News

Jan 26, 2014
Attendees at the Health Information Management Systems Society’s Annual Conference & Exhibition, coming up at the end of February, will have the opportunity to hear a keynote address delivered by Hillary Rodham Clinton. Clinton, a former secretary of state, U.S. senator from New York and First Lady of the United States, will take the stage Feb. 26.   The HIMSS event runs Feb. 23-27 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center. Clinton has spent four decades in public service and during her 2007-2008 campaign for president, she secured more votes, primary wins and… more
Jan 26, 2014
When Detroit’s bankruptcy made headlines last year, the local hospitality, meetings and conventions community continued to work hard to spread the word about what they already knew: Detroit’s events business was not only alive and well, but also it was thriving. The Cobo Center was in the midst of a $220 million renovation that included expanded space, floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Detroit River and a new Grand Ballroom, among other renovations. The center also had been taken over in 2010 by SMG, a venue management company that worked with local labor to come up with new… more
Jan 26, 2014
For two weeks every December, more than 175,000 attendees flock to Las Vegas to take part in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and not that event has signed on to stay in the city through 2024. The agreement was made between after unanimous votes by the Las Vegas Events Board of Trustees and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Board of Directors. "We are relieved that we were able to assemble an agreement that both ensures that the Wrangler NFR will remain in Las Vegas for the long term and that all parties will prosper," said Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas… more
Jan 26, 2014
While no one has a crystal ball, there are certain social media trends that are gaining attention and are predicted to strengthen in 2014. The top three trends you should devote more time to when designing your social media strategy are: 1. Google+    Google+ has had a slow start, but they are making great strides to catch up with Facebook and as a result more people are looking at Google+ differently. Facebook has been a part of our lives for a decade now and the younger crowd is looking for something new. Google+ could be this something new. Google+ posts also help to increase… more
Jan 26, 2014
Freeman recently merged AVT Event Technologies and Encore Productions, two of its technology providers for the hospitality industry, to form Encore Event Technologies. The combination of AVT and Encore under the Encore Event Technologies brand will provide its customers with direct access to a greater pool of resources and capabilities, according to company officials.  Encore Event Technologies creates a one-stop shop for next-generation technology and full event production needs. “Establishing a single brand entity that represents Freeman’s hotel segment has always been… more
Jan 26, 2014
Freeman recently merged AVT Event Technologies and Encore Productions, two of its technology providers for the hospitality industry, to form Encore Event Technologies. The combination of AVT and Encore under the Encore Event Technologies brand will provide its customers with direct access to a greater pool of resources and capabilities, according to company officials.  Encore Event Technologies creates a one-stop shop for next-generation technology and full event production needs. “Establishing a single brand entity that represents Freeman’s hotel segment has always been… more
Jan 26, 2014
While no one has a crystal ball, there are certain social media trends that are gaining attention and are predicted to strengthen in 2014. The top three trends you should devote more time to when designing your social media strategy are: 1. Google+    Google+ has had a slow start, but they are making great strides to catch up with Facebook and as a result more people are looking at Google+ differently. Facebook has been a part of our lives for a decade now and the younger crowd is looking for something new. Google+ could be this something new. Google+ posts also help to increase… more
Jan 23, 2014
Getting a big boost for its international growth, Penton Farm Progress Group’s Farm Progress Show has been accepted to be a part of the 2014 International Buyer Program. The IBP is an export program led by the U.S. Department of Commerce that brings thousands of international buyers to the United States for business-to-business matchmaking with U.S. companies exhibiting at major industry trade shows. Twenty-six trade shows from a variety of industries and locations across the country are designated as IBP events for 2014. The Farm Progress Show, the largest outdoor farm show in the U… more
Jan 22, 2014
Exposition Development Company, an Atlanta-based trade show consultancy firm based in Atlanta and run by industry veterans David Audrain and Stephanie Everett, has been contracted  by Business One Global Trade Center (B1GTC) to develop several new exhibitions and markets in Linyi, China. B1GTC is in the midst of building a 30 million square foot massive development that will include an exhibition and events center, permanent showrooms, service apartments, 5-star hotel, an International village, and an international brands outlet mall In Linyi, the largest wholesale market center in… more
Jan 22, 2014
Despite winter weather causing havoc the past few weeks, archery and surfing enthusiasts weren’t deterred from being at shows in those sectors, resulting in positive numbers for attendance and exhibitors. The 2014 (Archery Trade Association) Trade Show was held Jan. 6-8 in Nashville, Tenn. - smack dab in the middle of the Polar Vortex pushing bone-chilling temperatures into the United States – but that didn’t stop the show from achieving record-breaking results. Setting one record was a total of 1,047 retail and distribution buying companies represented by a near-record 3,… 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