News

May 15, 2018
The Exhibitions Mean Business campaign will hold its fifth annual Exhibitions Day on Capitol Hill June 5-6 to champion the impact that the exhibitions industry has upon the U.S. economy. According to new information obtained by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), events contributed $91 billion to the U.S. GDP in 2017, approximately a $10 billion increase from what was previously reported. “Recent data shows the economic contribution of events, which includes direct spending of organizers, exhibitors, attendees and venues, totaled $91 billion in 2017,” said Allen Shaw, Ph.D… more
May 15, 2018
Fiscal year 2018 has been a successful one for Cobo Center’s technology services, which experienced a 58 percent jump in revenue compared to 2017. According to Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center, this positive uptick comes alongside the fact that the facility’s WiFi remains free to visitors and events as a sales incentive. “Facility-wide free WiFi in Cobo Center differentiates us in the market and has been free of charge since the installation of the original network in 1997,” Molinari explained. “The current 4G WiFi network and can handle 30,000 simultaneous users,… more
May 15, 2018
As part of its contribution to the campaign to fight the global crime of human trafficking, MGM Resorts International recently awarded $250,000 to the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University. Founded in 2012 and inspired by the public service of Senator John McCain and his family, the nonpartisan think tank will use the gift to fund several initiatives designed to aid the vulnerable population of homeless youth and provide prevention measures.  “We are so grateful for the support of MGM Resorts International,” said Cindy H. McCain, who serves on McCain… more
May 13, 2018
According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), there were a record number of 12,558 rotating international association events in 2017. That is 346 more than the figure recorded in 2016. The top three ranked countries in 2017 were the same as last year: the U.S. (941 meetings), Germany (682 meetings) and the U.K. (592 meetings). In Asia, Japan hosted 414 meetings in 2017 and ranked the first in the region. The other country in Asia to rank in the global top 10 is China, which hosted 376 meeting last year and ranked 8th worldwide. The only other Asian markets to… more
May 11, 2018
SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals, providers of computer, audio-visual (AV) and technology solutions for businesses and events, has added two new products to its event technology line-up for associations, trade shows, exhibit builders, conference planners and marketers. Combining a full-HD image quality, LED-backlit LCD and a stylish, thin profile, the Sharp PN-LE601 Commercial Display LED Monitor has a built-in digital tuner and leading-edge picture technology that helps deliver amazing detail and consistent color (i.e., display colors of 1.07 billion).  The 60” monitor… more
May 10, 2018
GES recently reported its first-quarter 2018 earnings results in which revenues dropped 15.8 percent from $318 million in 2017 to $268 million during the same period this year. Steve Moster, GES’ parent company – Viad - president and CEO, said, “GES delivered solid results, with continued same-show growth that partially offset significant negative show rotation. We remain focused on driving in-sourcing benefits and pursuing additional cross-sell opportunities from our ON Services audio-visual production business and capturing additional share in the corporate event space.” He added, “I… more
May 10, 2018
The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, Healthy Food Expo West and Coffee Fest Los Angeles are gearing up to take place alongside each other Aug. 19-21 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.   According to Clarion UX officials, one registration will give industry professionals access to all three trade shows and conferences for the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industries.  “We are thrilled to be bringing three leading events together for the first time so buyers looking for new products and services for their foodservice establishments can find everything under one roof,”… more
May 09, 2018
The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT) selected SmithBucklin, the association management and services company more organizations turn to than any other, to provide full-service association management. ASBMT will continue to be headquartered in the Chicago area, but will move to the SmithBucklin office effective April 2. ASBMT is a professional society dedicated to advancing the science and clinical care for patients who require blood and marrow transplants or other cellular therapies for blood cancers and other deadly diseases. Since its establishment in 1993,… more
May 09, 2018
The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association’s keynote speaker for the opening session of HCEAConnect, the association’s annual educational and networking event, Aug. 12-14, 2018 in Baltimore, will be Ben Roth. He will kick off HCEAConnect with “A Hu-Machine Revolution – The Next Era of Modern Marketing”. A Hu-Machine Revolution – The Next Era of Modern Marketing will dive into the discovery of modern marketing, highlighting key factors, common pressures and unique opportunities communities can anticipate facing – inside and beyond the healthcare industry, and relative to… more
May 09, 2018
Messe Düsseldorf will participate in the AACC Clinical Lab Expo 2018 in order to promote its “MEDICAlliance” program of regional and international medical trade fairs organized around the globe.  At AACC booth 1742, visitor and exhibitor information for MEDICA 2018, World Forum for Medicine, and COMPAMED 2018, High tech solutions for medical technology (held currently from Nov. 12 - 15, 2018 in Düsseldorf, Germany), MEDICAL FAIR ASIA 2018 and MEDICAL MANUFACTURING ASIA 2018 (scheduled concurrently from Aug. 29 – 31, 2018 in Singapore), Expo Hospital 2018 (Aug. 29 – 31, 2018 in Santiago,… 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