News

Aug 24, 2023
For decades, on-site tours of meeting and event facilities have played an essential role in helping event planners make well-informed decisions about venue and space selection and logistics. But with event professionals facing increasing time, budget and travel limitations, digital site tours using virtual reality (VR) technology have become an increasingly helpful tool in enabling planners to explore venues from anywhere in the world without having to leave the office.  Today’s VR tours offer immersive and realistic experiences, allowing planners to navigate through event spaces, view… more
Aug 22, 2023
As Las Vegas Fashion Week got underway on Aug. 7, two trade shows announced they will be co-locating under one roof for their next editions in 2024.  Womenswear in Nevada (WWIN), produced by Clarion Events Inc. and Las Vegas Apparel and operated by ANDMORE (formerly International Market Centers), will run concurrently at The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas Feb. 13-15, 2024 — just days after the 2024 Super Bowl, which will be played at Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11.  Together, the two buying events are expected to feature more than 500 brands.  Relocating from Caesars Palace, WWIN… more
Aug 21, 2023
Clarion Events North America, the U.S. division of UK-based Clarion Events, has tapped event industry veteran Liz Irving as its first president. Bringing a wealth of experience and a proven successful track record in the events industry, Irving has played an integral role in building and leading the Clarion Events North American strategy while supporting the global Clarion Events strategy alongside her international colleagues. This makes her the ideal choice to lead Clarion Events North America into the future, according to Clarion officials. “I have complete confidence in Liz’s ability to… more
Aug 21, 2023
The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) applauds the introduction of the Visa Processing Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that was introduced on July 27 by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS). The legislation addresses the long visitor visa appointment wait times that are impacting the business events sector. The Visa Processing Improvement Act proposes to improve visa processing within the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs in four ways: Increasing consular office flexibility and capacity Improving transparency and accountability… more
Aug 18, 2023
In August, multilingual meeting technology and services provider Interprefy debuted a major upgrade to its artificial intelligence (AI) real-time translation solution, which translates live speech from 45 languages and regional dialects into AI-generated audio and captions in 74 languages.  Interprefy’s solution now supports two-way translation and can simultaneously translate multiple spoken languages during live events and meetings — the first and only live translation solution capable of doing so, according to Interprefy officials. “As global communication continues to expand, so should… more
Aug 17, 2023
Business events, exhibitions and conferences producer CloserStill Media has agreed to acquire UK-based UKi Media & Events, an events and media business specializing in the transportation sector. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The strategic move significantly expands CloserStill’s reach in North America, Europe and Asia, as well as lays the foundation for the company’s newly launched Future Transport and Infrastructure Group, representing an entirely new market segment for the company. “We are very excited to welcome UKi Media & Events into the CloserStill Group,” said Yancy… more
Aug 17, 2023
Trade show and event-related organizations are continuing their growth trajectories by promoting staff, welcoming new team members and launching new departments headed up by experienced industry leaders. Take a look!  RX   Effective Sept. 1, Rachel Travers will take the helm of the RX UK Hub business unit, which includes the UK, Middle East, Turkey, South Africa and India, as its new president. She joins RX from sister company Lexis Nexis, where she most recently served as vice president and general manager of Law360 in New York, and prior to that, as managing director of Lexis Nexis New… more
Aug 16, 2023
The devastating wildfires that tore through western Maui and destroyed much of the historic town of Lahaina has been named the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a 100 years, and one of the top 10 deadliest wildfires since 1871, according to research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  Starting in the early morning hours of Aug. 8, the deadly blaze was the result of a perfect storm of drought conditions and strong winds from Hurricane Dora as it passed south of the islands. More than 100 people have died, up to 1,000 people are still unaccounted for, approximately 2,200… more
Aug 15, 2023
The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) Foundation has established the No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Advisory Council as part of its No Room for Trafficking program, which works to prevent human trafficking and support survivors. NRFT Advisory Council efforts include the development and oversight of the NRFT Survivor Fund, which provides community-based organizations with the resources they need to engage and support the survivors of human trafficking. Council members will help champion and shape the hotel industry’s unified efforts to support human trafficking survivors with… more
Aug 14, 2023
Two of ANDMORE’s leading home, gift and décor markets pulled off successful summer editions in Las Vegas and Atlanta recently. Las Vegas Market A combination of new product introductions, expansive programming and advanced at-market technology helped to deliver a positive market experience for buyers and sellers at the summer 2023 Las Vegas Market, held July 30-Aug. 3 at World Market Center Las Vegas. Buyers from all 50 states and around the globe converged at the annual event to discover the latest trends in furniture, home décor and gifts showcased by more than 1,000 suppliers.  “Las… 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