Jun 30, 2015
Nearly six years have passed since the $600 million expansion project was completed on the Phoenix Convention Center, providing attendees with nearly 900,000 square feet of event space. Just steps away from downtown Phoenix, the convention center sits on a 26-acre campus and is linked to downtown and several hotels via the new light rail system. The expansion provided several elements that positioned the convention center for the future. There is more than 300,000 sq. ft. of continuous exhibition hall space that connects the North and West Buildings, including 190,000 sq. ft. of virtually… more
Jun 29, 2015
Launched in 1992, Anime Expo, which promotes Japanese Pop Culture and the arts related to Japanese Animation, recently signed on to be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center through 2019. The show, on tap July 2-5 and owned by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the show is billed as the largest anime convention in North America, with 100,000 attendees expected at this year’s event. In 2014, the show attracted 80,000 attendees, and in 2013, the show drew 61,000 attendees.  “2015 marks Anime Expo’s 24th year and we are excited for another… more
Jun 26, 2015
The trade show industry continues to be busy, with several promotions and new hires within supplier and show management companies. Rick McConnell, who already was president of Informa Exhibitions U.S. Construction & Real Estate, has expanded his role to include being named president of Informa Canada as well. “McConnell’s tradeshow career, expertise in growing businesses and strong leadership skills made him the natural choice for this dual role in managing and growing these North American teams,” said Will Morris, CEO of Informa Exhibitions. He added, “With his outstanding track record,… more
Jun 25, 2015
Even though Tropical Storm Bill was making land and approaching Austin, Texas, HITEC 2015 packed just as strong of a punch.  The show June 15-18 at the Austin Convention Center and topped last year’s numbers, with more than 6,000 attendees, a sold out exhibit floor of 86,000 square feet and 823 exhibitors. “We have seen standing room only in several boot camps, we sold out for exhibitors, and we see how important technology has become in the hospitality sector,” said Steven Stout, director of meetings and special events, HFTP. He added, “There is a whole new world to keep up with, and IT… more
Jun 25, 2015
Following the trend of dropping the lengthier monikers, the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau now is called Visit Anaheim. After more than 20 years as AOCVCB, the bureau streamlined its name and introduced a new brand. “A year’s worth of brand exploration, consumer, meetings and travel trade research told us clearly that we needed a name and brand that is reflective of our organization’s mission,” said Jay Burress, president & CEO, Visit Anaheim. He added, “Visit Anaheim is a name that travel enthusiasts and conventioneers can easily find and understand. It evokes a… more
Jun 22, 2015
After 27 years with Reed Exhibitions, Chairman Mike Rusbridge will retire at the end of 2015. Chet Bruchett was promoted to CEO of the company earlier in the year.  “Mike’s achievement at Reed Exhibitions has been outstanding,” said Erik Engstrom, RELX Group CEO. “Over the two decades he has led the company and built the world’s largest exhibitions business, delivering consistent growth over 20 years. I wish him well for the future.” Rusbridge joined Reed Exhibitions as its CEO Europe in 1988, becoming president of Europe and Asia in 1994 and appointed Chairman & CEO in 1996. During… more
Jun 21, 2015
Messe Duesseldorf has made plans to participate in the AACC Clinical Lab Expo 2015 in order to promote its worldwide program of international medical trade fairs These fairs include MEDICA 2015, World Forum for Medicine, and COMPAMED 2015, International Trade Fair – High tech solutions for medical technology; MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2015; MEDICAL FAIR INDIA 2016, MEDICAL FAIR ASIA 2016; and MEDICAL MANUFACTURING ASIA 2016; as well as the MEDICAL WORLD AMERICAS CONFERENCE AND EXPO 2016. AACC Clinical Lab Expo 2015 is on tap July 26-30 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. At Messe… more
Jun 21, 2015
Coex’s 2nd Vietnam International Baby & Kids fair, held June 11-14 at the Tan Binh Exhibition & Convention Center (TBECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, drew a record crowd and exhibitors. There were 14,900 registered attendees at the show, making it the event with the biggest number of visitors at TBECC. If including the  accompanying family members, the total attendance is to reach 34,000. Vietnam International Baby & Kids fair first launched in Vietnam market November 2014 by South Korea’s biggest trade show organizer, Coex, together with its South Korean partner SEGE fairs… more
Jun 21, 2015
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2016 will take place June 13-16 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). Since 1997, Asian Attractions Expo has been the premier international trade show and conference for the multibillion-dollar leisure and attractions industry in the Asia-Pacific region. IAAPA, the trade association for the attractions industry worldwide, produces the annual Expo.  "We are thrilled to take Asian Attractions Expo back to China," said … more
Jun 21, 2015
For the sixth year in a row, Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association partnered with a local charity at the site of their Annual Meeting, which was held June 20-23 in Denver. Urban Peak helps youth experiencing homelessness and youth at risk for becoming homeless overcome real life challenges by providing essential services and a supportive community. Their goal is to empower them to become self-sufficient adults. HCEA Annual Meeting attendees had the opportunity to help Urban Peak in a number of ways, including a community service project, “Chip for Charity” golf outing and “Dots for… 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