News

Sep 22, 2015
Diversified Communications promoted Stuart Bailey to managing director of Diversified Communications Hong Kong LLC from his current position of general manager. Stuart Bailey joined Diversified through an acquisition in April 2009. At that time, the company only had one event – Restaurant & Bar HK, with the Retail Asia Expo launching in late 2009. Today, Diversified Communications HK organizes five trade exhibitions and three conferences, including Natural & Organic Products Asia, Learning & Teaching Expo and HR Summit & Expo Hong Kong. Expansion has come through a combination… more
Sep 22, 2015
The Sunday Times published a report stating that UBM plc is moving ahead with plans to sell its PR Newswire division. The asset disposal is expected to result in UBM netting approximately US$750 million. PR Newswire is a leading global distributor of press releases, publicity material and marketing news. PR Newswire is forecast to post revenues of US$320 million this year and deliver profits of US$87 million. The Sunday Times also reported that U.S.-based investment bank, Evercore, had been appointed to manage the sale and that private equity firm, GTCR was expected to be a leading bidder.
Sep 22, 2015
Mega Expo (formerly Kenfair), a Hong Kong-based exhibition and event organiser, announced its financial results for the year ended 30th June 2015. The company reported total revenues of US$24 million, down 8.5% year-on-year. Despite the drop in revenue, Mega Expo recorded a profit of US$5.9 million, up from US$1.8 million in the previous year. Diluted earnings per share in the year were HK$0.2046 (US$0.026). In the previous financial year, more than 95% of Mega Expo’s revenue came from organising exhibitions (US$23 million). Revenues from exhibitions were down year-on-year 8.1%. The remaining… more
Sep 22, 2015
The 34th edition of Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries Ltd., ran from 8th to 12nd September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The Watch & Clock Fair featured more than 780 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions, with first time exhibitors from Bermuda, Denmark, Lebanon, Russia and Spain. The five-day event attracted over 19,600 buyers, up about 2% compared with the previous year. Encouraging… more
Sep 21, 2015
More than 150 trade show leaders, industry suppliers, investment bankers, media and economists gathered last week at the JW Marriott in Chicago to look deep into a crystal ball for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Predict: Annual Exhibition Industry Outlook Conference. Britton Jones, president and CEO of Business Journals Inc. and chairman of CEIR, greeted everyone and said, “Thank you for taking the time to be here in Chicago for our biggest event yet.” The purpose of CEIR Predict is exactly what it sounds like; the sessions focused on where the industry is now and where it’s… more
Sep 21, 2015
Every year, when thousands of attendees head to the Toy Industry Association’s North American International Toy Fair, the only thing missing on the showfloor filled with toys and game were the kids. Starting with the February 2016 show, the public will have the opportunity to see all the latest new products with TIA and LeftField Media teaming up to launch Play Fair - "a celebration of play and entertainment for all ages”. "Play Fair will provide toy lovers of all ages with unique and unparalleled access to enriching immersive events and experiences built around the power of play," said … more
Sep 20, 2015
There are likely hundreds of conference directory mobile apps on the market. While making apples-to-apples comparisons of these products should include a close examination of the price ranges, feature sets, and value propositions, there is another element to consider heavily during the purchasing process: the provider. Responsiveness When there are lots of choices (in any industry), products sometimes start to look the same and buyers look for ways to narrow down the field. Excellent customer service, immediate and helpful responses (not just automatically generated emails), and a genuinely… more
Sep 20, 2015
There are likely hundreds of conference directory mobile apps on the market. While making apples-to-apples comparisons of these products should include a close examination of the price ranges, feature sets, and value propositions, there is another element to consider heavily during the purchasing process: the provider. Responsiveness When there are lots of choices (in any industry), products sometimes start to look the same and buyers look for ways to narrow down the field. Excellent customer service, immediate and helpful responses (not just automatically generated emails), and a genuinely… more
Sep 18, 2015
Fifty shows will be celebrated for their success Nov. 6-8 at the TSNN Awards in Atlanta, but beforehand, TSNN will hold a complimentary webinar – “What Does It Take to be One of the Fastest-growing Trade Shows in North America?” The webinar will be held Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. ET and to register please go HERE. Find out from the show organizers who have achieved the distinction of being named one of TSNN’s top fastest-growing shows as they speak frankly about their objectives, decisions, teams and challenges along the way. Hear ideas to rethink the aspects of your show suffering stagnation and… more
Sep 18, 2015
Fall is a busy time in more ways than one in the trade show industry and several companies recently added to their ranks. The Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau appointed Doug Bennett as senior vice president of Convention Development. He replaces Jennifer Barnett who retired from the position after 22 years of service.            Bennett’s responsibilities include managing the convention sales team to achieve annual room night goals, developing and implementing the convention sales and marketing plan, outlining specific sales objectives and priorities 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