News

Aug 05, 2015
Townsquare Media, a diversified media, entertainment and digital marketing services company that owns and operates radio, digital and live event properties, bought the Phoenix-based Bridal Fashion Debut shows for an undisclosed sum. The shows, held each January and June, have more than 1,000 exhibit booths with 900 exhibiting companies and attract 20,000-plus attendees each year. “Will Hegarty and his team created the Bridal Fashion Debut events many years ago and built up the business into the two largest Bridal Expos in the United States,” said Nick Curci, president of Corporate… more
Aug 05, 2015
International Carwash Association (ICA) and Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) will collocate AOCA’s annual convention and trade show with The Car Wash Show, beginning next year. The Car Wash Show, the world’s largest car wash convention and trade show, attracted nearly 7,000 car wash and related business professionals this year – a 22 percent increase in attendance, compared with last year. AOCA’s iFLEX, the international fast lube exhibition, regularly attracts more than 700 attendees. “Adding the leading event in the fast lube industry to The Car Wash Show is just another example of… more
Aug 05, 2015
Naylor Association Solutions, which provides integrated communications, event management, online learning, career services, association management software (AMS) and advertising, exhibit and sponsorship sales for the North American association marketplace, has acquired Schaumberg, Ill.-based WJ Weiser and Associates, a provider of association management solutions.  WJ Weiser services include everything from full outsourced management of associations to specific services such as accounting and financial management, branch and chapter management, and information and technology services. “… more
Aug 04, 2015
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society partnered with Interbike, an annual bicycle show, to present Bike MS: Las Vegas. The fundraising cycling event will return to the Las Vegas community Sept. 19 and bring together hundreds of cyclists, volunteers, and people who want to change the course of MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. “MS has touched so many of us through friends and family, that when the MS Society approached us about supporting a ride in and around Interbike, we just knew we had to get involved,” said Pat Hus, vice president of Interbike… more
Aug 01, 2015
The second quarter of 2015 was a good one for Phoenix-based Viad, the parent company of Global Experience Specialists, with revenues surging 23.7 percent to $317 million, compared with $256.4 million during the same time period the year before. GES had a particularly strong quarter, with revenues increasing to $286.6 million, a 26.5 percent increase, compared with $226.6 million during the same time period the year before. “GES delivered much stronger results in the second quarter than we had previously expected,” said Steve Moster, president and CEO. He added, “The upside came from a number… more
Jul 29, 2015
U.K.-based Tarsus Group released its interim results for the first half of 2015 (ending June 30), and the news was positive, with revenues reaching $53 million, up from $36 million last year and $41 million in comparable year 2013 (when biennials run). Taking into account not only acquisitions, but also biennial shows, organic revenue growth rose 14 percent and visitor growth increased 9 percent. "Our record trading performance in the first half was very encouraging and we also made further strategic progress with our replications in Emerging Markets,” said Douglas Emslie, Tarsus Group… more
Jul 29, 2015
UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, has just released the 11th edition of The Trade Fair Industry in Asia. The report reveals that net space sold in Asia grew by 6.8 percet in 2014. BSG’s research shows that 18.6 million m2 of space was sold by exhibition organisers to their clients in Asia in 2014. This represents growth of total net space sold in 2014 of 6.8 percent - rising from 17,453,000 m2 in 2013 to 18,641,750 m2. The growth is similar to the 6.6 percent recorded in 2013. Of that total, more than 56 percent was sold in China and 11 percent in Japan. Among the more… more
Jul 29, 2015
U.K.-based Informa released its 2015 first-half revenue results today, and at the same time, announced Charles McCurdy would be brought on as the chief executive for the company’s Global Exhibitions division, replacing Will Morris, who is retiring at the end of the year. "I'm really excited about joining Informa's Global Exhibitions business," McCurdy said. "It has a deeply talented organization and powerful shows that are performing well. I'm looking forward to joining the team!" McCurdy most recently was CEO of George Little Management, and prior to this, he was CEO of Canon Communications… more
Jul 29, 2015
This year’s Music China, taking place Oct. 14-17 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Shanghai, will be the biggest ever with 105,000 square meters of exhibition space.   “Business is always the foremost priority for our show participants and the overwhelming response from the industry supports that Music China is a strong trade platform in Asia,” said Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager for Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd. He added, “We are projecting to have 1,800 exhibitors to showcase a wide range of musical instruments at the 2015 show and attract 73,000… more
Jul 29, 2015
International exhibition organiser, UBM plc, has detailed plans to expand its business in Shanghai in the coming years, by moving and growing existing shows, completing new acquisitions and launching shows. UBM Asia announced plans to move its annual Shanghai International Children Baby Maternity Industry Expo (CBME China) from Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) to National Exhibition & Convention Center (NECC) in Hongqiao in 2016 in order to gain access to NECC’s larger capacity. The company also moved Sign China, LED China and LED Lighting China from Guangzhou to Shanghai… 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