News

Apr 11, 2017
A Hosted Buyers Program (HBP) brings together qualified buyers for brief one-to-one meetings with multiple suppliers in a given vertical. HBPs are becoming increasingly popular as supplementary as well as complementary events to trade shows because they provide a winning formula for delivering tangible and measurable success to all parties involved. For Suppliers The key premise of a genuine HBP is that it brings pre-qualified buyers to meet with the suppliers. The vetted process is usually based on key parameters such as a buyer’s primary business or professional role, buying… more
Apr 10, 2017
With so much technology supporting events, much of it digital technology that runs on or is facilitated by the Internet (aka back door for hackers), event organizers would be remiss in not making sure that every technology they use is secure. In this week’s #Expochat, moderator Michelle Bruno will tweetchat with Jon Johnson, cofounder and CTO of Core-Apps to find out how vulnerable the industry really is and what organizers and technology providers can do to safeguard company and personal information on event apps and platforms. If you’ve got questions of your own or would like to contribute… more
Apr 10, 2017
The winter months ended with a flurry of hirings and promotions in several for-profit companies and association show organizations, as well as suppliers to the trade show industry. Comexposium Group has appointed Simon Foster as CEO as of August 2017. At that time, Renaud Hamaide will transition from CEO to executive chairman. Foster will lead the Comexposium Group strategic development and implementation across the Globe, managing existing products and teams, optimizing products’ performance, as well as overseeing new business launches and acquisitions integration. All division managing… more
Apr 08, 2017
Freeman has launched a portfolio of virtual products and services for exhibitors, organizers and corporate marketers seeking innovative technology solutions to help drive audience engagement, transform the customer experience and achieve optimal business results. The new VR offers are part of Freeman’s initial rollout of its VR portfolio, intended to increase the impact of technology and digital advances in its brand experience category while helping clients drive event strategy that leverages data to deliver more relevant experiences and meaningful audience connections. “As the… more
Apr 07, 2017
By Elizabeth Johnson   International Vision Expo East, held March 31-April 2 at the Jacob J. Javits Convention Center in New York City, added even more content to an already successful event. The annual trade show and conference provides a venue for fashion designers to display their latest eyewear and for eye care professionals to find resources improve their businesses. While the show saw an increase in exhibiting companies, with 714 exhibitors spanning 270,326 square feet of expo space compared to 2016, when 631 exhibiting companies occupied a 270,985 sq. ft. showfloor, Vision Expo is… more
Apr 06, 2017
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC) and leaders from across the meetings industry are joining together today for the second annual Global Meetings Industry Day (#GMID17), with more than 100 events in 90-plus locations spanning nearly 25 countries and six continents. This international day of advocacy showcases the real impact that business meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions have on people, business and communities. Thousands of industry professionals are participating in today’s events, coupled with a robust social conversation to ensure… more
Apr 06, 2017
CORT Event Furnishings has become the first rental company to offer a free 3D space planning design tool to its clients. The meetings, exhibit and events industry furnishings provider recently partnered with Social Tables, an event management software company, to integrate a proprietary custom version of Social Tables’ online Space Planner on CORT’s website. Clients have the ability to design their event in 2D, view and share in 3D and automatically request quotes for CORT products based on their design. The platform’s advanced functionality also allows clients to select… more
Apr 05, 2017
In an effort to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and attract more sustainably minded events, Detroit’s Cobo Center has achieved APEX/ASTM Venue Standard recertification. Developed by ASTM International and the Convention Industry Council’s Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX), the Venue Standard is one of nine APEX/ASTM Standards for Sustainable Meetings and Events that were created by the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events industry to provide planners and suppliers with specific guidelines and performance measurements for producing more environmentally… more
Apr 04, 2017
More and more trade shows are making corporate social responsibility in their host communities an annual tradition, and EXHIBITORLIVE is no exception. For the third year in a row, the annual trade show and conference for trade show marketers held a book drive in partnership with Spread the Word Nevada, a Henderson, Nev.-based non-profit dedicated to advancing childhood literacy within low-income communities by providing books for at-risk elementary school students. Held March 12-16 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, EXHIBITORLIVE attracted 5,000 attendees and 250 exhibitors… more
Apr 04, 2017
Northstar Travel Group acquired not only the TEAMS Conference + Expo and Meetings Quest conferences from Schneider Publishing, but also magazine titles SportsTravel and Association News.   Timothy Schneider, president and CEO of Schneider Publishing, joins Northstar Travel Group as founder and chairman of the company's new Sports Division. The division will be a part of Northstar's Meetings Group, which includes Meetings & Conventions, Successful Meetings, Meeting News, and Incentive, and the Group's integrated data, digital, and in-person event… 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