News
Dec 09, 2022
Leading global industry trade association International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has become the latest organization to give its full support to VSef (Virtual Standard Export Format), including the RSDE (Reporting Standards for Digital Events) standards, citing the continued value and importance of digital events within the world’s expositions and meetings industry.
VSef was launched by event insights platform Explori in early 2021 as a response to the rising uptake of digital event platforms and the increase in virtual event experiences. Its goal was creating a global… more
Dec 09, 2022
Webinars are a great way to host internal meetings, conduct team training and deliver unique brand experiences to existing and potential clients. While some brands use webinars as a part of demand gen strategy, others vouch for their effectiveness in lead generation. Studies suggest that the average webinar generates 500-1000 leads and has a 55% conversion rate. This looks great in numbers, but it takes a lot of effort to achieve these results in practicality.
Promotions
Emails, custom landing pages, social media promotions, and branded communities are some ways to promote your webinar.… more
Dec 08, 2022
Collaboration, commitment and consistency emerged as key themes, as a comprehensive roadmap for the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative was announced at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP27, held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 6-18.
The ambitious initiative, launched in 2021 through an alliance between the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) and the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), is the events industry’s global campaign to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and the new roadmap outlines exactly how the industry can achieve the goal.
Supported by… more
Dec 08, 2022
Learning and engagement opportunities will abound both on and off the show floor at this year’s Expo! Expo!, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ (IAEE) Annual Meeting & Exhibition, set for Dec. 13-15, at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Ky.
With a 2022 theme of “Expo! Expo! is THE PLACE TO BE,” the ever-popular “Show for Shows” will once again offer a jam-packed schedule of not-to-miss educational content, networking events and collaborative opportunities, while a vibrant trade show floor will feature more than 200 industry suppliers… more
Dec 06, 2022
As the meetings and trade show industry continues its post-pandemic rebound, Sodexo convention center workers in five major convention markets are warning of looming labor disputes over what they describe as poor working conditions and stagnant wages. The potentially impacted venues include the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Huntington Place in Detroit and the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, Calif.
On Nov. 21, cooks, dishwashers, banquet servers, concession… more
Dec 05, 2022
Major players in the meetings, trade show and events industry have been quietly securing new business deals and renewing existing partnerships as they set their sights on a strong and prosperous future for their respective businesses and premium event experiences for the audiences they serve. Take a look!
Tarsus Group
London, U.K.-based B2B events and media company Tarsus Group (Tarsus) and Fern Exposition Services, LLC (Fern), a leading national marketing support and trade show services provider, recently formed a multi-year partnership.
Under the terms of the agreement, Fern… more
Dec 02, 2022
A testament to the far-reaching footprint of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, set the stage for the organization's largest annual “must-attend” event: UFI Global Congress, where positivity prevailed at an impressive, collaborative gathering of industry leaders from around the world.
The 89th edition of the congress took place at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Center (OCEC) Nov. 14-17, with more than 400 delegates attending to learn, network, discuss trends and challenges, drive business and get a preview into the industry for 2023.… more
Dec 02, 2022
After being introduced to trade shows 40 years ago during his first job in public relations for the Netherlands Chambers of Commerce, Jimé Essink has had a prolific career in the trade show and conference industry, and his enthusiasm for events has never waned.
“I am passionate about the teamwork and what goes behind the organization of events, the anxiousness and anticipation if all will go well, and the shared excitement when the event is a success,” Essink said. “I will, for example, never forget the joy we had with the Hong Kong jewelry team, when we split the show successfully over… more
Dec 01, 2022
While the hiring craze that consumed the trade show industry over the past 18 months is showing signs of winding down, event-related organizations far and wide are still welcoming new and experienced talent to their teams, including established industry veterans, as they set their focus on success and growth in the new year ahead. Take a look!
ASM Global
Global venue and event strategy and management leader ASM Global has named industry veteran Kelvin D. Moore as regional vice president and general manager of McCormick Place in Chicago. As general manager, he will not only focus on… more
Nov 29, 2022
Global hospitality leader Sodexo Live! has launched a milestone initiative focused on mental health, career advancement and increasing diversity among its workforce of more than 40,000 employees. Aptly named “People Ambition,” the venue management company’s progressive new Employer Value Proposition (EVP) will include additional resources, training and mentorship opportunities in an effort to attract, retain and grow its ranks of premium hospitality providers.
Based on quantitative yearlong findings from more than 50 surveys of current employees across all roles at the company, from… more
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