News

May 03, 2017
First quarter revenues saw a significant jump for GES of nearly 35 percent to $318 million compared with $236 million during the same period in 2016. “GES’ growth during the first quarter was driven by positive show-rotation, underlying growth at both our U.S. and International segments and contributions from our acquisition of ON Services,” said GES’ and Viad’s President and CEO Steve Moster. He added, “In addition, our investments in audio-visual and event technology continue to offer meaningful growth opportunities. This past quarter we renewed two major show organizer contracts with a… more
May 03, 2017
The American Thoracic Society has tapped registration partner Convention Data Services to provide beacon technology for ATS 2017, the annual conference the society’s 113th annual conference, set for May 19-24 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C. For the first time at ATS, CDS will provide the event’s 16,000 attendees and exhibitors with smart badges containing wireless beacons designed to gather data regarding session attendance, exhibit hall traffic, activity in satellite locations and attendance at special functions. Registration data from the event… more
May 02, 2017
The American Society of Association Executives has unveiled a new continuous learning and talent development platform – ASAE Learning Online. ASAE Learning Online provides on-demand access to unlimited educational opportunities for ASAE members and non-members throughout the association community. Subscribers can personalize learning plans, take skills gap assessments and search through hundreds of educational options that align with association management competencies (defined by ASAE’s Job Task Analysis) as well as professional skills important for individual, team and organizational… more
May 02, 2017
Face it, the marriage of technology with events has transformed the trade show industry. What began as a great tool to communicate with show audiences has morphed into a powerful partnership that continues to deepen as show producers, managers and organizers realize the incredible benefits of using digital platforms to harness and measure data, market their events, fine-tune their strategy and planning, increase the global reach of their trade shows and conferences and most importantly, interact with audiences and improve attendee experiences. In an effort to examine this growing phenomenon… more
May 01, 2017
Exhibit space for NPE2018: The Plastics Show has sold out more than a year in advance at its recent Space Draw, a first in the history of North American’s largest trade show and conference for the international plastics manufacturing industry. Owned and produced by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the triennial expo and educational event is set to take place May 7-11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. PLASTICS will continue working to accommodate exhibitors still waiting for booth assignments with limited availability in several of the show’s Technology Zones,… more
May 01, 2017
For the eighth year in row, Trade Show News Network will hold its prestigious and original TSNN Awards program that honors the top fastest-growing shows in attendance and net square footage on tap Aug. 21-23 collocated with Connect Expo in New Orleans. The list of 50 shows that will be feted during the three-day, celebration-filled event can be found listed below and also HERE.  “The Top 50 fastest-growing show winners were chosen by their show’s growth rate between 2014-2016 in attendance and net square footage,” said TSNN President and Editor-in-Chief Rachel Wimberly.… more
May 01, 2017
The American Society of Association Executives has unveiled a new continuous learning and talent development platform – ASAE Learning Online. ASAE Learning Online provides on-demand access to unlimited educational opportunities for ASAE members and non-members throughout the association community. Subscribers can personalize learning plans, take skills gap assessments and search through hundreds of educational options that align with association management competencies (defined by ASAE’s Job Task Analysis) as well as professional skills important for individual, team and organizational… more
May 01, 2017
Switzerland-based live marketing company MCH Group has acquired MC2 – a Chestnut Ridge, New York-based company in the exhibit and event marketing industry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. This is by far the biggest acquisition in the 100-year history of MCH Group and a key strategic expansion, according to MCH Group officials, "The acquisition of MC2 marks a tremendous step forward in the implementation of our corporate strategy, which we have been pursuing since 2005",  said René Kamm, CEO of MCH Group. "With MC2, we will be greatly boosting our international… more
Apr 28, 2017
Keynotes, educational sessions, breakouts, evening networking events, sleep, rinse and repeat. Conferences haven’t changed very much in decades, and while event organizers may recognize the need for change, taking that leap and just doing it can be daunting, if not downright scary. As a result, many events continue to cling to the same-old, same-old format and content, rather than take the risk to implement cutting-edge reforms. In a recent #Expochat - a Twitter-based conversation on topics related to the trade show industry – a group of industry professionals talked about ways to disrupt the… more
Apr 27, 2017
The San Diego Convention Center has taken its environmental ambitions to the next level by achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. As one of the most popular and well-respected green building certification programs used worldwide, LEED is known as the foremost rating program for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings, homes and communities. During a public celebration to mark this important milestone for the facility, San Diego Mayor Faulconer praised the venue’s efforts in achieving the benchmark environmental… 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