News

Jan 30, 2014
Atlanta-based Shepard Exposition Services has acquired US Expo & Convention Services, which has offices in Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz. "US Expo's reputation as an above-and-beyond service-provider is a perfect cultural fit for our organization and our Blue Diamond Customer Service Program,” said Carl Mitchell, Shepard's president. He added, “Also, it will strengthen our existing national operations network by adding these key markets to our growing western operations.” US Expo’s operations will be integrated into Shepard’s within the next 30… more
Jan 30, 2014
Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ World of Concrete just wrapped up in Las Vegas and not only did the show fare well, but also the mobile game app made specifically for it – Rig Racin’ – scored a whopping 100,000-plus downloads. Game players had the opportunity to steer mixer trucks through three action-packed, challenging game-play environments. Players had to deliver their cement load on time to receive in-game rewards and to advance to more challenging levels throughout the game. The better the player, the more in-game cash the player could earn to purchase new themes for… more
Jan 29, 2014
Kicking off the beginning of the year, several companies snagged new or renewed business contracts. Global Experience Specialists signed a multi-year agreement with the Los Angeles Auto Show as its official services and electrical provider. GES also was selected to provide audio visual services. “After an extensive competitive review, we are excited to continue our growing business partnership with GES as the Show’s official services provider,” said General Manager of the LA Auto Show Terri Toennies. She added, “We look forward to strengthening our existing… more
Jan 28, 2014
Two wintertime shows heated up the trade show industry, with both the PGA Merchandise Show and the NAMM Show seeing an increase in professional attendance, compared with their events held last year. The PGA Merchandise Show, produced by Reed Exhibitions, was held Jan. 22-24 and covered 1 million square feet of the Orange County Convention Center, including some 483,000 square feet of interactive exhibit and demonstration areas. PGA Professional attendance grew by five percent, while overall industry attendance dipped slightly (by 5 percent) to total more than 41,000 PGA Professionals,… more
Jan 28, 2014
Continuing its rapid expansion further into the home show market, Marketplace Events will launch another one in New Orleans next year. The NOLA Home Show will take place Jan 16-18 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Marketplace Events already recently rolled out a new fall home show in Birmingham, Ala., in September 2013, as well as they are planning for the upcoming launch of the Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo in March at the newly renovated Cleveland Convention Center. “We’ve had great recent success in launching new home shows in North American markets of strategic… more
Jan 27, 2014
With construction projects stalled for several years during the recession, things are picking up speed again with hotel builds, upgrades of existing centers and new centers opening up. The Irving (Texas) Convention Center at Las Colinas has been greenlit for a Westin Hotels & Resorts-branded new headquarter hotel. The 350-room, full-service headquarter ICCLC Westin will be located adjacent to the convention center and connected by sky bridge. “With the bond sale for the entertainment elements anchoring the south end of the Convention Center complex scheduled for next week, this… more
Jan 27, 2014
The fourth staging of Integration.Life.Society., International Trade and Event Fair with Congress, will take place April 23-25 at the Krasnaja Presnja Expocenter in Moscow. International exhibitors will present their latest products and developments for people with disabilities and those requiring care. The trade show focuses on innovative assistive technology, mobility in the workplace and at home, concepts, therapies and leisure activities, nutrition and hygiene as well as safety and monitoring systems, physiotherapy and orthopedic devices. On the first day of Integration.Life.Society.… more
Jan 27, 2014
Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s President and CEO Jim Wood resigned from the top post, effective immediately, and Karen Williams will take his place in the interim, beginning Jan. 29.   Woods has been at the bureau for 11 years, and his resignation was accepted by the Commission of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau at a board meeting. Williams previously held the post as executive vice president at the Louisville CVB, but had retired in 2012 after 23 years at the bureau. “Jim Wood has brought Louisville unparalleled success when it comes to… more
Jan 27, 2014
The American  Academy of Dermatology’s 2014 Annual Meeting, on tap March 21-25 in Denver,  will feature four Live Demonstration sessions, including a new live session, “Live Demonstration: Soft Tissue Augmentation and Neuromodulators — Simultaneous Cadaver Prosection and Live Patient Injections”. The new session, directed by Dr. Susan H. Weinkle, MD, will debut March 21 in the Bellco Theatre. In this session, described by Dr. Weinkle as “a first-in-class dermatology live injection session demonstrating anatomy and injection technique,” attendees… more
Jan 27, 2014
When the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ annual meeting kicks off March 11-14 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, it will feature several new additions to the program. Among the additions to this year’s meeting are new Case Presentation Courses, Technical Skills Courses, and a Game Changer paper session, which will combine 15 paper presentations from the week’s program and synthesize them for their potential to advance and change how orthopaedists practice and perform surgery. “The Annual Meeting is about learning, networking, and… 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