News
Jul 14, 2014
After being hit hard by increased competition with legalized gambling proliferating throughout the East Coast, Atlantic City, N.J., which used to be one of the very few places to play the slots or tables in the U.S., is going through a major reinvention.
The past few weeks have been filled with tough news for the city, with the storied Showboat Casino slated for closure, as well as the just-announced Trump Hotel and Casino and the possibility of the two-year-old, $2.4 billion Revel casino property as well, if it doesn’t find a buyer.
“The fact is that Atlantic City is a destination in… more
Jul 14, 2014
Nominations now are being accepted online for the longstanding awards program honoring show managers who exemplify excellence in their field.
Since 2000, The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Awards have been presented to “individuals who are creating amazing experiences with their exhibition and in their marketplace community,” according to TEG officials.
"Our independent panel of judges struggles annually to choose winners from among the group of smart, talented professionals," said Ray Pekowski, president and CEO of The Expo Group. "We need your help to make it just as hard… more
Jul 14, 2014
Freeman recently came out with a report, the Freeman Connections Report, which looks at the trends impacting the face-to-face event industry. Using the insight they’ve gained from producing more than 15,000 events each year, the report highlights 10 key technology and device trends they feel are having or will be having an impact on events.
The 10 technology and device trends highlighted are big data, 3D printing, augmented reality, proximity technology, wearable technology, mobile internet, second screen, telepresence and virtual events, flexible technology and nano-technology.
I asked… more
Jul 14, 2014
LinkedIn is the largest professional network with more than 250 million members around the world. LinkedIn has created a platform that allows its members to connect with other like-minded professionals to promote their business interests and share & learn ideas.
Event managers can promote their brand and events on LinkedIn and target marketing efforts to their core audience.
This is a great tool for sourcing prospects to become members of your organization and attend your local or industry-related events.
The key factors to successful brand and event promotion on LinkedIn for any event… more
Jul 14, 2014
LinkedIn is the largest professional network with more than 250 million members around the world. LinkedIn has created a platform that allows its members to connect with other like-minded professionals to promote their business interests and share & learn ideas.
Event managers can promote their brand and events on LinkedIn and target marketing efforts to their core audience.
This is a great tool for sourcing prospects to become members of your organization and attend your local or industry-related events.
The key factors to successful brand and event promotion on LinkedIn for any event… more
Jul 14, 2014
Freeman recently came out with a report, the Freeman Connections Report, which looks at the trends impacting the face-to-face event industry. Using the insight they’ve gained from producing more than 15,000 events each year, the report highlights 10 key technology and device trends they feel are having or will be having an impact on events.
The 10 technology and device trends highlighted are big data, 3D printing, augmented reality, proximity technology, wearable technology, mobile internet, second screen, telepresence and virtual events, flexible technology and nano-technology.
I asked… more
Jul 09, 2014
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) has unveiled the 2013 TSNN Top 50 Canadian Trade Show list of rankings.
Culled from show management and data supplied to TSNN, the list represents the top 50 trade shows held last year ranked by net square footage in Canada. The full list can be found at: http://www.tsnn.com/toplists-cdn.
Snagging the No. 1 spot once again for 2013 was Regina Exhibition Association’s Canada's Farm Progress Show, with a whopping 1,232,670 net square foot showfloor at Evraz Place in Regina, Saskatchewan.
The show, held last year in June, also drew 843… more
Jul 09, 2014
June was a very good month for the city of Boston, with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority signing 38 contracts for events, breaking the previous best-month record of 30 events booked in December 2005.
The events signed in June are expected to generate 472,787 future hotel room nights in the city, which also tops the December 2007 previous high month of 435,484 room nights by 8.5 percent.
“As we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the BCEC this summer, it’s nice to also celebrate yet another record-breaker,” said James E. Rooney, executive director of the MCCA.… more
Jul 08, 2014
Starting next month and expected to take a year to complete, the Los Angeles Convention Center will receive a $10 million upgrade designed to “enhance the customer experience and to help attract new shows,” according to Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board officials.
Work will occur around shows and events scheduled in the center.
“The planned changes inside the Convention Center complement the changes taking place outside the Center, including new hotels, restaurants, shopping and cultural offerings throughout Downtown L.A.,” said Ernest Wooden Jr., president… more
Jul 07, 2014
Germany-based Messe München International will add ISPO SHANGHAI to its exhibition portfolio, which already includes ISPO BEIJING
The new event is set to be a strong, segment-overlapping sports business platform in the key growth market of China, according to show organizers.
The event’s venue and date – as well as the exhibition itself – were determined in in-depth discussions with industry participants.
“The needs and demands of our customers were a top priority for us,” said Klaus Dittrich, chairman of the Management of Messe München GmbH.
A widely… 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