News

Nov 24, 2013
Hanley Wood recently launched a new mobile app for The International Surface Event 2014. The free app now is available for iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry users and is sponsored by FCA Network. The International Surface Event will take place Jan 27-30 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The event is a combination of three trade shows: SURFACES, StonExpo, and TileExpo. The new mobile app covers all three shows and can be found by searching International Surface Event in the Apple App Store, Google Play or BlackBerry World. “The Event mobile app is designed to make… more
Nov 21, 2013
Event technology and audiovisual company PSAV has made two big deals recently. In the first one, the company has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Goldman Sachs from its current private equity owner Kelso & Company. The second deal involves PSAV purchasing Visual Aids Electronics, with plans to merge it under the PSAV banner. “This is truly an exciting time for our organization,” said Mike McIlwain, president and CEO of PSAV. He added, “This investment by Goldman Sachs is a vote of confidence in our team members and our commitment to… more
Nov 20, 2013
Hart Energy’s DUG East show, servicing the shale industry, continued its rapid growth streak when its recent show drew more than 4,200 oil and gas professionals, a record-breaking 30-percent jump, compared with the year before. The show, held Nov. 13-15 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, covers natural gas and liquids resource development in the Appalachian Basin's Marcellus and Utica shales. "It was an amazing event," said Hart Energy's Barry Haest, vice president and director of Conferences. He added, "We were absolutely thrilled to see… more
Nov 20, 2013
Trade show industry veteran, Tracy Garcia, was named the new show director for two of Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ mainstay shows - International Roofing Expo and International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo. Garcia is taking over for Lindsay Roberts, who now is show director of the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, which Hanley Wood purchased earlier this year. "Tracy Garcia has a great deal of expertise and an outstanding track record," said Donna Bellantone, the company’s vice president of operations. She added, "Her considerable knowledge and skills will… more
Nov 20, 2013
Despite 13 straight quarters of trade show industry growth, as tracked by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, the third quarter showed slowing growth of 0.2 percent, compared with 0.9 percent in the same quarter last year. Three metrics showed decline, also compared with the same quarter last year – net square feet, exhibitors and attendees – with real revenues the only increase in the third quarter since the same period in 2012. The results also showed continued slowing growth in contrast to the overall economy, which saw the GDP gaining 1.6 percent year-on-year in the… more
Nov 18, 2013
The Consumer Electronics Association has tapped Yahoo CEO, President and Director Marissa Mayer and Cisco CEO and Chairman John Chambers as part of the International CES’ Tech Titans keynote series. The show, scheduled Jan. 7-10 at different sites in Las Vegas, has several high-level keynotes on tap for the series. “As a defining innovator making waves in the online and mobile space and a fresh breath for the industry, Marissa Mayer is a perfect addition to our Tech Titans keynote series,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. He added, “We’re thrilled to… more
Nov 18, 2013
When FABTECH Canada, the fabricating trade show, returns to Toronto in 2014, it will be significantly expanded in both size and scope. The show will take place from March 18-20 at the newly renovated Toronto Congress Centre and will feature the latest trends in fabricating, welding, metal forming, stamping, coating and finishing. “The decision to expand the show is based on the success of the 2012 premiere event, which was the first time the world-renowned FABTECH brand launched a show in Canada,” said Janine Saperson, show manager with SME, which is hosting FABTECH Canada 2014… more
Nov 18, 2013
The 80th UFI Congress recently wrapped up in Seoul, drawing more than 400 exhibition leaders to a three-day conference filled with networking and educational opportunities. The event, hosted by the Association of Korea Exhibition Industry, was held Nov. 13-16 at Coex, an events center in Seoul. “We are honoured to host the 80th UFI Congress, one of the global exhibition industry’s most prestigious events. The UFI Congress presents a wonderful opportunity for Korea to present Korean exhibitions management capabilities to the elite of the exhibition industry,” said Lee Han-… more
Nov 17, 2013
Freeman recently upgraded PLANTOUR, its popular web-based tool that is designed to simplify the event planning process and enhance the marketing of on-site sponsorship opportunities. The new tool is part of the Freeman Technology Suite, Freeman’s integrated platform of tools, and is free to Freeman customers. PLANTOUR addresses the need for exhibitors, show organizers, event planners and meeting managers to more efficiently scout for an event venue, view floor plans or plan for available sponsorship opportunities without ever having to leave their desks, according to company officials.… more
Nov 17, 2013
Freeman recently upgraded PLANTOUR, its popular web-based tool that is designed to simplify the event planning process and enhance the marketing of on-site sponsorship opportunities. The new tool is part of the Freeman Technology Suite, Freeman’s integrated platform of tools, and is free to Freeman customers. PLANTOUR addresses the need for exhibitors, show organizers, event planners and meeting managers to more efficiently scout for an event venue, view floor plans or plan for available sponsorship opportunities without ever having to leave their desks, according to company officials.… 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