News
Jul 18, 2013
Freeman’s chief sales officer, Bob Priest-Heck, will step into the president and COO role when John O’Connell, the company’s current president, retires June 30, 2014.
The leadership transfer will be in phases, with Priest-Heck assuming the COO role Aug. 1 of this year and reporting to O’Connell and Freeman CEO Joe Popolo.
When O’Connell retires, Priest-Heck will step in his new president role, overseeing the Freeman Companies, overseeing Freeman’s Exposition business, as well as Freeman AV and FreemanXP.
"As a family and employee-owned business, we… more
Jul 17, 2013
There’s no doubt that the ability for consumers to directly book their own travel online has been a game-changer, and at the top of that game is Travelocity.com, billed as one of the largest online travel agencies in the world.
TSNN is proud to announce that attendees to the 4th Annual TSNN Awards Nov. 1-3 in Reno will have the opportunity to hear a keynote from Terry Jones, founder of Travelocity, board chair of Kayak.com and board member of LuxuryLink, Smart Destinations and Rearden Commerce.
In other words, when it comes to the evolution of online travel booking, Jones has been at… more
Jul 16, 2013
For the first time, the annual SEMA (Specialty Equipment Marketing Association) Hot Rod Industry Alliance Education Day will be held in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama – the 60-year old custom cars show taking place in March at Detroit’s Cobo Center.
The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot rod parts manufacturer who will educate attendees about the products’ features, benefits and installation guidelines.
“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical… more
Jul 16, 2013
In 2014, not only will the OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals and American Nursery and Landscape Association combine, but also the OFA Short Course show will expand its showfloor by 50,000 square feet at next year’s show.
Additional educational and networking opportunities will be offered to serve the increasing attendance.
“For years, OFA Short Course has been a preferred destination for independent garden retailers, florists, growers, and installers. Our 7-acre trade show sells out every year, and it already includes numerous companies that provide… more
Jul 16, 2013
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has made Atlanta the home for its International Production & Processing Expo for more than six decades, and it doesn’t plan to go someplace else any time soon, signing on to the city through 2020.
The deal recently was completed with the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“We have been courted by other cities, but at the end of the day Atlanta is the best choice for IPPE. Through discussions with the hotel community, the Georgia World Congress Center and the ACVB we have arrived at a commitment that will take us through 2020,… more
Jul 15, 2013
With the darkest days of the recession fading and attendee numbers already seeing healthy increases at trade shows, it only was a matter of time before exhibitors would up their booth space, exhibit at a show for the first time or return if they had been away.
Second-quarter net square footage for the hundreds of shows tracked by a2z's Quarterly Tradeshow Industry Index Report is up 5.7 percent, compared with the same time period last year.
The uptick for the second quarter continued the trend from the first quarter of this year, which saw a quarter-over-quarter net square footage… more
Jul 14, 2013
A lot of time, energy and dollars are invested when a company decides to exhibit at a show, but what’s sometimes overlooked is training the staff in the booth to engage effectively with potential customers.
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research recently released its latest Guru Report – “A Primer for Exhibit Managers on Exhibit Staff Orientation”- written by Candy Adams, a well-known exhibition industry veteran and owner of ‘The Booth Mom®’ Trade Show Consulting.
The report takes a look at why exhibit training is so important to having a successful show, what topics should be covered in… more
Jul 14, 2013
Poken is a networking, lead capture and content distribution system that’s easy to use, doesn’t require Wi-Fi and it’s fun. Take that, QR codes.
Poken uses near field communication (NFC), which is embedded into the device called a Poken. That device is about the size of your average USB drive. As a matter of fact, some of the Pokens look very much like a USB drive. Others display quirky caps depicting pandas, aliens, tigers, vampires and more.
Custom caps can also be ordered which is the option used at the European Liver Congress. Poken created a collection of medical… more
Jul 14, 2013
Poken is a networking, lead capture and content distribution system that’s easy to use, doesn’t require Wi-Fi and it’s fun. Take that, QR codes.
Poken uses near field communication (NFC), which is embedded into the device called a Poken. That device is about the size of your average USB drive. As a matter of fact, some of the Pokens look very much like a USB drive. Others display quirky caps depicting pandas, aliens, tigers, vampires and more.
Custom caps can also be ordered which is the option used at the European Liver Congress. Poken created a collection of medical… more
Jul 13, 2013
Are you considering an online or hybrid event, but not sure what initial steps to take? Join TSNN July 18 at 1 p.m. for the latest complimentary webinar - "What Everyone Ought to Know About Effectively Using Online and Hybrid Events.”
Register HERE.
Stressed about the rapid growth of digital technology and its effect on the exhibition and meetings industry?
Discover simple and effective ways to overcome your challenges and fears, so you can easily capitalize on this rising industry trend.
Learn the top ways to prepare and stay at the forefront of the industry’s… 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