5th Annual ASSEMBLY Show Experiences Growth in Attendance, Exhibit Space

Last month, 5,250 engineers and executives responsible for assembly manufacturing converged at the 5th Annual ASSEMBLY Show, held Oct. 24-26 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.

​​​​​The trade show and conference, which focuses on assembly technology, equipment and products, boasted a 12 percent increase in attendance and a 15 percent increase in exhibit space, compared with 2016, according to BNP Media, which produces the show.

Join #Expochat on Weds: Free Advice for Trade Show Professionals: What to Keep, Start and Stop

Let’s apply a Keep, Start, Stop framework to some of the challenges and opportunities we have as trade show professionals.

Bring your opinions on marketing personas, double carpet padding, elephants in the room, lead retrieval and experience design this Weds. At 1 p.m. ET to the #Expochat Tweetchat.

Shepard Launches Suite of Technology Solutions That Connect Data to Actionable Insights

Full-service event production company, Shepard, has launched tecCONNECT, a suite of technology solutions designed to help event organizers navigate and select the right tech offerings for their specific needs.

Comprising three primary service offerings: Select, Consult and Insights, tecCONNECT solutions range from tech vendor matchmaking to integration and implementation to artificial intelligence-powered data services.

TSNN/SISO Research: What is on the Minds of Top For-profit, Association Show Organizers?

Leading a show from a top for-profit business-to-business exhibition company or an association with a sizable trade show is no easy task.

That’s why TSNN and Access Intelligence Research & Consulting recently partnered with the Society of Independent Show Organizers to take a deeper look into what current challenges leaders in the exhibition industry are facing.

CVBs Partner with Event Planners to Draw More Attendees and Exhibitors to Destinations

Trade show and meeting planners choose their destinations carefully, bringing many factors into the decision-making process. One factor is the city’s appeal as a travel destination. According to International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ (IAEE’s) Decision to Attend Study, 78 percent of attendees cite the destination as a top driver for attending a convention. It’s little surprise then, that Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) are helping planners promote the destination to their audiences.

NPE2018: The Plastics Show Selected to Participate in 2018 International Buyer Program

NPE2018: The Plastics Show has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Commerce to participate in its 2018 International Buyer Program (IBP).

The IBP is a joint government-industry effort under the jurisdiction of the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA) that brings thousands of international buyers to the U.S. for B2B matchmaking with U.S. firms exhibiting at major industry trade shows.

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