Archery and Surfing Shows Post Positive Results
January 22, 2014
Despite winter weather causing havoc the past few weeks, archery and surfing enthusiasts weren’t deterred from being at shows in those sectors, resulting in positive numbers for attendance and exhibitors.
The 2014 (Archery Trade Association) Trade Show was held Jan. 6-8 in Nashville, Tenn. - smack dab in the middle of the Polar Vortex pushing bone-chilling temperatures into the United States – but that didn’t stop the show from achieving record-breaking results.
Setting one record was a total of 1,047 retail and distribution buying companies represented by a near-record 3,193 individual dealers, distributors and buyers attended the show, as well as 584 exhibitors, which topped previous numbers.
“There’s no doubt we were lucky we didn’t get caught in Indianapolis this year, where the snow fall and winter weather were far worse,” said ATA President and CEO Jay McAninch.
He added, “But this Show — in spite of travel disruptions — drew record attendance from our all-important retailer/buyer/distributor membership. Frankly, the word we got from nearly all exhibitors was the 2014 show set new records for orders and for the strength of the people walking the showfloor. “
The show also saw a record-setting amount of attendees this year, with 8,944, up from 8,253 at last year’s event.
Driven by first-time exhibitors, Surf Expo, held Jan. 9-11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Florida, also saw a record-breaking event.
Out of the 2,500 booths on the busy showfloor, 230 of them were there for the first time, an increase of 6 percent, compared with last year’s event.
"With more exhibitor booths, and more first-time buyers and stores in attendance, the result was a vibrant marketplace,” said Surf Expo Show Director Roy Turner.
He added, “We always strive to bring together a quality mix of exhibitors and buyers - and the feedback confirms that we achieved this goal. We are pleased that we continue to be a show known for generating business.”
Surf Expo, recently part of Emerald Expositions acquisition of George Little Management, was named the overall fastest-growing show for attendance at last year’s TSNN Awards event in Reno, Nev.
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
Add new comment