News

Jul 11, 2011
The development of two new MICE venues in Seoul reportedly is underway to better serve the Korean capital as the demand for more event space has exceeded the current supply. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Exhibition Centre has a planned opening date on April 5, 2013, and will be located in Seoul's leading fashion district. Similarly, the Seoul Station Convention Centre, or Korail Centre, also will open in 2015 with a 7,500 capacity convention centre and a 26,500 square meter exhibition hall. According to local MICE industry officials, the problem with a lack of space is not limited… more
Jul 11, 2011
U.S.-based business-to-buisness media and information company PennWell Corporation has entered a joint venture partnership with trade show organizer Shenzhen Dresche Exhibition & Planning Co. to organize the annual Asia SOLAREXPO convention and exhibition. The 7th edition of the solar event will take place from Dec. 3-5 at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. Asia SOLAREXPO reported the attendance of 60,100 visitors in its 2010 edition. Under the reported terms of the joint venture, PennWell will act as the international organizer of Asia SOLAREXPO, with the opportunity to… more
Jul 11, 2011
Hong Kong-listed Sino Resources Group, formerly Kenfair International, has released its results for the year ended March 31. The company posted a turnover of $11 million, down 5.7 percent from 2010’s figure. Losses attributed to shareholders this year were greatly reduced from a loss of $108 million in 2010 to $4.4 million this year. All revenues were reported to have been generated from the company’s exhibitions business. In particular, more than 90 percent ($9.8 million) came from the Mega Show Part 1 and Part 2 held in October 2010 in Hong Kong. The remaining revenues ($828… more
Jun 20, 2011
UBM Asia’s INTERMACH, SUBCON Thailand and Sheet Metal Asia 2011 drew 33,016 attendees to this year’s show, a 20-percent increase, compared with the previous show. In addition, international attendance also saw a huge jump this year, with a 25-percent increase, compared with the previous show. All three collocated events, held May 19-21 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre, are now considered a “driving force behind dozens of new business partnerships, which are making a significant contribution to the booming Thai economy,” according to UBM… more
Jun 20, 2011
Dallas-based Freeman bought all three companies owned by San Francisco-based Wheelhouse Solutions – Champion Exposition Services, George Fern Exposition & Services and Immersa Marketing – for an undisclosed sum. The transaction closes June 21. Joe Popolo, CEO of Freeman, said the company always is looking to expand its business, and acquiring all three companies is not only a strategic fit, but also a cultural fit. “Champion is known for great creative and technology … we believe we will also have the best team of employees,” he added. “We… more
Jun 20, 2011
The New Zealand government chose SKYCITY Entertainment to develop the New Zealand International Convention Centre on a three acre site. SKYCITY Chief Executive Nigel Morrison said this is an important and long anticipated development for both Auckland and the New Zealand convention and tourism industries. “SKYCITY is excited to be involved in this development, and we welcome the opportunity,” said SKYCITY CEO Nigel Morrison. “We envisage that the New Zealand International Convention Centre on this site will be an iconic building in the heart of Auckland, central to… more
Jun 20, 2011
The Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association had good news to announce during its June 17 Annual General Meeting: the number of trade exhibitions, visitors, exhibiting companies and showfloor space all showed increases, some with double-digit percentages. In 2010, more than 648,000 visitors from outside of Hong Kong attended trade exhibitions, representing an increase of more than 13 percent from 2009. This significant leap was fueled by a strong comeback of international visitors, a jump of 18 percent to 214,000, surpassing the pre-financial crisis level. Visitors… more
Jun 20, 2011
The Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre capitalized on the fact one of the world’s leading technology exhibitions – CeBIT Australia – recently was held at the venue by announcing the Federal Government’s National Digital Economic Strategy via the venue’s high speed Digital Video Network (DVN) link to a major rural telehealth conference in Cairns. The SCEC’s technical production and design team also coordinated a simultaneous 30-minute webcast of the launch by Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen… more
Jun 19, 2011
U.K.-based United Business Media bought a 70-percent stake in the Catersource Conference & Trade Show and sister show Event Solutions on behalf of UBM Live for $5 million. Catersource services the catering industry, and Event Solutions services the event planning industry. Catersource will become part of UBM Live, adding to UBM Live’s portfolio of events serving the Food & Leisure industries both in the United States and internationally. The portfolio includes brands such as Cruise Shipping, Food Ingredients, Health Ingredients, Leisure Industry Week and Confex.… more
Jun 19, 2011
Three months before Germany-based Messe Duesseldorf’s MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND, International Exhibition on Hospital, Diagnostic, Pharmaceutical, Medical & Rehabilitation Equipment & Supplies even kicks off, the showfloor is on track to be 30-percent bigger than last year’s show. The increase in exhibitors at MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND, on tap Sept. 14-16 at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, indicates “improved confidence in Asia’s expanding medical and health care industry as well as a rising interest in the diverse aspects of medical and… 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