Association Show News

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Feb 15, 2018
Two leading event industry associations recently have released important research reports this month. The International Association of Exhibitions and Events released Personally Identifiable Information – Data Security, a 17-page report that provides a thorough overview of various aspects and considerations regarding personally identifiable information (PII) for the non-technical reader. “How data is handled should be a high-level priority for all exhibition industry organizations,” said David DuBois, IAEE president and CEO. “Understanding the importance of PII and the many considerations… more
Jan 31, 2018
The 2018 International Home + Housewares Show sold out in late December, more than 10 weeks before opening day March 10 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, according to the International Housewares Association, the show’s owner and operator. “The high demand to be a part of our world-class marketplace continues for our IHA member suppliers,” said Phil Brandl, IHA president & CEO. He added, “We look forward to bringing the industry together at the premier global housewares industry event.” The Show will host more than 2,100 exhibitors from around the world, including 400 new companies… more
Jan 31, 2018
ASAE Foundation names the five awardees for the Innovation Grants Program (IGP). Each grant recipient will receive $10,000, and they will be recognized during ASAE’s 2018 Great Ideas Conference March 11–13 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo. These grants are funded by support from the SunTrust Foundation, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston L.L.P. and GEICO. The five awardees are: American College of Rheumatology “Uniting Collaborators for Innovation” Atlanta, Ga. Association of College and University Housing Officers - International “Centralized Digital Signage Management”… more
Jan 17, 2018
The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association decided to scrap its 55-year old massive National RV Show, which it has held every November at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. Instead, association officials said they wanted to reinvent the annual event away from being a traditional trade show. “We must act now to provide our vibrant and innovative industry a platform to promote its successes and celebrate its wins,” RVIA officials said. They added, “The opportunity exists to deliver an all-industry event featuring expanded innovation and market development, unparalleled… more
Jan 17, 2018
The Professional Convention Management Association named Janet Tan-Collis, president of the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (SACEOS) and CEO of East West Planners Singapore, Janet Tan-Collis, as the 2017 Chairman’s Award honoree. Presented by Mary Pat Heftman, 2017 Chair of PCMA Board of Directors, the award was given at PCMA’s recent Convening Leaders event in Nashville and recognizes individuals or organizations for their unique achievements and contributions to the business events industry over the previous year. Singaporean Tan-Collis has… more
Jan 17, 2018
PCMA always has made a priority of providing top-notch education and thought-provoking keynote speakers for its annual Convening Leaders conference. But this year, the annual event for convention management professionals outdid itself in choosing Bill Strickland, who closed out the event with his heartfelt speech, “Leadership, Self-Worth, and the Ability to Transform Lives.” “All of our lives have purpose, and it’s up to each and every one of us to decide how we’re going to use it – to benefit ourselves or to reach out and help others,” said Craig Davis, president and CEO of Visit… more
Jan 03, 2018
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, recently opened a regional office in Latin America. Based in Bogota, Colombia, the new office will serve the growing number of UFI members across Latin America, and will be the base for collaborations with national and region industry associations like AFIDA, AMPROFEC, AOCA and UBRAFE. The position of the UFI Regional Manager for Latin America will be filled by Ana Maria Arango. "UFI is the global association for our exhibition industry. I am very pleased that we are now in a position to also have a permanent presence in Latin America… more
Dec 16, 2017
Ray Kopcinski, CMP, Carrie Freeman Parsons and Dr. Godwin Charles Ogbeide, PhD, MBA will be honored at the 2018 Visionary Awards on May 2 at the Marriott Marquis, Washington DC. More than 1,000 business events industry professionals will gather this spring at the Visionary Awards to honor these luminaries’ extraordinary contributions. Attendees will experience an Oscars-like evening with red carpet arrival, awards show, and after party, hosted by the PCMA Education Foundation and presented in partnership with Visit Austin and Austin Convention Center. “We are thrilled to celebrate these… more
Dec 14, 2017
Houston will soon host one of the largest meetings of dental professionals in the nation in 2022. The American Dental Association (ADA), Texas Dental Association (TDA) and Greater Houston Dental Society will combine respective conventions, collectively bringing more than 30,000 attendees to Houston's downtown campus, Avenida Houston. “We are enthused the ADA and its counterparts chose Houston as its destination for 2022,” said John Solis, senior vice president of sales for Visit Houston. He added, “As home to the largest medical center, Houston is a natural fit for medical meetings of… more
Dec 06, 2017
UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry has taken a look into their crystal ball and come up with “5 Trends to Watch in 2018”. The good news is the exhibition industry here in the US and in most places overseas continues to grow, the challenges include recruiting and retaining key talent and staying on top of security initiatives. Here are UFI’s “5 Trends to Watch in 2018”. 1. The seemingly stable core Despite political tensions, a rise in protectionism, and a perceived fragility of free trade, both the global economy and the exhibition industry as a whole are growing… 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