News
May 17, 2018
Meet Betty. She fields attendee questions, answers them with accuracy, oh, and she works all day, every day, even holidays. What kind of superhuman is this? She’s not a person at all – Betty is a chatbot, which uses artificial intelligence to simulate human conversation.
Event organizers are adopting the cutting-edge technology known as artificial intelligence (AI) Chat to streamline customer service while improving attendees’ event experiences. Whether it’s Betty, Alexa, TIFFBot or Piobot, chatbots are increasing in numbers in the event industry.
“Chatbots are a new way of communicating… more
May 15, 2018
International Market Centers and AmericasMart, two operators in the furniture, gift, home decor, rug and apparel B2B industries, have entered into an agreement to form the world’s largest owner and operator of premier showroom space.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The combined corporate entity, which will operate under the name “International Market Centers,” will own and operate nearly 20 million square feet of permanent showroom space in Las Vegas, High Point, and Atlanta.
The individual Markets and their respective venues will continue to operate under existing… more
May 15, 2018
In the wake of movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp, every industry must act to end sexual harassment and create positive, lasting change.
The exhibitions and meetings industries are no exception.
A new coalition recently was formed to eradicate sexual harassment in the events industry and workplace; a task force that will identify tools and develop new resources to assist in educating individuals and the events industry about sexual harassment.
Comprising leaders and executives from organizations including the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); Association for Women in… more
May 15, 2018
Food&HotelAsia (FHA) and ProWine Asia (Singapore) concluded last month, attracting an impressive 81,896 attendees and over 7,200 trade visitors.
Organised by UBM, FHA 2018 featured 3,500 exhibitors from 76 countries and regions, with 71 international group pavilions, including first time exhibitors from Latvia, Tunisia and Qatar. The 81,896 attendees came from more than 105 countries and regions, representing an increase of 14% compared with the last edition held in 2016.
The second edition of ProWine Asia (Singapore) was jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf Asia and UBM, and was held… more
May 15, 2018
The Shenyang New World EXPO is now in its second year of operations. The venue held four back-to-back exhibitions at the beginning of its second year, with an average rental space of 21,116 m2. The four exhibitions featured a total of over 10,400 exhibiting companies, attracting just over 13,000 visitors per event day.
The four exhibitions were: 1) 20th China Northeast International Dental Equipment & Affiliated Facilities Exhibition Symposium on Oral Health, organised by Liaoning Northern Industrial and Commercial Exhibition Service Company; 2) 2018 Northeast China AD Exhibition &… more
May 15, 2018
The week, Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair (Medical Fair) concluded at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The exhibition attracted over 11,500 buyers from 70 countries and regions. That represents a 6.7% increase over last year.
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA), the Medical Fair ran from 7th to 9th May and featured a record of 280 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions. The fair is designed to provide a one-stop business… more
May 15, 2018
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) is currently expanding and the construction work is scheduled to be completed by mid-2019.
According to KLCC, the extension will provide more than 11,000 m2 of additional flexible and multi-purpose event space. After the construction project is completed, the venue will able to accommodate larger exhibitions and international association meetings, as well as a number of concurrent activities.
With the launch of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance (KLCC BEA), KLCC aims to enhance the attractiveness and value of its strategic… more
May 15, 2018
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) is currently expanding and the construction work is scheduled to be completed by mid-2019.
According to KLCC, the extension will provide more than 11,000 m2 of additional flexible and multi-purpose event space. After the construction project is completed, the venue will able to accommodate larger exhibitions and international association meetings, as well as a number of concurrent activities.
With the launch of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance (KLCC BEA), KLCC aims to enhance the attractiveness and value of its strategic… more
May 15, 2018
More than 230,000 buyers from 176 countries and regions attended the seven fairs organised by the HKTDC in April, a yearly increase of nearly 3%. 130,000 of these buyers were from mainland Chinese and overseas, an increase of more than 4%, while there were more than 9,000 exhibitors. Business sentiment at the fairs was unaffected by the escalating Sino-US trade dispute of recent weeks. On-site surveys conducted during the fairs found 70% of respondents expected no negative impact on Hong Kong's export performance, while 80% were neutral or optimistic that the 2 nations would resolve their… more
May 15, 2018
The Consumer Technology Association unveiled news that leaders from Alibaba A.I. Labs and BYTON will deliver keynote addresses at the upcoming CES Asia 2018.
Miffy Chen, general manager, Alibaba A.I. Labs and BYTON Co-Founders, Dr. Carsten Breitfeld and Dr. Daniel Kirchert, will take the CES Asia keynote stage to make major company announcements and share their visions for the future of innovation through artificial intelligence and vehicle technology.
"Alibaba A.I. Labs and BYTON are global brands that embody the innovative andentrepreneurial spirit of our industry," said Karen Chupka,… 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