News

Sep 23, 2013
The Indian Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, announced after his visit to China that the India government plans to build an international convention centre at Devanahalli, a town 40 km northeast of Bangalore. Construction of the new venue is expected to cost around US$79 million and will be located near the Bengaluru International Airport. Siddaramaiah said the venue will follow the model of a public-private-partnership, where land will be provided by the government and the investment to build the venue will be provided by a private company. Devanahalli is 12 km away from the… more
Sep 22, 2013
International Pharmaceutical Expo (INTERPHEX), an annual trade event dedicated to the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry, and the Parenteral Drug Association have signed a three-year sponsorship agreement. This sponsorship aligns the objectives of both organizations to service key needs of the global pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry by driving innovation and advancement, according to show organizers. “Our Sponsorship of INTERPHEX reflects our support of the continued enhancement of industry learning and improvement, areas we find present at INTERPHEX,”… more
Sep 22, 2013
From Aug. 31-Sept. 4, Amsterdam RAI played host to the largest medical conference in Europe - European Society of Cardiology Congress 2013 - with 30,000 participants, speakers and representatives from more than 150 countries. The ESC Congress attracts professionals, ranging from surgeons and clinicians to scientists and nurses. Besides being the largest meeting of medical practitioners in Europe, ESC also is the largest conference covering cardiovascular issues in the world. “I am delighted that the ESC Congress has returned to Amsterdam,” said Ben Hainsworth, director of the… more
Sep 22, 2013
Pharma EXPO, set to launch in November in Chicago, continues to draw support from the industry, with Italian Ipack-Ima Spa, which produces Pharmintech, signing on for as a partner. Pharma EXPO is produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering and will be collocated with PMMI’s PACK EXPO Nov. 2-5 at McCormick Place. As part of the new agreement, Parma EXPO also will be collocated with Pharmintech when it’s held in Bologna, Italy. “Ipack-Ima’s reputation for excellence… more
Sep 22, 2013
Are you still on the fence about enabling your exhibitors to add rich content such as product listings, press releases, specials and videos to their listings on your event website? Here are five compelling reasons which may just persuade you to change your mind. Save Paper By providing an online forum for exhibitors to showcase their products and services, many show organizers are significantly reducing, and in some cases completely eliminating, dependency on thick printed directories. By going digital, you will not only be saving costs and precious natural resources, but are bound to… more
Sep 22, 2013
AV Concepts, a holographic and immersive technology provider, partnered with Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc. to power the Aug. 3 launch of the Jordan Super.Fly 2 sneakers at the Santa Monica Place Central Courtyard.  The shoe was unveiled to thousands of fans as an 8-by-12-foot holographic illusion while spokesperson and professional basketball player Blake Griffin discussed the footwear’s design, inspired by his high-flying style. AV Concepts also was the company behind brining rapper Tupac Shakur back to life on the Coachella music festival stage. It was an illusion… more
Sep 22, 2013
AV Concepts, a holographic and immersive technology provider, partnered with Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc. to power the Aug. 3 launch of the Jordan Super.Fly 2 sneakers at the Santa Monica Place Central Courtyard.  The shoe was unveiled to thousands of fans as an 8-by-12-foot holographic illusion while spokesperson and professional basketball player Blake Griffin discussed the footwear’s design, inspired by his high-flying style. AV Concepts also was the company behind brining rapper Tupac Shakur back to life on the Coachella music festival stage. It was an illusion… more
Sep 22, 2013
Are you still on the fence about enabling your exhibitors to add rich content such as product listings, press releases, specials and videos to their listings on your event website? Here are five compelling reasons which may just persuade you to change your mind. Save Paper By providing an online forum for exhibitors to showcase their products and services, many show organizers are significantly reducing, and in some cases completely eliminating, dependency on thick printed directories. By going digital, you will not only be saving costs and precious natural resources, but are bound to… more
Sep 19, 2013
What is likely good news for trade shows at Chicago’s McCormick Place, a 1,200-room hotel is on tap to open in 2016 next to the center, with Marriot International recently named as the operator. The hotel will be operated under the Marriott Marquis brand, the only one with this brand in the city of Chicago, according to Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority officials. “Development of this hotel is another step forward for Chicago’s thriving convention and trade show industry,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. He added, “These hundreds of additional… more
Sep 18, 2013
After 40 years with J. Spargo & Associates, John W. Spargo will step down from the CEO post and Susan Bracken, president and COO, will step in, effective Sept. 23. Spargo founded the company in 1973 that now employs 160 full-time professionals.He will retain his chair position of the company’s board of directors. The change in leadership was part of what the company called a “carefully crafted strategic plan” that was adopted by the board. “Working at the company and with its talented employees and management team for nearly 40 years has been an honor,”… 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