News

Aug 13, 2012
The International Woodworking Fair, which kicks off Aug. 22-25 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, looks to be on track for a successful show, with preregistration topping 11,000 attendees, more than 40-percent higher than the 2010 show. All 50 states and more than 60 countries will be represented at the show, with 45 of the states seeing increased registrations, compared with 2010’s show. “We are up across the board, more exhibits, more products and more buyers,” said Michael Burdis, IWF 2012 chairman and president of James L. Taylor Manufacturing Company.… more
Aug 13, 2012
In good news for the travel industry, the U.S. General Services Administration has decided to not change the calculating method for lodging per diems that the U.S. Travel Association said would cost the industry $885 million in revenue and thousands of American jobs. In a statement released by USTA, Roger Dow, the association’s president and CEO, said, “Thanks to the joint advocacy efforts of travel industry associations, local hotel owners, national lodging chains, destination marketing organizations and many others, we were able to defend against a policy proposal that would… more
Aug 10, 2012
When Messe Frankfurt’s Texworld USA recently wrapped up Texworld USA July 24-26 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York, it saw an increase in both attendees and exhibitors. This year’s three-day show drew 5,285 attendees, a 5-percent increase, including the attendees from the collocated International Apparel Sourcing Show and Home Textiles Sourcing Expo shows, compared with the July show last year. There also were more exhibitors on the floor, 328 from 15 countries, a 2-percent increase, compared with July’s show last year. “The attendee number and… more
Aug 08, 2012
SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association and the Society of Plastics Engineers have teamed up on the next three annual SPE ANTEC conferences in an effort to attract more corporate exhibitors and sponsors, as well as increase attendance.   ANTEC’s annual conference was collocated with SPI’s triennial NPE2012, but there wasn’t the ANTEC trade show, which traditionally is held every year alongside the conference.   The new agreement between SPE and SPI combines SPE’s expertise as the organizer of plastics technical conferences with SPI’s strength… more
Aug 08, 2012
Another hurdle recently was cleared that would allow more meeting and trade show business to come into the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, with the Massachusetts State Legislature passing an annual budget bill that included language lifting a ban on building any hotels south of Summer Street next to the venue. The ban was first enacted in 1997 to assuage concerns by South Boston residents of the impact too many hotels would have on the neighborhood. After several community meetings and talks with local legislators and leaders, the new language passed by the state legislature… more
Aug 06, 2012
The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) reported strong performance for the first nine months of fiscal year 2011-2012. From October 2011-July 2012, the industry experienced significant growth, according to TCEB officials. Part of that growth came from Thailand’s win of bids to host three megashows, including the AFECA AGM 2012, Inter Expo 2012 and World Stamp 2013. The strong positive trend in the exhibition and trade show industry in the first three quarters are the result of continuous economic growth in Thailand and the country’s strong potential as the… more
Aug 06, 2012
In a unique partnership model, U.S.-based ITN International and Australia-based Info Salons Group worked together to provide registration, access control and lead retrieval for London-based organizer GSMA’s Mobile Asia Expo. Mobile Asia Expo attracted more than 15,500 visitors to its first large event in mainland China at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. ITN International provided GSMA the technology needed to support advance registration, onsite check-in, onsite registration, event access control and lead retrieval. “We enjoyed an ideal partner in working with… more
Aug 06, 2012
Have you ever wondered as an exhibitor where the money goes? The Center for Exhibition Industry Research has released an updated version of its 2007 report “How the Exhibit Dollar Is Spent.” Among the report's findings were that 99 percent of exhibitors find unique value delivered by business-to-business exhibitions, which is not provided by other marketing channels, as well as 36 percent of the exhibitors’ dollars, the biggest piece of the pie, are spent on exhibit space. "The data in this report is a much needed resource for exhibiting companies to plan and budget the cost of their … more
Aug 06, 2012
Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Services has appointed Arun Madhok as its new CEO, a role he has assumed on an acting basis since former CEO, Pieter Idenburg, left the venue after seven years to explore other opportunities. “Arun has been an integral part of Suntec Singapore’s management team for the past few years and his appointment assures continuity for the team running one of Singapore’s premiere address for MICE events both locally and globally,” said John Lim, Group CEO of ARA Asset Management, which owns the venue. He added, “… more
Aug 06, 2012
London-based media group, Reed Elsevier, reported its interim results for the six months ended June 30. The group’s exhibitions organising business, Reed Exhibitions, reported a significant rise in revenues by 32 percent year-on-year reaching £486 million, while the group’s revenue grew by 5 percent to £3.1 billion. Adjusted operating profit of Reed Exhibitions was £151 million, a growth of 34 percent over last year. Reed Business Information’s (RBI) revenues increased 1 percent to £347 million, and recorded an adjusted operating profit of £63… 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