Nov 01, 2012
Burning rubber, work-of-art rides and a Hackathon were just part of the action at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show that took place Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The anchor of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week, this more of an immersive automotive experience than just a trade show attracted 130,000-plus attendees, spanned just over a million net square feet and set a record with 2,257 exhibitors, about a 100 more than the best show in 2007.
"This a blockbuster show," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of… more
Oct 31, 2012
Update: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg canceled the New York City Marathon on the second day of the 2012 ING New York City Marathon and Fitness Expo.
This time of year, more than 40,000 runners usually converge on the streets of New York City to run the historic marathon and, even after Hurricane Sandy wreaked destruction across the Northeast, this year’s marathon, along with the 2012 ING New York City Marathon and Fitness Expo, still is on tap.
The expo runs Nov. 1-3 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York.
Javits’ officials credited the center’s… more
Oct 30, 2012
Companies related to the trade show industry have been busy as of late with a spate of new hire announcements and promotions, signaling optimism about the future.
Choose Chicago, the city’s CVB, named D. Bradley Kent senior vice president of sales and services.
Kent most recently served as the vice president of industry relations for Freeman and he will join Choose Chicago Dec. 3.
"Brad is an influential leader with tremendous respect throughout the industry,” said Don Welsh, Choose Chicago’s president and CEO.
He added, “Choose Chicago has an aggressive… more
Oct 29, 2012
The Professional Convention Management Association, with support from the PCMA Education Foundation, announced the launch of the “Industry Business Forum for Local Leaders” series.
The invitation-only program is designed for global convention center and DMO executives and their local board members and policy makers, with programming focused on how strategic industry business issues impact their organizations and local communities, according to PCMA officials.
The Forum program content was developed by PCMA staff and leadership, along with the professional support and guidance from Bruce… more
Oct 28, 2012
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is reaching out to bring younger attendees to the organization’s Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition by naming the “20 Under 30” award honorees, who will receive free registration and lodging for three nights when the event runs in December in Orlando.
The “20 Under 30” program provides education for professional growth in the exhibitions and events industry and helps program participants become better, more productive employees.
The award program is sponsored by the Austin (Texas) Convention & Visitors Bureau and… more
Oct 27, 2012
As Hurricane Sandy takes aim at the East Coast, potentially impacting a wide swath of the region, shows have been postponed or cancelled altogether at several venues.
New York is predicted to take the brunt of the storm and with mass transit being closed down and low-lying areas of the city evacuated, Reed Exhibitions decided to postpone its ISC East event at the Jacob. K. Javits Convention Center of New York.
“Due to the State of Emergency declared by the Governor of the State of New York and the clear impact and potential danger presented by Hurricane Sandy, we have made a decision… more
Oct 25, 2012
The positive trend for Viad, parent company of Global Experience Specialists, continued into the third quarter, with the company scoring a 42.2-percent spike in revenues to $307.5 million, compared with $216.2 million during the same time period in 2011.
Viad’s Q3 income also soared to $20.4 million, compared with $1.2 million during the same time period last year.
The improved financial results primarily were driven by positive show rotation and strong throughput at Viad's Marketing & Events Group and expanded revenue at the company's Travel & Recreation Group.
Same-… more
Oct 24, 2012
With Tarsus Group’s recent acquisition of Turkish Organizer CYF Fuarcilik A.S., not only does Tarsus become one of the leading show organizers in the country, but it also signals the completion of its 50/13 strategy one year early, in which 50 percent of the company's revenue will come from emerging markets by 2013.
A 75-percent stake of CYF Fuarcilik A.S. was purchased by Tarsus for £6.2 million ($10 million) and includes two leading shows in Turkey:
- Eurasia Plant Fair (scheduled in December), an international exhibition in Istanbul last held in 2011 with a 10,800… more
Oct 22, 2012
The Food Marketing Institute and United Fresh Produce Association decided this year’s collocation in Dallas went so well they will team up again on their respective shows June 10-13, 2014, at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
"Consumers consistently point to the importance of the produce section as a compelling reason in selecting their primary store, so FMI members - in recognition of the eminence of the fresh category - are delighted we are again partnering with United Fresh as we bring FMI2014 back to Chicago," said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI.
She added,… more
Oct 22, 2012
International sports, venue and entertainment organization AEG Facilities has expanded its Convention Center Management and Services Division by naming Brad Gessner vice president of Convention Centers.
AEG currently operates convention centers in Australia, Kuala Lumpur, Oman and Qatar.
“We recognize there is demand in the industry to change the model of success for great convention centers and destinations,” said AEG Facilities President Bob Newman.
He added “As operators of some of the world’s most successful convention centers, we are in a position to utilize… 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