$5,000 Student Scholarship Sponsored by Reno-Sparks CVA to be Presented at TSNN Awards

When the TSNN Awards kicks off Nov. 1-3 in Reno, Nev., 50 show organizers who will be feted for their fastest-growing shows won’t be the only ones celebrating that weekend.

A student looking to start a career in the trade show industry also will receive the inaugural TSNN Awards Student Scholarship for $5,000 sponsored by the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority.

CEIR Index Indicates 1.3 Percent Q1 Growth Rate in Trade Show Industry

The pace of growth may be slowing, but the trade show industry still just keeps moving in a positive direction, with the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Index showing a 1.3-percent increase to kick off the first quarter of this year, compared with the same time period last year.

Even though it’s the eleventh straight quarter with an uptick, the year started out lagging behind the overall GDP, which saw 1.8 percent growth, compared with Q1 2012.

The fourth quarter of 2012 ended with a more modest growth rate of 0.9 percent, according to CEIR.

BNP Media Acquires Converters Expo

Deerfield, Ill.-based BNP Media bought the Green Bay, Wis.-based Converters Expo from owner Susan Stansbury, who started the annual event seven years ago.

The purchase includes Converting Influence, a digital newspaper that serves the industry.

"The acquisition of Converting Influence and Converters Expo, both headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., complements our industry segment involvement, including some 50 industry magazines and expertise in hosting 30+ annual trade shows,” said Randy Green, group publisher for BNP Media.

Cathy Griffith Named Nielsen Expositions Operation Director

Cathy Griffith has been promoted to operations director for Nielsen Expositions, replacing Cindy Sample, who now runs the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show.

Griffith also will oversee the production of the ASD events, a general merchandise show with more than 2,800 exhibitors held biannually in Las Vegas, as well as spearheading several centralized services for Nielsen Expositions, according to company officials.

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NO WISH IS TOO BIG AT THE ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
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
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