News
Sep 17, 2015
Most people trade show professionals know SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals as a technology provider within the trade show industry, but for the past 17 years, they also have been providing service for something completely outside the business.
The company has been playing a critical role providing its technology to the National Interagency Wildland Firefighting Teams, who are leading the battle against wildfires that have been raging in several U.S. Western states.
“So far this year, 39,254 wildfires have burned nearly 6.4 million acres in the U.S.,” according to… more
Sep 15, 2015
In the second phase of research in the Association Global Management Series, the ASAE Foundation takes deep dive look at how associations plan, execute, and refine their global efforts.
In Global Growth Strategies, the report provides important steps associations should consider as they decide to establish operations in international markets and for associations who want to take the next step.
This report also includes a "Special Focus on China," which examines the strategies and operations of associations working in that country. Throughout the report, the study includes actionable… more
Sep 15, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveils this year's recipients of its individual awards program, which recognizes professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry.
The recipients will be honored during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition Dec. 1-3 in Baltimore, Md.
"We were very impressed with the nominations we received this year and congratulate these very deserving honorees," said 2015 IAEE Awards Committee Chairperson Randy Bauler, CEM.
He added, "It is very fulfilling to the Awards Committee to know that… more
Sep 14, 2015
Three different entities have teamed up to launch ProFood Tech, a new event that will focus on processing technologies serving the food and beverage industry.
ProFood Tech will make its debut April 4–6, 2017, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The event will be jointly produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, Koelnmesse and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).
PMMI is the owner and producer of the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows and represents North American manufacturers of equipment, components and materials for processing and packaging.… more
Sep 13, 2015
Smart City Networks, an event telecommunications and technology services company for the convention industry, has been awarded a new contract with the San Diego Convention Center Corporation, which manages, markets and operates the San Diego Convention Center, following a competitive bid process.
The 10-year deal will allow Smart City to provide additional services and upgrades for the venue. Smart City has served as the SDCCC’s technology provider since May of 2000.
The agreement, which went into effect July 1, includes a design established for 800 new Cisco 3702 access… more
Sep 13, 2015
Smart City Networks, an event telecommunications and technology services company for the convention industry, has been awarded a new contract with the San Diego Convention Center Corporation, which manages, markets and operates the San Diego Convention Center, following a competitive bid process.
The 10-year deal will allow Smart City to provide additional services and upgrades for the venue. Smart City has served as the SDCCC’s technology provider since May of 2000.
The agreement, which went into effect July 1, includes a design established for 800 new Cisco 3702 access… more
Sep 12, 2015
Organizers for Emerald Expositions’ Surf Expo, the largest boardsports and beach lifestyle trade show, will launch a new event focused on the needs of the surf marketplace.
Preview Days by Surf Expo will be held June 23-24, 2016 in Orlando.
Serving the needs of the core surf market’s buyers and manufacturers, Preview Days by Surf Expo’s goal will be to provide a platform for East Coast Spring orders.
“Preview Days will offer surf manufacturers access the top East Coast retailers in a simple, turnkey environment,” said Surf Expo Show Director and Senior Vice President Roy Turner.
He added, “… more
Sep 10, 2015
In just a few days, C-level trade show organizers, suppliers to the industry, financial experts, invest banking firms and media will gather Sept. 16-17 in Chicago for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s (CEIR) Predict – Annual Exhibition Industry Outlook Conference.
The past couple of years, the conference typically was broken up into experts talking about specific market sectors, but this year, led by Britton Jones, president and CEO of Business Journals Inc. and CEIR’s board chairman, the program has been redesigned.
“We are very excited about our 2015 program. We took a deep dive… more
Sep 10, 2015
Trade show mergers and acquisitions are in full swing, with two big organizers – Urban Expositions (recently bought by Clarion Events) and Marketplace Events – scooping up more shows for their rapidly expanding portfolios.
Hot on the heels of the first acquisition, Womens Wear in Nevada, under the Clarion ownership, Urban Expositions also bought Hamptons Expo Group.
The New York-based show group founded and produces ArtAspen, ArtHamptons, Houston Fine Art Fair and Palm Springs Fine Art Fair.
Rick Friedman, former owner and president of Hamptons Expo Group, will continue his involvement in a… more
Sep 09, 2015
The inaugural China Homelife and China Machinex shows recently kicked off in South Africa.
Chairman of Meorient International Exhibition, Eric Pan, welcomed all Chinese exhibitors and Southern African buyers to the inaugural shows saying, “Meorient International Exhibition is thrilled to be bringing the shows to South African soil for the first time.”
He added, :Fairs such as China Homelife and China Machinex create opportunity for buyers to source quality products directly from Chinese suppliers and manufacturers, further increasing trade between South Africa and China.”
The two… 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