News
Oct 11, 2021
While the Delta variant has certainly thrown a wrench in the industry’s recovery machine, major trade shows are continuing to happen in person—pandemic or no pandemic. Check out two recent events that not only took place safely and successfully but also exceeded expectations.
Utility Expo
As the largest premier event for utility professionals and construction contractors, The Utility Expo (formerly ICUEE) is known for showcasing the latest and greatest in cutting-edge industry technologies, innovations and trends. This year, the biennial event not only did just that but also in an… more
Oct 08, 2021
Spaceshop Commerce and ReedPop have partnered to launch “The Haul,” a virtual pop culture and fandom marketplace, built with Adobe Commerce.
The Haul integrates ReedPop’s digital and live events with a product marketplace featuring some of the biggest brands in pop culture, along with exclusive items from artists and retailers, replicating the fan-to-exhibitor discoverability found on the showfloor at their live conventions.
"The Haul represents a transformational digital first initiative, and what the future of commerce looks like for live events and beyond,” said Brandy Alexander-… more
Oct 08, 2021
CEDIA Expo, the leading trade event in smart home technology, joined the list of other shows that returned to an in-person format this year, pulling off a safe and impactful event that was amplified by a successful influencer program.
Held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Sept. 1-3, CEDIA Expo 2021, produced by Emerald, brought residential technology integrators, designers and trade professionals together face-to-face for the first time in two years to connect and discuss topics within the industry.
“For the return of this year’s in-person show, we selected a powerful… more
Oct 08, 2021
Joyce Leveston truly understands the transformative power of the convention industry. As a recent college graduate working as a telephone operator at the newly built San Diego Convention Center in 1989, she witnessed how the nascent venue was poised to transform what was then a sleepy military beach city into a highly desirable tourism and convention business destination. From then on she knew she was hooked.
“I will never forget how intrigued I was as I watched the venue being built from the ground up,” Leveston recollected. “I just wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and I… more
Oct 07, 2021
If the human species is good at one thing, it’s adapting. So too is the trade show and events industry, which was forced to “pivot” during the worst of the pandemic by moving into a more innovative, forward-thinking mindset via the leveraging of virtual event technology. What has resulted is a digital events revolution and a growing hybrid evolution that is likely to be a mainstay in the events world for the foreseeable future.
To meet the needs of events serving both in-person and virtual audiences, hybrid event production studios are popping up in cities and at convention centers across… more
Oct 06, 2021
Famous for the fortifications, cobblestone streets and colorful Spanish Colonial buildings of Old San Juan, founded in 1519, Puerto Rico is also becoming a favorite for something brand-new, and it’s as vibrant and infused with local heritage as the historic district. Distrito T-Mobile, a five-acre entertainment complex that was being unveiled in phases right across from the Puerto Rico Convention Center, is now fully open, taking the experience for residents, visitors and event attendees to new heights.
"In celebrating the opening of Distrito T-Mobile, we share with the world our goal of… more
Oct 06, 2021
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) recently wrapped up another successful edition of its signature Women’s Leadership Forum, during which Tarsus Group’s Rachel Wimberly was honored with the 2021 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award.
The award recognizes an IAEE member who has led the way in advancing women through her outstanding leadership in the industry and her community.
Wimberly, who is executive vice president of business development, Tarsus U.S. for Tarsus Group, parent company of Trade Show News Network (TSNN), has been a member of IAEE for 14 years and… more
Oct 04, 2021
More new hires and promotions seem to be occurring at record pace as the trade show and destination marketing industries continue to forge ahead. Check out who’s moving in and up at event-related organizations throughout the U.S. and across the globe.
ConvExx
Las Vegas-based independent trade show and event management company ConvExx recently awarded several team members with new titles.
Jennifer Carr has been promoted to vice president, trade show and event operations, in which she will be responsible for service contractor relationships, graphics and show décor, and assisting with… more
Oct 01, 2021
Amid a growing trend to put strict health and safety protocols in place at events, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has implemented a COVID-19 vaccine requirement, among other safety measures, for all in-person attendees and exhibitors of the hybrid Expo! Expo! IAEE Annual Meeting and Exhibition 2021. The event is scheduled for Dec. 7-9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) in Philadelphia.
IAEE officials said the organization is committed to providing the safest event experience possible at Expo! Expo! and is working closely with its show partners on… more
Oct 01, 2021
It’s no secret that waste is a leading sustainability issue plaguing the entire global hospitality industry. In the U.S. alone, nearly 40% of food waste is generated from consumer-facing businesses including restaurants and hotels, according to leading conservation organization World Wildlife Fund (WWF). But while hotels have made important strides in waste prevention and diversion over the last several years, industry-wide waste reduction has presented a significant challenge due to the absence of a common approach in collecting data and measuring and reporting waste. In other words, hotels… 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