News

Jul 06, 2018
UBM, now part of Informa, the world’s leading B2B events organizer, today announces that it has acquired The Battery Show Europe and co-located Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo Europe from UK-based Smarter Shows. Through this acquisition UBM increases its coverage of advanced battery technology and strengthens its position in the energy storage market in Europe. “The Battery Show Europe acquisition aligns with our strategy to focus on investment in high growth opportunities,” said Lucy Dimes, CEO, UBM EMEA. She added, “We can now provide our customers with expanded access to… more
Jul 06, 2018
In an effort to better serve the fashion industry, WWDMAGIC, a subsidiary of UBM Fashion Group and the largest showcase of women’s apparel and accessories, has formed a strategic partnership with online B2B fashion marketplace, NHN Global Inc., doing business as FashionGo.  Known as one of the fastest growing global e-commerce platforms, FashionGo connects wholesale vendors and retail buyers from the around the world, offering buyers 24/7 access to its vast collection of wholesale fashion where they can shop the latest trends at the best prices.  This pairing of two leaders in their… more
Jul 05, 2018
U.S. B2B trade show and conference producer, Emerald Expositions, is gearing up to launch a new event for the artisan bakery community, the International Artisan Bakery Expo (IABE).  Designed for the artisan baker offering fresh, unpackaged products sold through specialty retail bakeries, in-store bakeries, bakery cafés, other foodservice operations and intermediate wholesale bakers, the inaugural IABE will debut March 5-7 alongside the International Pizza Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “For the first time in more than a decade, the artisan and retail bakers will have annual trade… more
Jul 04, 2018
Paris-based Comexposium recently acquired International Master Course on Aging Science (IMCAS) events. Annually, IMCAS serves the dermatology, plastic surgery and aesthetic science communities through three international trade shows and educational events, IMCAS World Congress in Paris, IMCAS Americas and IMCAS Asia, both peripatetic within their regions, and IMCAS Academy an on-demand e-learning platform with 2,400 videos and 15,200 professional paid subscribers.  “Over 20 years ago, IMCAS began as a congress dedicated to plastic surgeons and dermatologists. We knew there was an important… more
Jul 03, 2018
International Market Centers is gearing up to host its 8thannual “Up On the Roof” gala charity event during the Summer 2018 Las Vegas Market, running July 29-Aug. 2.  Set for the evening of July 30 in the WorldView Ballroom, the 2018 fundraiser will benefit Gift For Life, the sole charitable organization for the gift, stationery and home décor industries, and will be themed “ERASE HATE: A Celebration of Love,” memorializing the 20thanniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard, whose murder shocked the nation and galvanized support for the gay and lesbian community. Held annually at the… more
Jul 03, 2018
Community Brands, a provider of cloud-based software solutions for associations, nonprofits, schools and faith-based groups, has entered into a partnership with Pathable, provider of mobile event apps, conference apps and websites for meetings, conferences and trade shows.  Following Community Brands’ recent acquisition of event technology company, Expo Logic, the new partnership with Pathable and its mobile event app technology is designed to further strengthen the Community Brands event management suite as an end-to-end solution while enabling organizations to improve the event attendee… more
Jul 03, 2018
With its bounty of ongoing hotel development and renovations, a growing bourbon district, new attractions and a soon-to-be-unveiled, expanded downtown convention center, the city of Louisville has been working overtime to meet the demands of its more than 16.4 million annual visitors. To coincide with this plethora of development while celebrating its 50-year milestone of marketing the city’s tourism and travel business, the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau has changed its name to Louisville Tourism. According to Louisville Tourism President and CEO Karen Williams, the new… more
Jun 28, 2018
The Expo Group, an exhibitions and events partner that invests in growth, has unveiled The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Awards for 2018. Honorees were nominated by their peers, voted upon by an independent industry judging panel and will be celebrated on Aug. 11 at the 2018 TSNN Awards in Louisville, Ky. “These are top-notch professionals advancing the objectives of not just their organizations but also their trade show community’s attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and partners,” says President and COO of The Expo Group Randy Pekowski. He added, “The stories told in these… more
Jun 28, 2018
The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) recently wrapped up its highest-attended North American event in its association’s 65-year history. The annual event, which took place June 18-21 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, attracted more than 6,650 hospitality financial and technology professionals seeking to learn how to integrate the latest technologies in the hospitality space. Produced annually by the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), HITEC is known as the world’s largest and oldest hospitality technology… more
Jun 28, 2018
Health and wellness is a $4 trillion industry and growing. The “healthy eating and nutrition” and “fitness and mind-body” segments alone accounted for $1.19 trillion in 2015, with “workplace wellness” adding another $43 billion, which is why it’s no surprise that events are including the latest health and wellness trends in their planning. According to the IRF Wellness in Meetings and Incentive Travel Study by Incentive Research Foundation in 2017, the top five health and wellness inclusions (many of which are budget-friendly) are:  Smoke-free property Free access to fitness facility… 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