CEIR Report Indicates Attracting Attendees to Shows Strongest with Personal Contacts

It doesn’t come as a surprise that the No. 1 reason attendees decide to go to a specific show is through someone they know or by word of mouth, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research report “Attracting Attendees”.

"This report provides very important, current insights to help organizers and exhibitors align their marketing approaches with current attendee behaviors and preferences,” said CEIR Research Director Nancy Drapeau.

New Craft Beverage Expo Will Serve Growing Industry

Until now, there hasn’t been a trade show to serve the explosive growth of the multibillion dollar craft beverage industry.

Next year, though, a new event produced by VP International, the Craft Beverage Expo, will launch May 6-8 at the San Jose (Calif.) McEnery Convention Center for an industry that encompasses boutique wineries, craft breweries, craft distilleries and other producers of small batch hand-made alcoholic beverages.

International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence

May 24th, 2015 - May 27th, 2015

Fashion Industry Gallery - Spring 1

October 21st, 2015 - October 23rd, 2015

Fashion Industry Gallery - Holiday / Resort

August 12th, 2015 - August 14th, 2015

Fall 2 / Winter 2013

June 3rd, 2015 - June 5th, 2015

Association for Behavior Analysis International - ABAI 41st Annual Convention

May 22nd, 2015 - May 26th, 2015
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