New Business Contracts: Registration, Management, Exhibit Sales Companies Sign, Renew Contract

The summer months have not slowed down business in the event industry, with several companies signing new contracts and renewing existing ones to kick off the sunny season.

SEMI, producer of SEMICON West, has renewed their contract for another three years with Convention Data Services (CDS), its registration partner for the past nine years.

IMEX America Launches New CSR Initiative, Coincides with World Environment Day

Just before the United Nations’ World Environment Day 2016, which was June 5, the IMEX Group revealed a new volunteer CSR initiative that’s set to take place in Las Vegas the day before IMEX America 2016 opens in October.

“We’re thrilled to be launching this new project, which gives a fresh dimension to our legacy work in Las Vegas,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.

InfoComm International Breaks Exhibitor, Showfloor Records at Las Vegas Convention Center

InfoComm International, for the commercial audiovisual and information communications industries, saw record growth in not only exhibitors, with 1,000 on the floor and 211 of them being first-timers, but also the showfloor expanded to 527,105 net square feet of exhibit and special events space — also a show record.

“The AV industry’s commitment to advancing technology and showcasing it at InfoComm has never been stronger,” said Jason McGraw, senior vice president of Expositions, InfoComm International.

First-ever Global Exhibitions Day, U.S.-based Exhibitions Day Both Raise Awareness of Industry

The first-ever Global Exhibitions Day, which included the third annual U.S.-based Exhibitions Day, was a smashing success and not only included more than 60 countries taking part worldwide, but also 100-plus event professionals, who took meetings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to discuss the value of exhibitions.

JCK Revamps, Moves into New Mandalay Bay Convention Center Space

JCK Las Vegas, the flagship show of Jewelry Market Week, began its 2016 show June 3 with a revamped shopping experience utilizing the new expansion of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.  From the new entrance straight from the parking lot to a redesigned floorplan, it sparkled with jewels and inspiration.

“We had to move 2,000 companies this year because of the upgrades to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center,” said Katie Dominesey, industry Vice president for JCK Las Vegas and JCK Tucson.

Trade Show Industry Bucks Sluggish Overall Economy, Surges 2.6 Percent in Q1 2016

Driven by strong industry sectors including building, construction, food and transportation, as well as overall growth in trade show industry revenues, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research Index report indicated that the industry continued its growth streak in Q1 this year, with a 2.6-percent increase, compared with the same quarter last year.

The results were positive, despite a sluggish macroeconomy, and marked the 23rd consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth.

Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum Draws 220-plus Attendees to D.C. Event

More than 220 attendees, which included top-level association and for-profit executives from companies worldwide, gathered June 1 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C., along with 37 sponsors, eight media representatives and seven meeting and trade show industry associations, to network and learn about the latest trends.

Sam Lippman, president and founder of Lippman Connects, which produces the event, said that this year’s ECEF had not only a record number of sponsors, but also a record number of new sponsors.

The Rental Show: From “Experiment” to World-leading Show

What began as an experiment in the 1950s to see how American Rental Association (ARA) members and rental store owners would respond has now become the largest equipment rental trade show in the world.

It all started in January 1956, when 29 rental operators gathered in a Kansas City, Mo., restaurant for their first Annual Meeting. January was chosen because it was the slow season for rental business, and members
could more easily be away from their stores.

UBM Acquires Content Marketing Institute with Content Marketing World Event

UBM continues to expand its portfolio in the U.S. with the acquisition of Content Marketing Institute, which produces the annual Cleveland, Ohio-based event – Content Marketing World.

In addition, CMI holds the annual Intelligent Content Conference, as well as has media channels and marketing services that support and inform the content marketing community.

Entertainment Software Association Launches Public Event Alongside E3 Expo

Video gamers likely are rejoicing today, with the Entertainment Software Association, producers of the annual E3 Expo for the video gaming industry, unveiling a new event – E3 Live - that will be open to the public.

On tap June 14-16 at L.A. Live, the same time as E3 Expo next door at the Los Angeles Convention Center, video gamers will have the opportunity to enjoy video games, music, competitions and video game swag from some of the biggest names in the industry.  

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