidiary of Germany-Based Deutsche Messe AG, will launch the North American Commercial Vehicle Show Sept. 25-29, 2017, in Atlanta.
The 300,000 square feet of planned exhibit space will allow suppliers, commercial vehicle OEMs and the supply chain to meet with and address the needs of the North American commercial vehicle industry audience, according to show organizers.
“The new North American Commercial Vehicle Show is a perfect fit with Deutsche Messe’s commercial vehicle events portfolio,” said HFUSA President and CEO of Larry Turner.
He added, “HFUSA and Newcom are… more
Apr 13, 2016
Two months after Marketplace Events was acquired by Sentinel Capital Partners, the show organizer scooped up Calgary Homexpo from the nonprofit CHBA-UDI Calgary Region.
The company also announced the launch of six new shows in the 2016-17 show season, including shows at the new U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., and Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn.
"It’s a very exciting time for Marketplace Events," said Tom Baugh, Marketplace Events' CEO. "We are well positioned for growth, and under Sentinel’s ownership, we are able to be more aggressive in acquiring and… more
Apr 12, 2016
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s BIO International Convention and Living in Digital Times’ Digital Health Summer Summit plan to collocate to bring together the biotech, pharma and digital health industries under one roof.
Both conferences will be held June 6-9 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
“Teaming up with BIO will give Digital Health Summer Summit attendees unprecedented access to decision-makers at biotech and pharmaceutical companies who attend the BIO International Convention,” said Jill Gilbert of Living in Digital Times, producer of the DHSS.
She added, “Our… more
Apr 12, 2016
Chicago’s newest neighborhood, McCormick Square, has been unveiled by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority.
In her remarks at a luncheon held to present the new destination, MPEA CEO Lori Healey, detailed the current developments underway at McCormick Square.
“The addition of the Event Center and the Marriott Marquis Chicago, coupled with the Hyatt Regency, McCormick Place, and the exciting tourist attractions planned nearby, McCormick Square is becoming a destination rather than just a building,” Healey said.
These enhancements continue to build upon the current offerings on campus… more
Apr 10, 2016
Successful branding differentiates a company from the competition, builds customer loyalty, and generates revenue.
Meeting and event professionals are also recognizing the importance of branding as a tool to achieve these goals.
This webinar will focus on the benefits of developing a strong event brand as well as strategies and tips on how you can re-ignite your own event’s brand for improved performance and results! Association marketing executives will present case study examples of event branding strategies.
Please join us Thursday, April 14 at 1 p.m. ET – Complimentary registration HERE.… more
Apr 10, 2016
More than 260 for-profit show organizer CEOs, trade show industry suppliers, association leaders and guests gathered for the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ CEO Summit, held April 3-5 at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, to not only take in high-level educational sessions, but also do plenty of networking.
David Audrain, who stepped into the role of SISO executive director earlier this year, said there were two main goals that the organization had for attendees coming to the event.
“Our first goal always for the SISO CEO Summit is to provide an event where the … more
Apr 10, 2016
At a recent workshop for our clients, we asked attendees what impact mobile devices have had on their exhibits sales processes.
In response, many of them mentioned how having an online contract for their events, specifically one that is responsive to multiple device platforms, has helped sales executives to process transactions anytime and anywhere.
Some show organizers have roaming teams that walk the show floor on the last day of the event, to visit exhibitors that missed their booth selection appointment. With the contract already pre-populated in the system, all that an exhibitor needs to… more
Apr 10, 2016
At a recent workshop for our clients, we asked attendees what impact mobile devices have had on their exhibits sales processes.
In response, many of them mentioned how having an online contract for their events, specifically one that is responsive to multiple device platforms, has helped sales executives to process transactions anytime and anywhere.
Some show organizers have roaming teams that walk the show floor on the last day of the event, to visit exhibitors that missed their booth selection appointment. With the contract already pre-populated in the system, all that an exhibitor needs to… 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