News

Jan 13, 2014
It was a standing-room only at Boston’s Hynes Convention Center for a press conference during the Professional Convention Management Association’s Convening Leaders that was attended by several meetings and events industry leaders to announce the launch of “Meetings Mean Business” designed to emphasize the value of face-to-face. The campaign’s focus is to create an advocacy and information platform that highlights the industry’s pivotal role in creating jobs, generating economic value and driving business success. The effort to come together as a united front as an industry to rally behind… more
Jan 12, 2014
Even though it’s still about two months away, the International Housewares Association’s 2014 International Home + Housewares Show, March 15-18 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, is completely sold out of exhibit space. “This is the earliest the show has been sold out on exhibit space and is a sign of how important this world-class marketplace is to IHA member suppliers,” said Phil Brandl, IHA president and CEO. He added, “We look forward to bringing the industry together at the premier housewares trade event.” The show will host more than 2,100… more
Jan 11, 2014
With some of the biggest shows in the United States taking place in Chicago’s McCormick Place, such as the 2014 International Manufacturing Technology Show, with more than 100,000 attendees, it’s crucial to have a top-of-the-line Wi-Fi network. The center recently completed state-of-the-art Internet and Wi-Fi upgrade, representing a significant change in their business model for providing Internet services to attendees, exhibitors and show management. “This Wi-Fi upgrade, though significant on its own, is part of a larger overall plan designed to enhance the customer… more
Jan 11, 2014
With some of the biggest shows in the United States taking place in Chicago’s McCormick Place, such as the 2014 International Manufacturing Technology Show, with more than 100,000 attendees, it’s crucial to have a top-of-the-line Wi-Fi network. The center recently completed state-of-the-art Internet and Wi-Fi upgrade, representing a significant change in their business model for providing Internet services to attendees, exhibitors and show management. “This Wi-Fi upgrade, though significant on its own, is part of a larger overall plan designed to enhance the customer… more
Jan 09, 2014
From wearables to robots to driverless cars, the Consumer Electronic Association's 2014 International CES, the world's largest tech event, delivered impressive amount of innovation Jan. 7-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and other venues around the city. The show set a new record at 2 million net square feet, compared with 1.92 million sq. ft. in 2013, and featured about 3,250 exhibitors, on par with last year. Attendance was expected to be close to 150,000. "It's our largest show due to the growth happening in technology," said Karen Chupka, senior vice president… more
Jan 08, 2014
Host-based, invitation-only business event producer nGage Events has partnered with Tabor Communications, a publication producer in the Big Data and Super Computing vertical industries. As part of the partnership, there will be an event co-produced by Tabor and nGage for Big Data May 20-23 in San Diego. nGage is known for bringing together leading suppliers with qualified decision makers in an exclusive and intimate environment. This new event is in addition to two more nGage runs with other partnerships. One event is produced with NAPCO, InkJet Summit, which is in its second year and… more
Jan 07, 2014
U.K.-based Tarsus Group has completed another successful year, with like-for-like organic revenue growth, at constant exchange rates, increasing by approximately 11 percent, setting a new revenue and profitability record. Unveiled at the beginning of 2103, the company’s “Quickening the Pace” strategy - focused on accelerating the pace of financial returns to its shareholders – has been hailed as a win, with Tarsus not only strengthening its core existing businesses, but also expanding into new markets in the past year. In November, Tarsus invested in a 50-percent… more
Jan 06, 2014
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (known as “the Centre”) has appointed Alan Pryor as General Manager Designate. Pryor takes over from Datuk Peter Brokenshire, who retires at the end of March 2014 after 11 years with the Centre, which included spearheading the setting up and opening of the venue in 2005. Joining the Centre in 2011 as Deputy General Manager, Pryor was responsible for the day-to-day operation including management of the audio-visual and technical services, catering, event co-ordination and exhibition services, as well as international, regional and local promotional… more
Jan 06, 2014
The organizers of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, scheduled to take place in March 2014, have announced that the fair will be postponed until 2015. Wendy Wen, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd said that the decision was made after consultation with all stakeholders of the fair. “In particular, the feedback from local exhibitors that only one home textile fair in Shanghai during 2014 was desirable was the main reason for the postponement,” she added. “We feel that it will be more beneficial for our exhibitors and local buyers if… more
Jan 06, 2014
It may be the slowest time of year on the trade show calendar, but that didn’t stop companies from continuing to fill their ranks, as well as promote people from within. Cleveland-based International Exposition Center (I-X Center) added two new members to its sales staff - Travis Poppell, as director of sales, and Lisa Shields, as associate director of sales. Poppell will be responsible for developing and leading the I-X Center sales team to identify and cultivate new major trade shows, conventions, large consumer events and other new business opportunities for the venue “… 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