News

Aug 10, 2017
Embracing its strategy to be an end-to-end solutions provider for their existing and potential clients, MCI acquired Dallas-based Wyndham Jade, an event and travel management company specializing in integrated convention housing and registration, site selection, meeting management, incentive programs and business travel management, serving both associations and corporations. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The addition of Wyndham Jade becomes a key component of MCI USA’s Meetings, Conventions and Incentives platform serving both associations and corporations and further accelerates… more
Aug 10, 2017
The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center was awarded LEED Gold certification for Existing Buildings by the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the first convention center in Georgia and one of a handful of U.S. convention facilities to attain a gold level rating. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building rating system for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of sustainable buildings. “The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center is committed to environmental and social responsibility and has established itself as… more
Aug 08, 2017
National Trade Productions has launched a rebrand of its NTP Events client exposition management division that includes a new visual component, vision and mission statement. The intention behind the rebranding process is threefold: to distinguish NTP Events from its parent company; to develop a distinct identity that accurately reflects the importance of its client management services and to clarify the division’s corporate structure to the exhibitions and events industry, according to Christopher Harar, who took the helm as NTP Events president in February of last year. “The tagline, ‘We… more
Aug 08, 2017
In response to growing customer demand, SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals has expanded its Las Vegas operations center.  Designed to maximize productivity, efficiency and safety, the company’s new 39,000 square foot space features a new production center with advanced information technologies to support upgraded internal networking and equipment configuration. “SmartSource’s Las Vegas location is doubling the size of its operation in response to steady growth in the local market, enabling the company to be more responsive in supporting our larger trade shows and events, as… more
Aug 07, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) named Jonathan “Skip” Cox a the 2017 KLI Legend of the Industry. Each year, IAEE selects a KLI "Legend of the Industry" whose contributions, innovation and leadership truly have been unique and remarkable. “I am truly honored to be named the IAEE Legend of the Industry for 2017,” Cox said. “I have been involved with IAEE and the exhibitions industry for the span of my career, and it is humbling to have my service to the industry recognized by IAEE and its board of directors.” Cox joined Exhibit Surveys, Inc… more
Aug 06, 2017
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) recently issued a design and feasibility Request for Proposal (RFP) for master planning services for the 70-acre campus of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC) in South Boston. “It has been a dynamic and disruptive decade in our industry which has mirrored the dramatic changes that have occurred in South Boston,” said David Gibbons, MCCA's executive director.  He added, “This is an exciting and appropriate time for the Authority to evaluate where we stand in the convention marketplace. We are asking our customers what… more
Aug 05, 2017
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Nominating Committee met on Aug. 25 in Chicago to determine the final slate from the extraordinary nominee applications for the 2018 open board officer and director positions. After vigilant due diligence and deliberation, the committee offers the following slate of candidates for leadership positions on the 2018 PCMA Board of Directors. According to the PCMA Bylaws, this official announcement of the proposed slate is to be sent to the membership by Oct. 1. The nominating process, according to the Bylaws (Article XII, Section 1(d… more
Aug 04, 2017
Three years after UBM revealed its ‘Events First’ strategy, the company has shifted its portfolio through a series of acquisitions and the sale of PR Newswire so that now 92 percent of its profits come from the events business. That strategy continues to pay off, with the recent release of UBM’s 2017 first-half results showing an 18-percent revenue increase to £448.4 million ($585 million), compared with the same period last year, and while events' revenue growth during the last six months was modest – 2.7 percent - the future looks bright. “In the first half of the year, the focused… more
Aug 03, 2017
New Horizons Global Exhibitions is gearing up to launch Scafform Global Expo, set for Nov 7-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The inaugural event will be held side by side with the new Hydropower & Dams Global Expo and will be managed by ConvExx, a Las Vegas-based, independent trade show management company. NHG Expo acquired the U.S. and international rights to produce the shows from Istanbul-based DEMOS Exhibitions, producer and owner of trade shows and fairs for Turkey’s construction, geothermal and 3D printing industries, which include the biannual International Scaffolding and… more
Aug 03, 2017
Emerald Expositions’ Interbike cycling show will be leaving Las Vegas and has selected the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nev., beginning in 2018 and continuing through 2022. The city also is the site of the newly created Interbike Marketweek. Interbike Marketweek will begin with a weekend consumer festival at  Northstar California Resort, and will then segue into the trade-focused OutDoor Demo, also at Northstar. “We’re extremely excited about this move for a multitude of reasons,” said Pat Hus, vice president of Interbike. He added, “For the first time in a very long time, we’… 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