News

Mar 27, 2018
In an effort to further the mission of its members, the International Housewares Association (IHA) has selected Ungerboeck Software as its new event management solution provider. “We wanted a turnkey system that will provide IHA with streamlined operations to increase productivity and improved reporting with data analytics,” explained Dean P. Kurtis, vice president of finance and information technology of IHA, which produces the International Home + Housewares Show and represents more than 1,700 member companies. According to Kurtis, after evaluating a myriad of options, IHA’s team… more
Mar 27, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released the first study in its newest research report series for event attendee marketers, “How to Grow Attendance.” Focused on planning and goal setting to help position an attendee marketing campaign for success, Report One: Planning and Goal Setting that Positions Efforts for Success provides benchmarks for all phases of a marketing campaign, documents the most popular attendee marketing approaches used by show organizers and pinpoints characteristics where attendee growth is achieved. According to Cathy Breden, CEO of CEIR, the “… more
Mar 23, 2018
Cincinnati Magazine has purchased Cincinnati Baby & Beyond Expo from Hart Productions. Set for Sept. 15-16 at the Sharonville Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, the annual consumer show for moms, moms-to-be, parents and extended family attracts more than 10,000 attendees and more than 150 exhibiting companies featuring the latest in baby gear, clothing and accessories, along with onsite child and health care experts and interactive activities to keep kids entertained. According to Ivy Bayer, publisher of Cincinnati Magazine, which has produced the expo’s program since its inception… more
Mar 22, 2018
Freeman has launched Blueprint, a web-based floor plan management system designed to transform the way show organizers plan, manage and sell event booth space. Originally launched in 2009 as ShowPlans in the European, Middle Eastern and Asian markets and now released in the U.S. with new features, the re-branded platform delivers real-time visibility into booth availability during the sales process while helping to improve show planning efficiency. While manual floor planning can be a time-consuming and error-prone process, Blueprint solves this issue by creating and storing digital floor… more
Mar 21, 2018
The Expo Group, an exhibitions and events partner that invests in growth, is now accepting nominations from across the industry for The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Awards. The awards program annually recognizes great leaders in events and trade shows. “Honorees of the SMOTY Awards wow everyone with their commitment, innovation and excellence,” said President and COO of The Expo Group Randy Pekowski. He added, “This awards program is a way for us all to recognize people who don’t always receive accolades in the press or within our industry associations. By presenting these… more
Mar 21, 2018
Reflecting the dynamic growth of the manufacturing industry in Latin America, EXPO MANUFACTURA, the annual trade show and conference for the manufacturing and processing industry in Mexico, recently pulled off its largest show to date at CINTERMEX in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Held Feb.6-8 under the theme “Manufacturing 4.0: Maximum Productivity and Competitiveness,” the 22nd edition of the three-day trade show and conference boasted a five percent increase in attendance with more than 12,944 industry professionals and 336 exhibiting companies showcasing 600 brands and technology… more
Mar 20, 2018
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) recently concluded its eighth annual IAAPA Leadership Conference, held for the first time in Japan, March 6-9. More than 170 top-level attractions industry leaders from 28 countries gathered in Osaka and Tokyo to learn from inspiring keynote speakers, attend forward-thinking education sessions, and experience one-of-a-kind tours through several Japan's most popular and unique attractions. Conference attendees toured five of the country's most popular attractions and heard from industry executives who shared insights… more
Mar 20, 2018
Media group and trade exhibition company, Diversified Communications, has announced changes and enhancements at its newly acquired luxury and experiential travel exhibition, Luxperience. Diversified promoted Michelle Papas to Event Director for Luxperience. Papas has been with Luxperience since its launch and she has extensive experienced in the travel industry. Diversified will also invest A$250,000 (US$197,000) into the 2018 edition of the event aiming to better serve the luxury travel sector. The upcoming edition of Luxperience will be held at a new location, the International Convention… more
Mar 20, 2018
The Australian government has established a new programme, the Boosting Business Events Bid Fund with initial financing of A$12 million (US$9.4 million). The fund is designed to attract more global conferences, conventions and exhibitions to Australia over the next three years. The program will be managed by Tourism Australia through its Business Events Australia unit. It is Australia’s first federal government-funded business events bidding fund and it will be tasked with providing financial support to help secure events in across Australia. The fund will begin accepting applications on 1st… more
Mar 20, 2018
Organised by UBM Malaysia, the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) featured 622 exhibitors, an increase of 13% over last year’s edition. Positioned as the largest international furniture fair in the Southeast Asia, MIFF 2018 took place from 8th to 11th March. The fair was held in two separate venues. It occupied a total of 18 halls in the new Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and it also filled the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), covering a gross exhibition area of 100,000 m2. This year’s theme was “Design Connects People,” MIFF showcased new product… 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