News
Sep 07, 2021
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) recently released two more case studies from its Global Virtual Event Trends series, which examines the insights of organizations that traditionally run or manage in-person B2B exhibitions but pivoted to producing virtual events due to COVID-19-related constraints and regulations.
As the latest case studies in the series, Case Study: Access Intelligence and Case Study: 1st Arabia Tradeshow & Conferences provide real-world examples of how each organization adapted its events to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the results of their… more
Sep 02, 2021
As the escalating climate change crisis continues to plague the planet, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) and the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) have teamed up to unite the events industry for a massive push to diminish its carbon footprint.
Today, UFI unveiled the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, which is hosted by JMIC and supported by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The aim is to attract and connect major events industry stakeholders around the world, including organizers, planners, exhibitors, venues, destinations and… more
Sep 02, 2021
As those in the meetings and exhibitions industries know all too well, changes in the COVID-19 pandemic are continuing to cause major challenges for event organizers, with any organization looking to host a trade show or conference tasked with taking changing information from public health officials into account. In such a complex environment, it can be understandably difficult for organizers to demonstrate their ability to run events in a safe and sustainable way.
Enter Epistemix, a leading provider of analytical tools that simulate how diseases, ideas and behavior spread through… more
Sep 01, 2021
After sitting closed for nearly 18 months, Chicago’s McCormick Place is once again hosting major trade shows and events, has welcomed back more than 1,000 full-time employees and is boasting a robust events schedule. Following the NBA Draft Combine in June, the campus enjoyed a busy July that harkened back to pre-pandemic days, hosting three major events within a few days of each other that brought in more than 150,000 guests. These included the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), the Nike Tournament of Champions and a special edition of a marquee event that McCormick has hosted for 60… more
Sep 01, 2021
After an 18-month hiatus, OFFPRICE Show returned to Las Vegas Fashion Week with a resurgence in buyer traffic, fueling cautious optimism for its 2022 shows. Although event participation wasn’t yet in line with pre-pandemic numbers, the biannual bargain apparel, accessories and footwear event still exceeded attendee expectations.
Held Aug. 7-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in close proximity to an array of Fashion Week trade shows, OFFPRICE Show remains the largest U.S. trade show dedicated to discount fashion, boasting approximately 450 exhibitors and 12,000 buyers in “normal” years… more
Aug 31, 2021
With the theme “Let’s Go UP,” the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) took hybrid to new heights for its 2021 Annual Meeting, held Aug. 13-18. Nearly 3,200 association professionals and industry partners gathered virtually through the Intrado platform and in-person through innovative Pop-UPs around the country to exchange knowledge, tap into new possibilities, explore ground-breaking strategies and learn from inspiring leaders.
Giving registrants options in the ways to access the content and solutions they need to keep their organizations relevant and positioned for prosperity… more
Aug 30, 2021
The North American textile handicrafts industry is about to get a new trade show. Set to launch in Chicago June 22-24, 2022, h+h americas will be the first international offshoot of h+h cologne, the world’s main industry event for textile handicrafts produced by and annually held at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany.
Designed to unite the soft crafts industries in North America, the new show comes in response to increased demand for a strong and unified national show for the North American handicrafts sector as a result of the growing pandemic-induced popularity of handicrafts in the U.S. Not… more
Aug 27, 2021
The past year and a half has challenged the event industry like never before, but during the tough times, shows have innovated more than ever in so many ways to still create value for their communities.
In addition, there are amazing people who have "risen to the top" in so many incredible ways.
As a result, TSNN will be "re-imagining" the 2021 TSNN Awards, on tap Dec. 1-2 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., and launching the “Best of Innovation Awards” and the “Outstanding Show Pro Awards.”
For the “Best of Innovation Awards”, shows are asked to consider the following innovative… more
Aug 27, 2021
As the Delta variant continues to cause some hesitancy about holding events, with a few shows cancelling and others taking place as planned, new research may hold the key to putting the industry’s mind at ease.
According to findings from a research partnership between Freeman, a global leader in events, and Epistemix, a computational modeling software company, large in-person business events are safe and do not increase local COVID-19 case rates.
“Based on the data we’ve seen, attending an in-person event is no riskier—in fact, less risky— than essential daily activities,” said Freeman… more
Aug 25, 2021
A working group organized by BPA Worldwide has come up with a solution for a pressing need that surfaced after one of the biggest pandemic pivots. An industry standard for reporting metrics was sorely needed for BPA-audited in-person shows that switched to virtual or hybrid events, along with maintaining status as an event approved by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
BPA iCompli Events provides verification of compliance with UFI industry standards for the measurement of trade show attendees and exhibitors.
“During the pandemic, priority one was to establish a digital… 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