News
Nov 30, 2017
a2z, Inc., provider of cloud-based event management and marketing tools, has been busy developing several new event technology solutions for trade show, exhibition, conference and professional meeting organizers.
In an effort to spread the word about these solutions throughout the events industry, the company showcased three new offerings at Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting, held Nov. 28-30 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.
The Very Important Business Exchange (VIBE) is a turnkey service designed to enable qualified buyers and sellers to engage in real business in… more
Nov 30, 2017
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released an updated version of its popular report, How the Exhibit Dollar is Spent.
Originally published in 2014, the 2017 report relays how exhibiting expenditures break down and identifies where spending has remained constant – versus increasing – compared to 2016 levels.
“CEIR is pleased to update these metrics,” said Cathy Breden, CEO of CIER. “Exhibitors, organizers and suppliers alike will benefit from understanding where exhibitors spend their marketing dollars on trade shows.”
She continued, “It is a resource that helps… more
Nov 30, 2017
Emerald Expositions Events acquired Connecting Point Marketing Group from lower-middle market private equity firm Corridor Capital, mezzanine investor Aldine Capital Partners and management.
Founded by Nancy Splaine and Kim Haulk in 2004 in Rye, N.H., CPMG organizes and hosts nine senior executive level business-intensive trade events focused on innovation for the hospitality, restaurant, healthcare, grocery and retail industries.
These four-day events are curated, invitation-only forums that bring together leaders in each vertical market. Events include RestaurantPoint East and West,… more
Nov 28, 2017
MGM Resorts International has recently partnered with Cisco Systems and Mobilitie to upgrade and double its wireless infrastructure, resulting in the largest, technologically advanced system in the industry and the first in-house, high-density Wi-Fi network capable of supporting high-level events with sophisticated technology needs.
To accomplish this feat, MGM Resorts’ technology partners designed, provided and installed the advanced wireless network that is now available throughout all MGM Resorts destinations’ meeting and convention spaces in Las Vegas (except for Circus Circus) and… more
Nov 28, 2017
In response to industry demand, Converters Expo will be launching a sister trade show in Charlotte, NC.
Set to debut Feb. 6 at the Charlotte Convention Center, Converters Expo South will bring together converters and packagers of paper, film and nonwovens with companies looking for the latest in efficiency, techniques, advances, products and equipment.
The inaugural event is expected to attract approximately 300 attendees and 59 exhibiting companies spanning just under 20,000 square feet of expo space, according to show officials.
“The Carolina-Georgia area is the second largest ‘… more
Nov 27, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveiled the results of the elections for its 2018 Board of Directors.
IAEE also welcomes incoming Chairperson of the Board Daniel McKinnon, CEM. McKinnon is vice president, Client Solutions – Global at FreemanXP.
“I am deeply honored for the opportunity to apply my years of experience as both a show organizer and supplier partner to the greater good of the industry which I could not be more proud to serve,” McKinnon said.
He added, “I am eager to continue the great work of those who came before me, and look forward to an… more
Nov 26, 2017
The Human Resources Management Association of Chicago (HRMAC) has selected SmithBucklin, an association management and services company, to provide full-service association management. Elizabeth Summy, CAE, serves as HRMAC’s chief executive officer, and its headquarters is at 330 N. Wabash, Chicago.
Founded in 1915, HRMAC is Chicagoland's premier resource for advancing workplace strategy and leadership. HRMAC’s membership is composed of nearly 750 Chicago-area organizations with a network of over 7,000 HR professionals from every business sector, representing small private companies to multi… more
Nov 26, 2017
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions had a record 39,000 registered attractions industry professionals gather in Orlando to learn, buy and network at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017.
"The success of this year's show is a true testament to the continued growth and strength of attractions around the world," said Paul Noland, IAAPA president and CEO.
He added, "Achieving this record-breaking attendance as we kick off IAAPA's 100th anniversary celebration is a remarkable milestone in our association's history. We thank all of our attendees, exhibitors, members, and… more
Nov 26, 2017
Karen Gonzales, CMP has joined the staff of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events as director, Partnership Relations.
In this role, she will assist with selling exhibit space for Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition and manage the sponsorship and advertising programs for IAEE, as well as fundraising for Exhibitions Mean Business. Gonzales will also engage in outreach and attendee acquisition for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research Foundation’s initiatives.
“I am honored to join the IAEE Team! This role allows me to engage and expand global… more
Nov 25, 2017
Expo! Expo! 2017 is days away, and we are all geared up to share with you how “The Journey is Sweeter with a2z”. While we can’t divulge all the juicy details just yet, here is a quick preview of the delicious experience that’s in store for all Expo! Expo! attendees in a2z’s booth #707.
Get a Sneak Peek at a2z’s Exciting New ReleasesEvery year, we add many new and innovative features to our core solution. These are always designed to help show organizers reduce tedious manual work, accelerate and augment revenue, as well as provide enhanced value to their audience. Despite being known in 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