News
Apr 10, 2018
In its 26thyear, UBM Tech’s Game Developers Conference just keeps getting bigger and better than ever, with a record-breaking 28,000 attendees checking out the packed showfloor March 19-23 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.
The event, billed as “the world’s largest and longest-running event serving professionals dedicated to the art and science of making games,” also had approximately 500 exhibitors and plenty of new bells and whistles to excite and engage attendees this year.
“GDC really is about the business of making games,” said GDC’s Katie Stern, who oversees the show. “The typical… more
Apr 09, 2018
While some medical shows may come and go, there are others that have figured out that staying relevant, keeping ahead of trends and becoming invaluable to the audiences they serve is the secret recipe to sticking around for the long haul – in some cases, for well over a century.
Case in point is the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) Annual Meeting, which celebrated its 107thedition March 17-23 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, Canada.
Known the largest gathering of M.D. pathologists in the world, the annual conference and expo attracted more than 4,700… more
Apr 08, 2018
Predict: CEIR’s Annual Exhibition Industry Conference will be held Sept. 13-14 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.
This one of a kind executive-level, invitation-only conference looks to the future — three to five years out – bringing meaningful insights from experts outside the industry to align with trends occurring in the industry in an interactive and engaging format.
This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Lindsey Piegza, serves as Chief Economist for Stifel Fixed Income.
She specializes in research and analysis of economic trends and activity, world economies, financial markets… more
Apr 08, 2018
Destinations International Chair Tammy Blount, FCDME and president and CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau and President and CEO Don Welsh recently announced the schedule for the organization’s fall educational summits.
“Destinations International is offering refreshed and new educational opportunities to provide critical learning, sharing of best practices, and network-building opportunities for every level of a destination organization,” Blount said.
He added, “From board governance to visitor services and everything in between, every member of a destination team… more
Apr 08, 2018
ISA International Sign Expo 2018 closes with attendance topping 20,387 - making it the largest ISA Sign Expo in Orlando and one of the largest in ISA Sign Expo history.
The showfloor also was the largest-ever footprint for the event.
“Significant weather issues throughout the country affected air travel, but attendees found a way to get here anyway,” said Lori Anderson, ISA president and CEO.
She added, “And they came in a mood to buy. Exhibitors reported that sales were outstanding. This reinforces that ISA International Sign Expo is the only industry event connecting sign and print… more
Apr 06, 2018
Loyalty. It’s coveted in many industries and events are no exception. Loyal attendees are one of a trade show’s most important assets. Show organizers can use their enthusiasm to improve their events in numerous ways, increasing overall attendance among them.
David Saef, executive vice president of strategy for GES, explained the importance of loyal attendees.
“They come every year, they know the event in their own way and they may know it better than the organizer,” Saef explained. “They’re willing to do anything for the organizer to help make the show successful.”
Leana Salamah,… more
Apr 05, 2018
The Vancouver Convention Center has been awarded the Canadian Association for Exposition Management’s (CAEM) 2018 Give Back Award, which recognizes a member organization that has made corporate social responsibility and giving back to its community an integral part of doing business.
“Through the Vancouver Convention Centre’s efforts in energy and sustainability as being the world’s first double LEED platinum certified facility to their contributions to their local community through charities such as United We Can, among many other efforts, the Vancouver Convention Centre is undoubtedly the… more
Apr 05, 2018
Glisser, producer of the Glisser presentation software, integrated audience response system and event analytics platform has launched Glisser LIVE, a new online tool that allows event planners to promote and host hybrid and virtual events.
Hybrid events extend marketing and community reach beyond face-to-face interactions. Glisser LIVE delivers the ability for event planners to connect a virtual audience to a physical event. The new offering combines the company’s existing slide-sharing and audience response app with a live video feed and brandable web platform to engage remote attendees. … more
Apr 04, 2018
Clarion Events has acquired PennWell, a 108-year-old privately-held events and business-to-business media and marketing services company based in Tulsa, Okla.
Clarion is owned by funds managed by Blackstone, a private equity firm with more than $400 billion in assets under management.
"This deal delivers significant benefits for both companies," said Clarion's Executive Chairman Simon Kimble.
He added, "PennWell's roster of market-leading events strongly enhances Clarion's portfolio. Our global network and depth of resources will further strengthen PennWell's offerings, enhancing… more
Apr 03, 2018
The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) Board of Directors has appointed global entertainment and convention venue management company, SMG, to oversee operations at Reno-Sparks’ major convention and entertainment facilities.
The four-year operating agreement includes the RSCVA-owned Reno-Sparks Convention Center (RSCC), the state-owned Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (RSLEC), as well as the Reno Events Center (REC) and the National Bowling Stadium (NBS), which are both owned by the City of Reno.
“This is a great opportunity for the entire Reno Tahoe region and an… 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