AIBTM Will Look to Crowdsourcing to Discover Future of Meetings

With more than 1,000 meeting planners, another 1,000 trade visitors and plenty of suppliers onsite for Reed Travel Exhibitions’ annual AIBTM – The Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition, it’s the perfect opportunity to reach out to the gathered community through crowdsourcing and ask them what the future of the meetings industry might look like.

“We want to know what they are seeing in their world,” said AIBTM Exhibition Director Michael Lyons.

Philadelphia Flower Show: Almost Two Centuries Old, Still Going Strong

The Philadelphia Flower Show, the nation’s largest indoor flower show, opened its doors March 2 for the 185th year, and visitors from all over the world experienced 10 acres of floral fantasy.

 

This year’s theme was “Brilliant!” That’s not an opinion, it comes from the British word for something that’s inventive, dazzling, extraordinary. As in, “that hat you are wearing is brilliant!”

 

As you can imagine, a show that’s run for this length of time has seen its share of boom times and lean years.

Tarsus Group's Same-show Cycle Revenues Up 18 Percent for 2012

U.K.-based Tarsus Group ended 2012 on a high note, with not only an increase in revenues, compared with 2010 - its same-show cycle year, but also the company completed its “Project 50/13” early, in which 50 percent of its revenues would be derived from emerging markets by the end of 2013.

“2012 was a landmark year with the early completion of Project 50/13,” said Neville Buch, Tarsus’ chairman.

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