News

Jul 18, 2015
Event technology companies will once again vie for the top spot at this year’s Society of Independent Show Organizer’s Event Innovation Battlefield. The nominating committee chose four finalists from more than 50 organizations that applied, and the battlefield will feature four event technology companies. “Each year SISO is looking for breakthrough event technology or amazing new business models just before they are released publicly so that we may keep one step ahead in our ever changing industry,” said David Adler, one of the principal SISO members that developed the… more
Jul 18, 2015
Event technology companies will once again vie for the top spot at this year’s Society of Independent Show Organizer’s Event Innovation Battlefield. The nominating committee chose four finalists from more than 50 organizations that applied, and the battlefield will feature four event technology companies. “Each year SISO is looking for breakthrough event technology or amazing new business models just before they are released publicly so that we may keep one step ahead in our ever changing industry,” said David Adler, one of the principal SISO members that developed the… more
Jul 16, 2015
The Oregon Convention Center plant to install what is anticipated to be the largest solar array on a convention center in the U.S. More than 6,500 rooftop solar panels are expected to produce 25 percent of the facility’s electricity. Construction of the two megawatt project is scheduled to begin in August and the system is estimated to be in service this fall. “One of our core values is sustainability,” said Convention Center Executive Director Scott Cruickshank. “The rooftop solar installation will help us meet our carbon emission reduction goals, offset utility costs and provide an… more
Jul 16, 2015
This year’s Summer NAMM show drew 13,936 attendees July 9-11 in Nashville, which was a 13-percent increase, compared with 2014. The National Association of Music Merchants show saw another increase in exhibiting companies, making it the largest mid-year event since 2006, with 494 exhibiting companies representing more than 1,600 brands. “With a tremendous respect for our industry's hand-crafted traditions combined with an exciting look to the future of music and audio, this Summer NAMM was perhaps the most important (and the most fun!) in recent memory,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of… more
Jul 14, 2015
Filling the gap after Total Pet Expo closed its doors in Chicago, Urban Expositions will launch a new pet industry show - P3 | Progressive Pet Products. The show will be held Aug. 24-26, 2016, at Chicago’s Navy Pier. "We have a long history in the B2B space and plan to create a whole new trade show experience for Midwest pet industry professionals," said Courtney Muller, executive vice president, Urban Expositions. She added, "By curating a product selection defined by new, emerging companies, showcasing it in Chicago's premier lakefront Navy Pier setting, and backing it with a festive, idea-… more
Jul 13, 2015
Running traditionally in later January, Emerald Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer will move to Jan. 7-10 show dates for next year in response to not only attendee and exhibitor feedback, but also to shift the event away from the nearby Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. The 2016 show originally was scheduled Jan. 20-23. Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, which is held in the Salt Palace Convention Center and fills the venue and surrounding hotels, will remain in the earlier timeframe for future Winter market dates as well, with the 2017 show slated for Jan. 7-10 and the 2018 show scheduled… more
Jul 13, 2015
It may be summertime, but business still is happening with several companies signing, or adding onto, contracts with trade shows.   The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) has just signed a three-year contract with Convention Data Services (CDS) to provide full registration services, a customer service contact center, exhibitor services and onsite support for the CHA MEGA Show. Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the CHA MEGA Show, Jan. 7-12 in Anaheim, which is the largest global event for the craft and hobby industry. Thousands of buyers from more than 56 countries attend the MEGA… more
Jul 10, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events Public Events Council will be accepting applications until Sept. 30 for its Top Public Events Recognition Program, which recognizes best practices in the business-to-consumers segment of the exhibitions and events industry. Events will be judged by an impartial panel of consumer event experts on specific event criteria and general areas such as demonstrated sound business practices, stability and exceptional customer service. The Top Public Events program criteria will remain the same as year's past, but the submission process… more
Jul 09, 2015
UBM Canon, which produces a series of medical design and manufacturing events, joins with UBM Mexico to announce the launch of a new trade show in Mexico. The first Advanced Manufacturing Expo Mexico will take place Nov. 15-17, 2016, at the Centro Banamex in Mexico City. UBM Canon will leverage its history of producing advanced manufacturing events, with collocated expos for powder and bulk solids, plastics, packaging, automation, design and manufacturing, and quality, in various venues across the United States and Canada. UBM Mexico will bring its experience in the… more
Jul 08, 2015
Due to increased exhibit space demand, ProWine China 2015 will occupy 2 exhibition halls, increasing the exhibition area by 20 percent, compared with the show’s last staging in 2014. This leading trade fair for wines and spirits in China will take place Nov. 11-13 in the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. France remains the largest participating country, followed by Italy, Spain and Argentina. The size of the Hungarian pavilion increased by 50 percent, compared with last year. This year, a group stand from Romania will debut at ProWine China. Since wine education is a main approach 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