News

Jul 26, 2017
Even though Tarsus Group’s two largest biennial shows– Dubai Airshow and Labelexpo Europe – still are yet to be held in the second half of this year, the company’s like-for-like revenues are up 4 percent (adjusting for acquisitions and biennial events), compared with the same period in 2016. First-half revenues were £39.8 million ($52 million), compared with £27.0 million ($35 million) in 2016. Excluding Turkey, which has been challenged with geopolitical issues, like-for-like revenues were up 8 percent. Adjusted profit before tax was £6.8m ($8.9 million), compared with £4.0m ($5.2 million)… more
Jul 25, 2017
PHL Life Sciences, a business development division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), has successfully positioned Philadelphia as a leading life sciences meeting destination, to the tune of $295 million in economic impact in 2016 alone. To highlight this achievement, PHL Life Sciences’ latest promo video recently was released. Notable locations like The Franklin Institute, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Reading Terminal Market and the Pennsylvania Convention Center serve as the backdrop,  as PHL Life Sciences executive director, Bonnie Grant;… more
Jul 25, 2017
MGM Resorts International has launched a new Military & Veterans Program (MVP) to recognize the exceptional sacrifices and efforts of those who serve in the U.S. armed forces. Conceptualized and developed by MGM Resorts’ Veterans Employee Network Group, MVP provides active military members, veterans and spouses with special recognition, offers, discounts and benefits at MGM Resorts destinations throughout the U.S. “As a company, we have always supported our country’s greatest heroes,” said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. He continued, “Our new Military &… more
Jul 25, 2017
The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) has named Leanne Dagavarian, with MilliporeSigma, and Melissa Matarrese, with the American College of Surgeons, as the recipients of the inaugural HCEAConnect Scholarship, sponsored by GES.  The HCEAConnect Scholarship provides two registration scholarships to attend HCEAConnect, taking place Aug. 13-16 in Chicago.  Dagavarian and Matarrese were selected from a competitive selection of applicants and will be recapping their experience in a future issue of HCEA News, HCEA’s e-newsletter. “We are thrilled that Ms.… more
Jul 25, 2017
Frost Miller has been hired to provide marketing support for the first-ever Crohn’s and Colitis Congress™ developed through a partnership of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). This new annual inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) congress, which will take place Jan. 18-20 in Las Vegas, will serve as the premier conference for IBD health-care professionals and researchers. The program will be comprehensive, patient-centered and multidisciplinary, and bring state-of-the-art comprehensive care together with the latest research to accelerate… more
Jul 25, 2017
UBM, the organizer of Medical Design and Manufacturing (MD&M) Minneapolis, unveiled that industry icon, Dr. Eric J. Topol will take the keynote stage as the headlining presenter at its annual event in Minneapolis, Minn.  Dr.Topol will provide insight on the state of healthcare today and what the future holds for digital medicine. The Midwest's largest medical technology event, which will house more than 600 leading suppliers and 5,000+ industry professionals, takes place on Nov. 8-9 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The event is comprised of six… more
Jul 24, 2017
A few years after Providence Equity Partners bought U.K.-based Clarion Events, the trade show company has changed hands again to another private equity firm – Blackstone. “We are delighted to invest in Clarion and back Chairman Simon Kimble and CEO Russell Wilcox in the company’s next chapter,” said Lionel Assant, head of European Private Equity at Blackstone. He added, “Clarion’s leading position in its markets combined with its strong management team will enable the company to continue growing both organically and through M&A. Blackstone has a significant track record of investing in… more
Jul 24, 2017
  There has been a lot of discussion in the IT world of trade shows relating the ability for all partners involved in the success of a show demonstrating the ability to share data and intelligence through an API (Application Programming Interface). Lacking this expertise – on both sides – eliminates you from the discussion of being a leading player in the exhibition marketplace. Join us and Terence Donnelly of Experient on this Wednesday’s #Expochat July 26th, 1pm ET where we’ll answer the following questions: ·        What is an API? Not… more
Jul 21, 2017
International Conference Development (lCDevents) is gearing up to launch Pet Connections Expo, a new pet industry trade show set for Oct. 3-4 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Penn. Designed to be an affordable alternative for independent retailers, vendors and other pet professionals, the event intends to provide a more intimate and relaxed community environment where pet retailers can network, share experiences and learn how to compete with the online and large brick and mortar stores in order to succeed in their businesses, according to Bill Doherty, PetCon Expo show… more
Jul 20, 2017
Smart City Networks has completed a new distributed antenna system (DAS) designed to exponentially expand the cellular service coverage and capacity at the San Diego Convention Center. “This new system is going to make a noticeable difference for everyone who attends an event or convention at the San Diego Convention Center,” said Julia Slocombe, vice president of western region operations for Smart City Networks, a telecommunications provider for the convention industry. She continued, “This was a massive upgrade, but it reiterates our commitment to deliver exceptional… 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