News
Aug 07, 2018
The Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) opened its doors on Aug. 6 after a two-year renovation and expansion. The new build has increased KICC’s contiguous exhibit space by more than a third.
State and local government officials, along with KICC facility officials and staff, welcomed clients, local stakeholders and media to an open house that showcased the new facility and its capacity for events.
The program included comments from:
David S. Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues
Don Parkinson, secretary of Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet
William M.… more
Aug 04, 2018
At its second run as the official event app for Project Anime, the annual conference for anime convention organizers, Allcal Events made yet another splash with attendees and show organizers alike.
Held July 3-4 at the Westin Bonaventure in downtown Los Angeles, Project Anime precedes the popular Anime Expo, held annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Both events are run by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA).
“Project Anime is a B2B conference that bridges Anime Event Organizers with Japanese Pop Culture Industry Professionals to connect, network and support… more
Aug 04, 2018
LIGHTFAIR International, an largest annual architectural and commercial lighting tradeshow and conference, will continue its management contract with International Market Centers (IMC) following the merger between IMC and AmericasMart Atlanta (AMC).LIGHTFAIR International is co-owned by the International Association of Lighting Designers and the Illuminating Engineering Society. The event has been co-owned, produced and managed by AMC (now part of IMC), which has managed LIGHTFAIR International since 1989.“We are thrilled to partner with IALD and IES on the successful show they have built in… more
Aug 02, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events selected Don Pazour as its 2018 Legend of the Industry.
He will be honored during this year’s Krakoff Leadership Institute (KLI) Aug. 5-6 at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center in Savannah, Ga.
The KLI Legend of the Industry is selected from IAEE members whose contributions, innovation and leadership have been truly unique and remarkable.
An informal setting then allows each KLI participant face-to-face interaction with this industry leader.
Don Pazour thrives on celebrating and supporting others’ success. He… more
Aug 01, 2018
Does the shirt you’re wearing right now keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter? Can it go many wears without washing and not stink? According to the organizers of a new U.S. trade show, very soon technology in everyday clothing will be the norm rather than the exception.
On July 23-24, Reed Exhibitions, in partnership with PERFORMANCEDAYS, launched Functional Fabric Fair, held during MRKET Days at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City.
PERFORMANCEDAYS has been held in Germany for the past 10 years and showcases functional technologies in fabrics. Historically, it has been… more
Jul 31, 2018
Experiential innovations, learnings, industry trends and new exhibitors will be on tap at IMEX America, the annual expo for incentive travel, meetings and events set for Oct. 16-18 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian| The Palazzo in Las Vegas.
“With an expanded show floor, new exhibitors and numerous networking events, the opportunities to do business at IMEX America are second-to-none this year,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.
She continued, “As always, we’re committed to putting on a great show – one that ignites fresh thinking, explores new trends and… more
Jul 30, 2018
The Association for Women in Events (AWE), a not for profit organization supporting gender equality and diversity in the event industry, has announced its 2018 inductees for the Women in Events Hall of Fame Recognition Program, hosted by the AWE Awards Committee.
This Committee was formed with a vision to create an engaged group of elite industry professionals that exemplify AWE values and serve as an ongoing resource for inspiration, guidance and leadership.
The Women in Events Hall of Fame recognizes the advancement of women in events by honoring women and men with a categorical award… more
Jul 30, 2018
PCMA has launched a new guide for Business Event Strategists on how to confidently handle communications around a crisis situation.
Based on a 15 point toolkit, the guide will prove an essential aide for those involved in planning a range of events.
It focuses Business Event Strategists on the impact poor communications can have on a crisis – or a stressful situation. The critical role of upholding a brand or company’s reputation plays when things go wrong is intrinsically linked with a hard-working communications plan.
Today’s 24-hour news cycle means that opportunities for the wrong… more
Jul 30, 2018
In an MOU signed at SMF 2018 between SACEOS and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, both associations agreed upon a collaboration to develop a joint ‘Asia Pacific Executive Development Programme’ to create new strengths relevant for the future-readiness of exhibition professionals in the region.
This program will be distinguished in its value with industry-first recognized certification for the program.
Both associations aim to announce the launch of the joint ‘Asia Pacific Executive Development Programme’ at the upcoming UFI Asia Pacific Congress 2019 in Japan.… more
Jul 27, 2018
SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals, provider of computer, audio-visual and technology solutions for businesses and events, has been going out of its way to help people in need in the Orlando and Los Angeles communities.
Through local Solutions Architect Scott Hill’s volunteer work with the Orlando Regional Tech Association, the company recently donated several laptops and iPads to the Community Hope Center in Kissimmee, Florida, a program-based project that impacts low-income, poverty level families and individuals living in and around Osceola County, Florida.
Through this tech… 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