News

May 03, 2014
Live Mint& The Wall Street Journal reported this week that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) fined the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) US$1.1 million for “abuse of a dominant position.” ITPO is an Indian government trade promotion agency, which among other activities organises exhibitions and owns and operates some key venues in India, including Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The case stems from a complaint filed by the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) that alleged that in 2006 and 2007, the ITPO arbitrarily imposed “time gap restrictions… more
May 03, 2014
Reed Panorama Exhibitions (RPE), Reed Exhibitions’ Indonesian joint venture subsidiary, will launch three new events and expand the existing Mega Build Indonesia this year. The three new launches include the Indonesia Transport Supply Chain and Logistics and Mining & Engineering Indonesia, which will both take place from 29th to 31st October 2014 at the Jakarta International Expo. The third event will be the trade and public exhibition Indonesia Toys, Games & Comic Convention (ITGCC). A venue for ITGCC has not yet been confirmed, but is scheduled to take place sometime in… more
May 02, 2014
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Coverings, the trade show for tile and natural stone, boasted the largest showfloor since 2008. “We’re up about 12 percent compared to 340,000 square feet last year,” said Karin Fendrich, Coverings' show director. “It’s representative of what’s happening in the industry and the fact that opportunities are coming back.” Attendance was at about 20,000, slightly up, compared with last year. Exhibitor numbers were unavailable, but expected to be on par with 2013. The show, owned by National Trade Productions,… more
Apr 30, 2014
For the second time in a year and right in the middle of the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, being held April 25-May 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, the Carpenters’ union that works at the facility went on strike. Talks had been ongoing between the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and Local 8 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, but ultimately broke down today. “Over the course of months of discussions, the center and our management team at SMG have provided ample evidence to union leadership that work rule… more
Apr 30, 2014
Germany-based Messe Frankfurt will launch the 14th event in their worldwide Automechanika series in partnership with Calif.-based Advanstar Communications next year in Chicago. The new show, Automechanika Chicago, will be held April 24-26 at Chicago’s McCormick Place and serve a steadily growing U.S. automotive aftermarket. "We are excited about our partnership with Advanstar,” said Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt. He added, “Our combined experience in launching successful events only strengthens our ability to service this untapped niche… more
Apr 29, 2014
The Meetings Mean Business campaign - a national communications and advocacy platform that showcases the substantial value of meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions - recently launched an industry-wide mobile app. “It’s critically important that our industry continues to speak with one voice to communicate the value and benefits of meetings to communities, businesses and the economy,” said David Peckinpaugh, president of Maritz Travel and Co-Chair of Meetings Mean Business. He added, “The MMB app is another significant tool to ensure that everyone,… more
Apr 27, 2014
Adding to its extensive worldwide food and beverage portfolio, E.J. Krause & Associates took a majority ownership stake in MetroCooking DC’s Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show. “EJK is excited to work with Tiny Kitchen on expanding MetroCooking DC which offers exciting potential for growth,” said Ned Krause, CEO, E.J. Krause & Associates. He added, “This joint venture also fits our aim in continuing to develop a wide range of global food and beverage events.” The 9th edition of the DC Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show will be held Nov. 8-… more
Apr 27, 2014
The Society of Independent Show Organizers now is accepting entries for its acclaimed SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, in which the overall winner will be named at the association’s Executive Leadership Conference Aug. 13 at the Revel Hotel in Atlantic City. At this year’s SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, companies will present their breakthrough event technologies or new business models before an audience of SISO attendees. “The Event Innovation Battlefield is an important motivational hub for innovation, ideas, talent and products,” said Lew Shomer, executive… more
Apr 27, 2014
The Society of Independent Show Organizers now is accepting entries for its acclaimed SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, in which the overall winner will be named at the association’s Executive Leadership Conference Aug. 13 at the Revel Hotel in Atlantic City. At this year’s SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, companies will present their breakthrough event technologies or new business models before an audience of SISO attendees. “The Event Innovation Battlefield is an important motivational hub for innovation, ideas, talent and products,” said Lew Shomer, executive… more
Apr 26, 2014
The United Fresh Foundation will host the first Fresh Produce Pavilion at the School Nutrition Association Annual Convention July 14-16 in Boston. The pavilion establishes a destination area on the trade show floor that will focus exclusively on promoting fresh fruits and vegetables.   “Our goal with this pavilion is help schools maximize their success in serving a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables,” said United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel.  He added, “We’re committed to helping school foodservice directors understand the ins and outs of purchasing produce, as… 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