Deborah Sexton Stepping Down from Professional Convention Management Association

After more than 12 years, President and CEO Deborah Sexton has decided to move on from the Professional Convention Management Association and will step down after the upcoming Convening Leaders event in January in Nashville.

Sexton shared her decision with the Board of Directors at the September meeting. The Board voted unanimously to approve COO Sherrif Karamat as the new CEO.

This follows careful succession planning at PCMA, where Sexton and Karamat have worked closely together since 2005.

International Exhibiting: 4 Tips to Keep You on Track

Submitted by lpsavas@tsnn.com on Fri, 12/01/2017 - 09:08

One of the best things about our industry is that we’re not limited by geography or cultural boundaries. Because each country has its own exhibiting style, rules and practices, it’s important to acquaint yourself and your team with the differences so you don’t go into this process blindly.

During my career, I’ve had the opportunity to manage global brand activations for many clients and I’ve developed practices that provide the best opportunity for success.

a2z Announces Launch of New Event Management and Marketing Solutions at Expo!Expo!

a2z, Inc., provider of cloud-based event management and marketing tools, has been busy developing several new event technology solutions for trade show, exhibition, conference and professional meeting organizers.

In an effort to spread the word about these solutions throughout the events industry, the company showcased three new offerings at Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting, held Nov. 28-30 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

CEIR Releases Updated Report Examining Exhibit Spending

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released an updated version of its popular report, How the Exhibit Dollar is Spent.

Originally published in 2014, the 2017 report relays how exhibiting expenditures break down and identifies where spending has remained constant – versus increasing – compared to 2016 levels.

“CEIR is pleased to update these metrics,” said Cathy Breden, CEO of CIER. “Exhibitors, organizers and suppliers alike will benefit from understanding where exhibitors spend their marketing dollars on trade shows.”

Emerald Expositions Events Acquires Connecting Point Marketing Group

Emerald Expositions Events acquired Connecting Point Marketing Group from lower-middle market private equity firm Corridor Capital, mezzanine investor Aldine Capital Partners and management.

Founded by Nancy Splaine and Kim Haulk in 2004 in Rye, N.H., CPMG organizes and hosts nine senior executive level business-intensive trade events focused on innovation for the hospitality, restaurant, healthcare, grocery and retail industries.

How Mixing Retro Approaches with Cutting-Edge Technology Engages Audiences

Submitted by lpsavas@tsnn.com on Tue, 11/28/2017 - 13:18

Have you noticed how certain styles always come back? Retro trends eventually circle around and become a hot commodity once again – from vintage board games to mid-century architecture and even acid-wash jeans (yes, really). And while retro trends may start out in consumer spaces, sooner or later they translate to the business-to-business space as well.

MGM Resorts International Launches New Upgraded Convention Wi-Fi Network, Supports Largest Cisco Live Event

MGM Resorts International has recently partnered with Cisco Systems and Mobilitie to upgrade and double its wireless infrastructure, resulting in the largest, technologically advanced system in the industry and the first in-house, high-density Wi-Fi network capable of supporting high-level events with sophisticated technology needs.

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