News
Apr 25, 2022
Some people are fortunate enough to be born into their life’s calling. Chef Purvill Chaney is such a lucky individual. A consummate culinary professional who discovered his passion for cooking while working as a chef in his parents’ restaurants in his hometown of Flint, Mich., the budding chef wasted no time in embarking upon a professional career path in hospitality after college, cutting his teeth as a sous chef at a local Hyatt Regency. Since then, Chaney’s long and storied career has included more than 27 years with Hyatt at a dozen different locations in multiple cities followed by a 15-… more
Apr 22, 2022
As the world celebrated Earth Day April 22, event professionals, organizations and venues took stock of the impact their carbon footprint has on climate change and implemented initiatives to be more sustainable. Following are three convention centers that unveiled green initiatives to mark Earth Week.
Javits Center
The rooftop farm at New York City’s Javits Center joined the New York State Grown & Certified program, a statewide effort that identifies local producers who adhere to higher standards in terms of food safety and environmental stewardship. Located more than eight stories… more
Apr 22, 2022
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) recently announced the complete cancellation of its E3 expo this year.
Earlier this year, the ESA had announced that E3, the largest and most important event in the video game industry, would not be held in person in 2022 due to the ongoing health risks surrounding COVID-19. The association recently decided not to follow through with an E3 digital experience either to focus on building a reinvigorated showcase for 2023 that celebrates new and exciting video games and industry innovations.
“Instead, we will devote all our energy and resources to… more
Apr 21, 2022
Tech News: Vault Health, 3e/EXPOCAD, EXHIBITORLIVE, Hall-Erickson, Questex and CrowdComms Unveilings
Technology is continuing to transform the events industry with some of the most innovative events, products and ideas. Take a look at the latest happenings!
Vault Health
Virtual healthcare platform Vault Health rebranded its subsidiary FSSolutions to fall under the Vault Health branding and logo. COVID-19 solutions, including testing and vaccine tracking for the events industry, is one of the company’s main product offerings.
“We serve thousands of clients … who have come to rely on our fast turnaround times, U.S.-based customer support, compliance-driven focus, rapid integration and… more
Apr 20, 2022
Sponsored Article from Visit California
The Golden State’s official marketing organization was popping plenty of Mumm Napa cuvee, as it officially unveiled a $4.5 million initiative to invest and market in the professional meetings and events space for the first time in its history.
“We're here today to celebrate that California has reopened and is ready for business, and we really feel like 2022 is going to be a monumental year for the state," said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, before revealing the state’s new “Meet What’s Possible” campaign at IMEX America, which… more
Apr 20, 2022
Famed British mathematician and data science entrepreneur Clive Humby said it best: “Data is the new oil. (Just as oil) has to be changed into gas, plastic, chemicals, etc., to create a valuable entity that drives profitable activity, so data must be broken down and analyzed for it to have value.”
As the world embraces virtual events to cope with the disruption caused by the pandemic, there’s an opportunity for event professionals to leverage data. And one of the best things about virtual events is that they generate a goldmine of data — granular details that can help you pinpoint exactly… more
Apr 19, 2022
As an annual education and networking event for female exhibitions and events industry professionals at all stages of their careers, IAEE’s signature Women’s Leadership Forum convened 184 attendees for two days of knowledge, inspiration, resources and strategies for career success. Held March 23-24 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., the 10th annual conference also celebrated the 2022 Woman of Achievement Award winner, Lenay Gore, former senior director of meetings and trade shows with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
“The… more
Apr 18, 2022
As the non-profit fundraising arm of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the largest global meetings and event industry association, the MPI Foundation (MPIF) serves an important purpose: to fund grants, scholarships and pan-industry research in support of the global meeting and event industry. But when the increasing humanitarian crisis resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began to take shape, the MPIF joined many event industry organizations in seeking an appropriate means to provide aid during the crisis.
According to MPI officials, since its joint board meeting on March 1,… more
Apr 15, 2022
As the vibrant annual National Cherry Blossom Festival comes to a close this month, Washington, D.C., continues to bloom with a prosperous business events scene—expected to thrive throughout 2022—and a wealth of new developments.
The nation's capital is well on the road to recovery as the industry moves out of the pandemic, and it has a positive outlook for the full return of meetings, conventions and trade shows, according to Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC (DDC).
“In a good year, we host north of 20 city-wide conventions,” Ferguson said. “Last year, we had four, and… more
Apr 14, 2022
Leading event tech company Hubilo recently united 1,000-plus attendees for MIX 2022 (Mastering Immersive Events), its first-ever global hybrid gathering, which spanned three continents and 25 time zones.
The two-day event, which took place March 30-31 virtually and in-person, with live events in San Francisco, New York, London and Bangalore, was designed to show event professionals how to create immersive hybrid events at scale, exploring what’s possible in driving engagement globally and achieving desired marketing results in the digital event era.
Events are evolving to become the… 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