News
Apr 30, 2014
Germany-based Messe Frankfurt will launch the 14th event in their worldwide Automechanika series in partnership with Calif.-based Advanstar Communications next year in Chicago.
The new show, Automechanika Chicago, will be held April 24-26 at Chicago’s McCormick Place and serve a steadily growing U.S. automotive aftermarket.
"We are excited about our partnership with Advanstar,” said Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt.
He added, “Our combined experience in launching successful events only strengthens our ability to service this untapped niche… more
Apr 29, 2014
The Meetings Mean Business campaign - a national communications and advocacy platform that showcases the substantial value of meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions - recently launched an industry-wide mobile app.
“It’s critically important that our industry continues to speak with one voice to communicate the value and benefits of meetings to communities, businesses and the economy,” said David Peckinpaugh, president of Maritz Travel and Co-Chair of Meetings Mean Business.
He added, “The MMB app is another significant tool to ensure that everyone,… more
Apr 27, 2014
Adding to its extensive worldwide food and beverage portfolio, E.J. Krause & Associates took a majority ownership stake in MetroCooking DC’s Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show.
“EJK is excited to work with Tiny Kitchen on expanding MetroCooking DC which offers exciting potential for growth,” said Ned Krause, CEO, E.J. Krause & Associates.
He added, “This joint venture also fits our aim in continuing to develop a wide range of global food and beverage events.”
The 9th edition of the DC Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show will be held Nov. 8-… more
Apr 27, 2014
The Society of Independent Show Organizers now is accepting entries for its acclaimed SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, in which the overall winner will be named at the association’s Executive Leadership Conference Aug. 13 at the Revel Hotel in Atlantic City.
At this year’s SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, companies will present their breakthrough event technologies or new business models before an audience of SISO attendees.
“The Event Innovation Battlefield is an important motivational hub for innovation, ideas, talent and products,” said Lew Shomer, executive… more
Apr 27, 2014
The Society of Independent Show Organizers now is accepting entries for its acclaimed SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, in which the overall winner will be named at the association’s Executive Leadership Conference Aug. 13 at the Revel Hotel in Atlantic City.
At this year’s SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, companies will present their breakthrough event technologies or new business models before an audience of SISO attendees.
“The Event Innovation Battlefield is an important motivational hub for innovation, ideas, talent and products,” said Lew Shomer, executive… more
Apr 26, 2014
The United Fresh Foundation will host the first Fresh Produce Pavilion at the School Nutrition Association Annual Convention July 14-16 in Boston.
The pavilion establishes a destination area on the trade show floor that will focus exclusively on promoting fresh fruits and vegetables.
“Our goal with this pavilion is help schools maximize their success in serving a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables,” said United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel.
He added, “We’re committed to helping school foodservice directors understand the ins and outs of purchasing produce, as… more
Apr 26, 2014
The Consumer Electronics Association, owner and producer of the International CES, unveiled the results of an independent audit that confirmed a record number of international professionals – 40,828 (a 12.7 percent increase from the 2013 CES) – attended the 2014 International CES from 144 countries.
Additionally, 6,757 press and industry analysts attended the show to report on the latest consumer technologies and trends.
The 2014 CES ran Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas and welcomed a record 160,498 industry professionals overall, up 5 percent, compared with 2013.
The independent… more
Apr 25, 2014
Steve Moster, president of Global Experience Specialists, and his team had cause to celebrate with the latest earnings report, which posted an uptick in revenues, operating income and same-show growth in their division for the first quarter of this year.
Moster said the 3.9 percent uptick in same-show growth “bodes well” for the overall industry, as shows continue to climb back to pre-recession levels.
Q1 revenues for GES in the United States were $221.4 million, compared with $218.3 million in the same quarter last year. Operating income also rose to $15.9 million, from $14.1… more
Apr 23, 2014
The Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas already boasts 1.7 million square feet, and now it’s set to add another 350,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, as well as more underground parking and carpeted ballroom space.
The $66 million expansion project will allow Mandalay Bay to grow current shows, pursue new and larger corporate partners and achieve greater utilization of the entire facility, according to venue officials.
“Several long-standing customers approached us with a need for additional space to grow their business; they looked to us to be a solution provider, and we went… more
Apr 22, 2014
More and more shows are grappling with the issue of having their attendees duped by fraudulent housing companies that lure them in with cheap rates, take their money and then, when they show up onsite, there literally is no room at the inn.
“We get clobbered over the head with this in Las Vegas,” said Larry Schur, president and COO of All Baby & Child, which runs ABC Kids Expo.
Every year, thousands of attendees and exhibitors flock to the show, and every year, at least a half dozen people get taken in by what the industry calls “housing poachers” or “housing… 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