News

Feb 13, 2018
The Philippines released details regarding its MICE Roadmap designed to attract more business events to the country. Some of the new measures include reducing the cost of organising business events as well as addressing a variety of other issues that hamper the development of the local business events industry. To reduce the cost of doing business, the Philippines have eliminated its “common carriers” tax and billings tax. Both the government and private sector will form a technical working group to develop policies, improve infrastructure, and share data aimed at supporting the industry.… more
Feb 13, 2018
Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd has acquired Thailand Lighting Fair and Thailand Building Fair to expand the worldwide portfolio of its Light + Building brand of trade fairs. Powered by Messe Frankfurt since their inception in 2015, the two fairs now will officially form part of the Light + Building family that totals 14 fairs around the globe. “The Light + Building brand of shows is well-recognised around the world for its high quality event format and its power to attract the best in the industry. Adding the Thailand Lighting Fair and Thailand Building Fair to this growing… more
Feb 13, 2018
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) opened a new regional office in Shanghai, expanding and enhancing the association's programs and services in the Asia-Pacific region. The opening of the new Shanghai office is IAAPA's first Mainland China Representative Office, and its second office in the Asia-Pacific region. "China has been experiencing tremendous growth in the attractions industry and we are excited to open a regional office in Shanghai. This will allow us to further support our local participants and connect them with our global participants,"… more
Feb 13, 2018
Exhibition research consultancy, Explori has opened a regional headquarters in Hong Kong as the company prepares for significant growth in the region throughout 2018 and beyond. The business will be led by new appointment, Joann Chan, as associate director of Research, Asia Pacific. Chan joins Explori from leading research agency YouGov. She is a multi-lingual research professional with years of experience in project management and delivery of international research projects. She previously has held senior roles with TNS and Ipsos. "I’m delighted to be joining Explori at such an exciting… more
Feb 13, 2018
Hong Kong-listed Pico Far East announced its annual results, for the year ended Oct. 31, 2017. The company reported total revenues of US$510 million, down by 4 percent year-on-year. The company attributed the decline to the end of two non-recurring mega projects in the previous year. The company’s net profit fell 6.3 percent during the year, down to US$36 million. Diluted earnings per share for the year were HK$0.2286 (US$0.029). More than 80 percent of Pico’s revenues were generated from its exhibition & event marketing services, amounting to US$409 million. This represents year-on-… more
Feb 13, 2018
It’s no secret that January is a big month for major U.S. trade shows around the country, and this year was no exception. Held Jan. 14-16 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, NRF 2018, aka Retail’s BIG Show, helped kick off the year on the right foot by growing its participation and showfloor presence. Owned and run by the National Retail Federation, the three-day trade show and conference for retail professionals welcomed 36,500 attendees and 719 exhibiting companies representing a wide range of categories including merchandising, operations, information technology, customer… more
Feb 09, 2018
Hubilo, a company that provides eponymous event software that enables organizers to create, promote, engage and analyze their events and event attendees, has launched a new event networking platform meant to optimize the way people connect and interact at events. Hubilo is India’s first all-in-one event management software provider and since its inception in 2014 has powered prominent events including the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017 and The Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017. The new community platform, released in January, can be easily integrated with any event website or app. It… more
Feb 08, 2018
Viacom, owner of MTV, VH-1, Nickelodeon and BET, to name a few, has acquired VidCon, host of the world’s largest multi-day conference for the global online community. The move will accelerate its participation and investment in next-generation platforms and expand its focus on live events, according to Viacom officials. VidCon will remain a stand-alone entity and retain its senior leadership team. “VidCon has become the foremost gathering place for the passionate online video community, and the access to talent, experts and education that VidCon provides for attendees is unparalleled,”… more
Feb 08, 2018
Washington D.C.’s largest consumer culinary show, MetroCooking DC, concluded its 12th edition with a positive boost in attendance and size. Held Dec. 9-10 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the popular gourmand shopping event saw an attendance uptick of more than 12 percent, compared with the year before, with more than 10,000 foodies shopping, sipping and sampling from an abundance of specialty food companies, local restaurants, breweries and wineries. The annual event also expanded its exhibitor footprint, with 218 specialty food and home entertaining exhibitors showcasing… more
Feb 07, 2018
U.K.-based Tarsus Group has launched an exclusive buyer-seller platform, Tarsus Direct, which will include an in-person summit series, white papers and thought leadership within specific communities. The first event in Tarsus Direct’s Industry Specific Direct Connections Summit Series will focus on healthcare security with the debut of the Healthcare Security Summit Oct. 24-25 in Boston, Mass. "Our market research indicated a strong need for original research and education in healthcare security," said David Beck, Group Publisher at Tarsus Direct, and former publisher of the… 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