News

Mar 03, 2016
When Cisco was looking to launch the VersaStack, an integrated collaboration between IBM and Cisco at VMWorld in August 2015, they wanted to make a big impact. First, they had a problem they needed to solve. They only had one full-scale demo built out to take to shows. A. J. Ramsey, Global IBM Partner Marketing Manager for Cisco, described the demo unit as a “beast of a box” that was expensive and difficult to ship around. On top of that, only larger venues and events could handle the power and size requirements to display the fully functional demo unit. Cisco partnered with Kaon… more
Mar 02, 2016
U.K.-based Tarsus Group posted overall 2015 revenues of $122 million (£86.9 million), a 15-percent overall uptick over comparable year 2013, as well as a 10-percent *like-for-like revenue increase for the year. "2015 was an important year for Tarsus,” said Douglas Emslie, Tarsus’ managing director. “We passed a significant milestone in the strategic progress of the Group with the sale of our French business. This will allow us to concentrate resources on our selected core geographies, which offer the best opportunities for growth.” The company also continued to implement “Quickening the Pace… more
Mar 02, 2016
The ISA International Sign Expo 2016 trade show floor has completely sold out, topping out more than 200,000 square feet and nearly 600 exhibitors. This comes well in advance of the show, which occurs April 20-23 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The ISA International Sign Expo 2016 will feature the latest in new technologies and products. It also will include dozens of educational opportunities free with trade show admission. “Selling out the trade show floor this far in advance of the show signals the excitement in the sign and graphics industry,” said Lori Anderson, ISA… more
Mar 01, 2016
This year’s NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift drew almost 25,000 attendees, marking a 6 percent increase when it ran Jan. 30-Feb. 3 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York. “This year’s NY NOW winter market continued its tradition of being a truly global stage for companies to share their new products with buyers and the industry,” said Randi Mohr, NY NOW co-director and vice president. He added, “In addition to the incredible products on display, attendees were presented with a number of rich New York-exclusive programs, from seminars to performances, to enhance… more
Feb 29, 2016
National Trade Productions, the San Diego Convention Center Corporation and MC2 all have named new leaders in their companies. National Trade Productions has promoted Christopher Harar to president of NTP Events. In this role, he will oversee the Events Division, including all show management, personnel and administration. Harar will provide leadership working strategically with the Event Services teams to ensure outstanding customer service through the management of NTP's Client Care Program. "Chris is an exceptional executive and his insights, ideas and leadership have been a… more
Feb 26, 2016
It’s no secret big brands are using cutting-edge digital tactics to reach consumers in new ways. But big brands don’t have monopoly on new tactics; events large and small have the opportunity to use new technology and digital tactics to expand their reach and connect with their target audiences in creative ways. Mobile advertising is one possible tactic events can add to their marketing strategies—and some already have. Many agencies and advertising companies are supporting clients in this space. Recently, TSNN spoke to James Lawson, managing partner and chief legal officer… more
Feb 26, 2016
It’s no secret big brands are using cutting-edge digital tactics to reach consumers in new ways. But big brands don’t have monopoly on new tactics; events large and small have the opportunity to use new technology and digital tactics to expand their reach and connect with their target audiences in creative ways. Mobile advertising is one possible tactic events can add to their marketing strategies—and some already have. Many agencies and advertising companies are supporting clients in this space. Recently, TSNN spoke to James Lawson, managing partner and chief legal officer… more
Feb 25, 2016
UBM announced last year its strategy was going to focus on putting ‘Events First’, and those efforts paid off, with full-year 2015 total revenues surging 30 percent to $1.3 billion (£974 million) , compared with $1 billion (£746 million) in 2014. The addition of Advanstar Communications to the company’s portfolio was a boost, with a first year return on investment of 10.3 percent. UBM also sold PR Newswire for $841 million last year, further solidifying its ‘Events First’ strategy. “UBM has taken significant steps in its transformation in 2015. We’ve integrated Advanstar, announced the… more
Feb 25, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s CEIR Total Index, which tracks the overall health of the trade show industry, ended last year with a substantial uptick in not only the fourth quarter, but also for the full year. The index posted a strong year-on-year gain of 3.7 percent in the fourth quarter. This growth is the second highest rate since the second quarter of 2012. It also marked the 22nd consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth. During the three years, 2012 through 2014, the exhibition industry growth generally lagged the pace of GDP, but the industry has now outperformed the… more
Feb 24, 2016
In just more than a month, top-level executives from trade show organizing companies worldwide will converge at the Society of Independent Show Organizer’s CEO Summit to hear about the latest trends in the market, whether it be why so many overseas companies are buying up U.S.-based shows or how every event should be considering its content marketing program. “Ranked as one of the best networking events of the year in the trade and consumer show industry, the SISO CEO Summit gathers together CEOs and executives from more than 100 small and large global show organizing companies for not only… 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