Anaheim, Los Angeles and Orlando CVBs All Need to Fill Top Post

It’s an extraordinary time in the world of DMOs, with three large city’s bureaus - the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, the Anaheim/Orange County Convention & Visitor Bureau and Visit Orlando - currently looking to find someone to fill their top posts.

After nine years running the bureau in Los Angeles, Mark Liberman recently announced he is going to retire to spend more time with his wife, Karen, as well as increase his work with the Alzheimer’s Association.

Offshore Technology Conference, Coverings Sees Double-digit Attendee Increases

Optimism on the showfloors from wide-ranging industries continues to abound with two more shows – the Offshore Technology Conference and Coverings – both posting substantial increases in attendance and other metrics.

The Offshore Technology Conference, held April 30-May 3 at Reliant Park in Houston drew a 30-year high attendance of 89,400, the third highest in show history and up 14 percent from last year.

Meeting Industry Controversy – I Wrote My Congressman

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Sun, 05/13/2012 - 21:06

I wrote to my representative in Congress this week.  As a proud participant in the Meetings Industry, I am concerned about the backlash that has popped up around the abuses by people working for the GSA in regards to inappropriate use of money spent in regards to conferences.  Similar bad press rumbled around in 2008 because of the WordCom fiasco and the 2011 "MuffinGate".

LIGHTFAIR International Lights Up Las Vegas

Go to enough trade shows and you’ll notice that every event seems to have its own personality, flavor and attitude. Some shows are innovative and visually appealing, some lively and fun, while others more focused and serious.

LIGHTFAIR International, the world’s largest annual trade show and conference for the architectural and commercial lighting industry, could be described as all of the above.

Visit Orlando's President and CEO Gary Sain's Memorial Service Information

A week ago, the trade show industry was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Gary Sain, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.

Below are the memorial and other arrangements to honor Gary.

Visitation will take place from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, May 11, at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 301 N.E. Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804; 407-898-8111.

Four Seasons Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia

Address:
Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said
Jakarta
12920
Indonesia
Venue contact telephone
62 (21) 252-3456
Fax
62 (21) 252-4480

Despite Date Shift, National Restaurant Show Draws a Big Crowd to Sold-out Showfloor

Mary Pat Heftman, executive vice president for the National Restaurant Association’s NRA Show 2012, remembers the exact day - July, 26, 2011 - she was told the event was going to have to move off of its traditional late-May show dates at Chicago’s McCormick Place for what was then supposed to be the G8 Summit (now NATO Summit) coming to town.

“We were 80-percent sold out,” Heftman said. “We saw 8-percent attrition (of exhibitors) at that point.”

2013 SIA Snow Show Already Sold Out at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center

Even after a mild winter this year, exhibitors for next year’s SIA Snow Show are betting on good times, buying out all of the space on the showfloor nine months in advance.

 

The announcement came during SnowSports Industries America’s annual spring board of directors meeting that was held in conjunction with the National Ski Areas Association National Convention & Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas.

 

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