News
Dec 29, 2021
Following the surge in online events that has swept the industry since the pandemic started, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and networking platform AC Forum have unveiled Digital Events Outlook: Insights, Behaviours, Best Practices. Funded by the PCMA Foundation, the report aims to demystify key myths about digital events and provide event organizers with a checklist for planning them in the future.
The release of the research findings coincides with a two-year strategic partnership between PCMA and AC Forum that is intended to strengthen both organizations through… more
Dec 28, 2021
The event industry has become a poster child for change. Before COVID-19, in-person events were the rule. Then, virtual events emerged to adjust for the world’s new normal of staying home and lessening contact with the outside world. Now, in-person events are slowly coming back … somewhat.
Now that event organizers have seen virtual, they can’t unsee it. Having reaped the benefits of virtual events, like cost savings, many organizations want the best of both the in-person and virtual worlds. To give you a better understanding of this shift, here are seven compelling reasons why hybrid… more
Dec 27, 2021
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) recently released Report One: Marketing Channel Mix During Pandemic and Outlook Moving Forward for Brand Marketers That Exhibit at B2B Exhibitions from its newest research series, Omnichannel Marketing Insights. The series details omnichannel marketing practices while the pandemic shut down the business-to-business (B2B) exhibition industry in mid-March 2020 and anticipated plans moving forward through 2022.
Along with benchmarks on the marketing channel mix used during the pandemic, it assesses the extent by which participants will return… more
Dec 22, 2021
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) chose a stellar lineup of recipients for its 2021 IAEE Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions by IAEE members to the organization and to the exhibitions and events industry.
Rachel Wimberly of Tarsus Group, parent company of Trade Show News Network (TSNN) was among the 13 winners this year.
Recipients were selected after careful consideration and review by the IAEE Awards Committee and approval by the IAEE Board of Directors following an open call for nominations by IAEE members earlier in the year.
“It is a great… more
Dec 21, 2021
We at TSNN can probably speak for a lot of event industry professionals when we say “good riddance 2021!” with perhaps more gusto than in past years (other than the dumpster fire that was 2020, of course).
While many of us are likely feeling cautiously optimistic about our industry’s recovery given the global health challenges we still face, in the U.S., in-person trade shows have been steadily making a comeback, attendees and exhibitors are wanting to meet face-to-face again, organizations are hiring in droves, and industry professionals are striking a tone of optimism that we haven’t… more
Dec 20, 2021
Global trade show organizer Montgomery Group has teamed up with Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) to expand the Independent Hotel Show, which has successful editions in London and Amsterdam, into the North American market. Set for Nov. 2-3, 2022 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Independent Hotel Show Miami will connect independent, boutique and luxury hoteliers with quality, handpicked suppliers from the U.S. and abroad.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Montgomery Group to expand their successful Independent Hotel Show brand into North America,” said ExpoDevCo COO… more
Dec 17, 2021
As part of its evolving lineup of innovative technology solutions, Maritz Global Events gave attendees at the recent IAEE Expo! Expo! show in Philadelphia a sneak peek of its new First Person Experiences initiative. The new technology is designed to increase return on investment for event organizers through a digital replica of a trade show, product launch or other event experience.
First Person Experiences extends the value of a live event, increases audience reach and creates incremental revenue, according to Aaron Dorsey, vice president of product management for Maritz Global Events.
“… more
Dec 16, 2021
ASM Global announced a new name for the 723,000-square-foot convention center that it has managed in downtown Detroit since 2010. Formerly named Cobo Center, then TCF Center after TCF Bank purchased the naming rights for the facility in 2019, the venue is now known as Huntington Place. The new name comes after the recent merger between TCF Financial Corp. and Huntington Bank.
According to Karen Totaro, general manager of Huntington Place/ASM Global, Huntington is a well-respected brand, and the timing of the new moniker could not be any better.
“The renaming comes at a time when Detroit… more
Dec 15, 2021
Tarsus Group has grown its portfolio of more than 180 trade shows worldwide even more with two new investments in the United States - FounderMade and Health Connect Partners (HCP).
These mark the latest in a busy year for the global B2B media company, which has completed six investments throughout 2021, while also reopening in-person events in the majority of its key territories.
FounderMade and HCP will join Tarsus Group as part of its newly created Tarsus Health division, covering the healthcare, wellness and nutrition industries.
In addition to the new investments, the division also… more
Dec 14, 2021
As the first face-to-face IBTM portfolio event to take place in two years, IBTM World once again succeeded in reuniting the global meeting, incentives, conference and events industry in Barcelona, Spain. Held Nov. 30–Dec. 2 at Fira de Barcelona, the annual industry event attracted more than 7,000 attendees, who participated in more than 30,000 pre-scheduled, one-to-one business meetings, as well as a slew of networking and premium education opportunities.
“This has been an incredibly rewarding three days, and it has been amazing to see people reconnect after so long apart,” said David… 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