News
Aug 03, 2021
One of the many effects of the pandemic was the movement of many city residents to nearby suburbs. The same reasons for the mini-exodus, namely cost and convenience, could also lead more events to make similar leaps.
If any region is capable of a shift in event locations, it’s the surrounding areas outside the nation’s capital. Beyond being home to the federal government, Washington, D.C. and its neighboring counties are the hub of many national associations. Marriott International makes its home in nearby Bethesda, Maryland (where its new headquarters will also be located) and Hilton’s… more
Aug 02, 2021
The Events Industry Council (EIC) recently launched an interactive, self-paced online version of its in-person Sustainable Event Professional Certificate Program (SEPC), putting educational opportunities within easier reach for event planners, suppliers and sustainability professionals seeking to improve the environmental performance of their events and services.
Developed by a globally diverse group of business events industry leaders and experts in sustainability, social impact and event management, the course covers 16 modules that include understanding the business value of… more
Jul 30, 2021
San Francisco-based Hubilo has been at the forefront of the virtual and hybrid event boom that continues to reshape the attendee experience, and the company’s latest developments further enhance its ability to deliver industry-leading event tech experiences.
Hubilo recently unveiled its newly improved, all-in-one virtual and hybrid events platform and formed a strategic partnership with Rockville, Md-based Precon Events.
The latest release of Hubilo’s platform comes with new features designed to improve attendee engagement, nurture greater human connection and elevate the ROI of events in… more
Jul 29, 2021
With the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reversing its stance on mask-wearing for fully vaccinated people July 27, Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said that adhering to the new recommendations allows people to continue to safely return to their professional lives, including in-person meetings and events.
“From the onset, we have said our industry will follow the guidance of public health authorities,” Dow said. “The last thing we want is a backslide in the nascent recovery of travel, particularly as business travel slowly begins to rebuild.”
He added, “The… more
Jul 28, 2021
Do you want to leave your event audience stunned just like the last marketing campaign of a brand you fell in love with? Convincing potential attendees to attend your event is a difficult task.
Get these five marketing strategies in place for your next event, and see a flurry of global audiences come your way.
Invite attendees to pre-login and network with peers: Replicate the X factor of a meet-and-greet for your virtual attendees. Invite them to a virtual soiree where they can pre-login onto the virtual event platform to interact with people of similar interests. This marketing tactic… more
Jul 28, 2021
Full-service production company CNTV has been helping clients tell their unique stories through dynamic video coverage experiences for nearly 14 years. To amplify those messages and further boost engagement, attendance and revenue, the company recently launched CNTV Marketing, offering a one-stop solution for the meetings, exhibitions, and events industry.
“We’ve consistently heard from clients that they are interested in more holistic offerings from CNTV, and the marketing division will provide just that,” said Carrie Ferenac, co-founder and president of the company. “It’s not only about… more
Jul 28, 2021
As live trade shows begin to take place in person, many are enjoying a surge of pent-up demand as attendees and exhibitors jump at the chance to conduct face-to-face business once again. Here are two events that not only pulled off successful iterations last month, but were also the first live, in-person trade shows representing their respective industries to take place since the pandemic began.
Sweets & Snacks Expo
It seems like a no-brainer that the Sweets & Snacks Expo would return to the world during National Candy Month. Held June 22-25 at the Indiana Convention Center in… more
Jul 27, 2021
When Josh Hotsenpiller developed the idea of a platform launching events into the virtual world, he sought a name that matched what he believed to be an out-of-this-world idea. Juno, the name of a satellite orbiting Jupiter, immediately jumped out.
JUNO, Hotsenpiller’s company, has been firing on all cylinders since launching in mid-2020. Already a successful entrepreneur through CrowdHub and three previous start-ups, Hotsenpiller saw there was space in the ever-evolving events industry to reach a new level of connection. He has not so quietly been building an all-star team to meet the… more
Jul 26, 2021
Mirroring the red-hot U.S. job market, the trade show and events industry is continuing to experience an influx of new hires and promotions as it works to get back to normal. Check out who’s moving up the ladder at a host of organizations across the events spectrum:
Clarion Events
Clarion Events has appointed 20-year trade show industry veteran Rita Ugianskis-Fishman as vice president of its Food & Beverage Group show portfolio, which includes the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo; Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show; International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New… more
Jul 23, 2021
Life at one of the busiest convention centers in the U.S. has been anything but idle over the past 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. New York City’s Javits Center closed for events last year, but it has been humming with other activity ever since, playing a key role in the recovery of the Empire State while operating as a COVID-19 field hospital then as the largest vaccination site in the U.S., administering more than 600,000 shots.
Behind the scenes, it was also busy working on the final phase of a $1.5 billion expansion that was completed in May, adding 1.2 million square feet of total… 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