Association Show News

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Nov 03, 2015
Meeting Professionals International has acquired the assets of Plan Your Meetings, a privately-owned educational and networking resources company based in Atlanta. Plan Your Meetings produces live education, networking events, an award-winning annual meeting planning guide and a variety of digital resources and tools for meeting planners in the U.S.  The acquisition of Plan Your Meetings’ assets strengthens MPI’s portfolio of professional development offerings and supports MPI’s strategic vision to be the first choice for professional career development for its members and the global… more
Oct 30, 2015
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ CONEXPO-CON/AGG already is the largest show in the United States, and now it’s reaching new heights in South America as well. CONEXPO Latin America, which debuted Oct. 21-24, 2015, in Santiago, Chile (Espacio Riesco), attracted nearly 32,600 attendees from more than 90 countries. The top five Latin American countries besides the host country (in order) were Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia. “The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has a longstanding commitment to Latin America to advance business development and cooperation; we are… more
Oct 28, 2015
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) brought together a broad base of DMO industry leaders and thought leaders during the organization’s first-ever Strategic Innovation Summit, held Oct. 7-8 in Dallas. The efforts from this meeting, led by Soren Kaplan of InnovationPoint, built the framework for DMAI’s 2016-2017 Strategic Plan, according to DMAI officials. “We wanted to focus on the core values of the organization: Innovation, Transparency, Responsiveness and in particular Inclusiveness,” said Bob Lander, president and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and… more
Oct 27, 2015
Robert Mesirow, vice president of business operations for CTIA – The Wireless Association, will be stepping down, after 17 years at the association. “I want to thank CTIA, its board members and all of the wireless executives I have collaborated with over the years.  Special thanks to my dedicated team,” Mesirow said. He added, “This Association has been at the forefront of every major mobile event since the inception of the wireless industry, and it’s been a great ride!” Nov. 4 is Mesirow’s last day at CTIA, and he said he will be staying in the industry as well. There was a shakeup in… more
Oct 27, 2015
Just a few weeks before doors open, more than 1,000 companies from nearly 40 countries already have reserved approximately 553,000 net square feet of exhibit space for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2015, making it the second largest trade show floor in the event's 97-year history.  Indoor space has sold out, and a limited amount of outdoor space still is available. IAAPA Attractions Expo is owned and produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The exhibitors, including 140 first-timers, will showcase the latest products and innovative services in the… more
Oct 24, 2015
This year was a busy one so far for the Exhibitions Mean Business advocacy effort aimed at spreading awareness about the tremendous value of face-to-face events. “The Exhibitions Mean Business Campaign is a key component in promoting the value of face-to-face events as the primary marketing medium for business growth and development,” said IAEE’s President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. He added, “When you consider the more than $70 billion that attendee and exhibitor direct and indirect spending contributed to the US GDP in 2014, along with the millions of jobs created by this… more
Oct 13, 2015
The International Association of Conference Centres has elected Alex Cabañas as global president, effective immediately.   Alex Cabañas, CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International, will serve a two-year term as head of the association, which has over 350 conference and meeting venue members in 22 countries worldwide.  Cabañas has been active with IACC for a number of years and serves as vice president of the IACC-Americas chapter, having joined the IACC-Americas board in 2011 and the IACC Global Board in 2012.    During his tenure, Cabañas co-chaired a task force to… more
Oct 13, 2015
Naylor Association Solutions, a provider of member engagement and revenue solutions for the North American association marketplace, has produced an exclusive, association- focused online video channel and is partnered with 10 state, local, and regional societies of association executives at this time. The channel showcases syndicated content, focusing on key topics of interest, while engaging audiences and sharing best practices and leadership tips for association professionals in segments of three minutes or less. Along with easy to consume videos, the channel has a responsive design that… more
Oct 07, 2015
Urban Expositions and the Retail Confectioners Association of Philadelphia (RCAP) have decided two is better than one and will collocate their shows next year.  As part of the arrangement, the RCAP's Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show (Jan. 9-11) formerly held in Atlantic City, will move to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Penn. to run alongside Urban Expositions' Philadelphia Gift Show (Jan. 8-11). Urban and the RCAP will each operate its respective show independently - utilizing one cohesive floorplan at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center to ensure… more
Oct 06, 2015
Trade Show News Network is pleased to announce that the 3rd annual TSNN Awards $5,000 Student Scholarship awardee is Sophia Hatchitt, a student pursuing event management at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality. The scholarship is sponsored by the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (Reno Tahoe USA), and Hatchitt will receive the funds and be feted during the celebration gala dinner at the 6th Annual TSNN Awards Nov. 6-8 in Atlanta. “I am incredibly honored to be chosen as TSNN 2015 scholarship recipient,” Hatchitt said. “I am so grateful to the Reno-… 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