Association Show News

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Jan 09, 2022
From a spaceplane to a color-changing car, CES 2022 not only brought to light innovations from around the globe at its in-person and digital event, held Jan. 5-7 in Las Vegas, but is also likely to serve as a blueprint for producing large-scale trade shows this year.  The world’s most influential technology trade show welcomed over 2,300 exhibitors, including 900 startups launching innovative products in digital health, artificial intelligence, automotive, NFT and digital assets, just to name a few. Tens of thousands attended the show and, by all accounts, there was strong engagement on… more
Jan 05, 2022
The Exposition Development Company Inc. (ExpoDevCo) has been busy bolstering its partnership with the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) by hiring a content and media director and extending its management agreement with the leading trade show industry association. On Jan. 3, award-winning trade show industry journalist, Danica Tormohlen, assumed the newly created role of SISO’s content director, publisher and editor-in-chief, responsible for all of the organization’s media activities, communications and content creation. She joins the SISO management team full-time after working… 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 10, 2021
Destinations International, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) will launch Business Events Industry Week, aimed at bringing the global events industry to the U.S. Capital region and consolidating several important annual gatherings into one week. The inaugural Business Events Industry Week, taking place March 23-25, 2022, at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., will be dedicated to community, commerce, content, awards and advocacy in order to unite the global business… more
Dec 07, 2021
Following an incredibly challenging time for the $55 billion global attractions industry, IAAPA Expo 2021, the industry’s premier event, recently reconvened for the first time since 2019. Held Nov. 15-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., the festive trade show and conference opened its doors to more than 28,000 global attractions industry professionals seeking to network, learn and buy. Hosted by IAAPA, the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, the event featured more than 870 exhibiting companies from around the world touting new… more
Dec 02, 2021
Take a look at the jam-packed schedule of this year’s Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition, and it’s obvious why this annual gathering for trade show and event professionals is dubbed “the show for shows.” But this year, the show will serve as a homecoming for the $101 billion B2B exhibitions industry following two years without an in-person Expo! Expo! to help show organizers forge business connections, access premium learning opportunities and foster valuable peer relationships.  Set for Dec. 7-9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, the trade show and… more
Nov 29, 2021
After an almost two-year hiatus, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the trade association representing the $47.8 billion automotive specialty equipment industry, recently wrapped up a successful 2021 edition of the SEMA Show, the largest North American automotive trade show to take place since the pandemic shut the world down in 2020. Held Nov. 2-5 in all four halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the sprawling event attracted more than 100,000 attendees, exhibitors and media spanning 4.6 million square feet of convention space and an additional 2.2 million sq. ft… more
Nov 24, 2021
The co-chairs of the Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC), an industry-wide coalition created to showcase the undeniable value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions bring to people, businesses and communities, recently provided an update about next year’s Global Meetings Industry Day. Set for April 7, 2022, GMID is the meeting and event industry’s annual day of advocacy that shines a light on the positive impact that conferences, conventions and trade shows have on people, businesses and the economy. “For the seventh consecutive… more
Nov 23, 2021
As the trade show industry continues its return to in-person and exhibiting companies look forward to re-emerging at live events next year, some organizations may be taking a hard look at their exhibit properties and how they can make sure that all visitors remain safe and socially distanced. To understand how companies can design eye-catching exhibits that also adhere to the latest health and safety guidelines, TSNN consulted with the experts—in this case, Adam Deming, creative director of exhibit design at Skyline, to find out what exhibitors should be keeping in mind as they prepare to… 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