News
Nov 22, 2015
A call for proposals - an announcement inviting members of a community to submit written descriptions of proposed topics and presenters - is a common practice in the conference industry. The call details (among other things) criteria for acceptance, deadlines for submission and notification, conference themes and what will be required of presenters who are selected. Smart digital tools can significantly streamline the Call for Proposals process and lead to higher quality presentations.
An online portal makes it easier for more people to submit more presentation ideas. With more proposals in… more
Nov 21, 2015
You may not have heard of Branson, Mo., but it’s a unique place to plan your next meeting or event. Located about an hour south of Springfield, Mo., Branson provides some fantastic options for meeting spaces and entertainment options, all with the backdrop of the Ozarks.
The Branson Convention Center is located next to Branson Landing and is connected to the Hilton Branson. The 220,000 square foot meeting space in the convention center has been designed to mimic the vast waterways in the area, in terms of materials, shaping of accents and hallways and large windows that overlook… more
Nov 19, 2015
LRP Conferences, LLC and Human Resource Executive Magazine, affiliates of LRP Publications, has acquired the Recruiting Trends Conference.
A business unit of Diversified Communications, Recruiting Trends provides recruiters, sourcers, talent acquisition managers, and other HR and recruiting professionals the opportunity to expand their knowledge, discover solutions and learn cutting-edge best practices, as well as gain tactical recruiting tips.
"Attracting and retaining key talent has remained at the top of the 'what keeps our readers up at night' list for many years," said Rebecca McKenna,… more
Nov 19, 2015
Denver voters overwhelmingly approved an expansion of the Colorado Convention Center by passing a special initiative Nov. 3. The project will be paid for by funding that will come by extending current taxes that are set to expire in 2023.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of the people of Denver behind our city’s convention and tourism industry,” said Richard Scharf, president & CEO of VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau. This is the third time in recent years that Denver voters have strongly supported the travel industry, having previously… more
Nov 18, 2015
Johnnie C. White Jr., CMP, MBA, Janet L. Jakobsen, CMP, MBA, and James E. Rooney, will be honored at the 2016 Visionary Awards, April 27 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington D.C.
More than1,000 industry professionals will gather this spring at the re-designed Foundation awards event, the 2016 Visionary Awards, to celebrate the honorees.
Attendees will experience an Oscars-like evening with red carpet arrival, awards show and after party, hosted by the PCMA Education Foundation and presented in partnership with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and Austin Convention Center.
“The… more
Nov 15, 2015
In an effort to ensure those working on the ‘front lines’ of the trade show industry offer the best customer service possible, the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) and the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (SLCVC) have teamed up to hold the first-ever ‘Labor Day’ Nov. 19 at America’s Center.
All the unions that work on the tradeshow floor are invited to participate in this day of complimentary training and enhancement.
“The goal of ‘Labor Day’ is to help build on the skills of the already talented labor force in St. Louis and give a few new tools for… more
Nov 12, 2015
Emerald Expositions acquired the National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo (“Fastener Expo”) from Jim Bannister and Mike McGuire, the show’s co-owners.
Fastener Expo started 35 years ago and brings together manufacturers and distributors of industrial fasteners, precision formed parts, fastener machinery & tooling and other related products and services with distributors and sales agents in the distribution chain.
The 2015 event took place recently at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas and featured an all-day conference program presented by endorsing fastener… more
Nov 12, 2015
By Elizabeth Johnson
Two of the most common sponsorships sold by trade show planners get a thumbs down from exhibitors - logos on signage and attendee materials such as bags and lanyards no longer make the grade.
A Global Experience Specialist’s survey released earlier this year revealed that 29 percent of exhibitors want more unique opportunities for attendees. Many trade show planners are working to raise the bar, offering new and creative ways to increase their sponsors’ ROI. Here are four ideas sponsors say work:
1. Showcase a Company’s Product… more
Nov 11, 2015
The 11th MEDTEC China (Medical Device Design & Manufacturing Exhibition), an annual industrial event focusing on medical-grade raw materials, parts and processing technology, successfully was held in Shanghai recently.
MEDTEC China 2015’s attendance has reached 11,610. More than 70 medical device manufacturers organized delegations to visit the exhibition, including TUOREN Group, Covidien, Stryker, Shangdong Weihaiweixin, Shanghai Endo View, Hangzhou BrosMed, Shanghai Kangge, MicroPort, Suzhou andtosi, and Shenzhen salubris, etc., which showed the professional visitor'… more
Nov 11, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions & Events has named Los Angeles Abilities Expo 2015 the Top Public Event this year, an award that will be celebrated at the organization’s Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition Dec. 1-3 in Baltimore, Md.
The IAEE Top Public Events program was established in 2011 to honor the best consumer shows in the nation. Events that submitted applications were measured on broad criteria to include sound business practices, stability, exceptional customer service, and how the event serves the community and overall industry.
The Los… 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