News

Aug 18, 2013
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s latest Index Report for the second quarter was just released, and the good news is for the 12th consecutive quarter, the trade show industry continues to grow, though that growth has slowed. Year-over-year growth increased 1.2 percent overall, which is down slightly, 0.3 percent, compared with the second quarter of last year. The growth also lagged behind that of the GDP numbers in the second quarter that saw a 1.4 percent increase. "Overall, the second-quarter results continue on a positive upswing, and they confirm that the… more
Aug 18, 2013
As part of the final piece of the Sunshine Act that went fully into effect Aug. 1, all pharmaceutical, medical device, biological, and medical supply manufacturers have to report to the Health and Human Services (HHS) any "payment or other transfer of value" to physicians, including any giveaways at medical and pharmaceutical trade shows and meetings. These requirements apply if a manufacturer sells or distributes at least one covered drug, device, biologic or medical supply. For organizers, it just adds one more layer of data collection, but fortunately, technology company… more
Aug 18, 2013
Even before “Superstorm Sandy” struck the Eastern seaboard of the United States, officials in the conventions and meetings business in Atlantic City had been brainstorming about a way to bring more events into their town. The hurricane brought a tremendous amount of damage in its wake, but, according to Gary Musich, Atlantic City CVA’s vice president of convention development, much of the city was spared. “There was no damage to any of the hotels or the convention center,” he added, “There was some flooding, but that’s it. There also was no damage… more
Aug 18, 2013
Thousands of independent pharmacists converged Aug. 7-10 in Seattle for Cardinal Health's annual Retail Business Conference, with the theme Discover New Horizons for improving their businesses and for delivering quality, personalized care to patients. "RBC is the industry's best opportunity to celebrate independent pharmacy and to encourage owners to discover new opportunities to move their businesses forward," said Steve Lawrence, senior vice president of Retail Independent Sales for Cardinal Health.  He added, "This event is one of the largest gatherings of… more
Aug 18, 2013
Some shows still are offering printed show directories, while others include an online exhibitor directory as part of their event website or mobile app. Creative Portal Services is looking to take that a step further with a 365 day a year web vendor portal. “Thank of it as a giant buyers guide. It can be scaled to any size association,” said Pete Fenlon, executive sales manager for Creative Portal Services. Fenlon said there are advantages to an organization, and the suppliers who serve the organization’s members, when implementing the portal. One advantage is in… more
Aug 18, 2013
When your show management team is looking for a mobile app one of the first questions they should ask is “What will the attendees use the app for?” Every year, a2z Inc. published mobile apps for numerous leading trade shows, enabling us to gain significant insight into how audiences use apps before and during the event. In comparing data for mobile apps deployed this year for ten events of varying sizes, we found, not unexpectedly, that the No. 1 accessed feature in the mobile app was the Exhibitor List. The Session List and Session Details tied in the second place for the most… more
Aug 18, 2013
Some shows still are offering printed show directories, while others include an online exhibitor directory as part of their event website or mobile app. Creative Portal Services is looking to take that a step further with a 365 day a year web vendor portal. “Thank of it as a giant buyers guide. It can be scaled to any size association,” said Pete Fenlon, executive sales manager for Creative Portal Services. Fenlon said there are advantages to an organization, and the suppliers who serve the organization’s members, when implementing the portal. One advantage is in… more
Aug 18, 2013
When your show management team is looking for a mobile app one of the first questions they should ask is “What will the attendees use the app for?” Every year, a2z Inc. published mobile apps for numerous leading trade shows, enabling us to gain significant insight into how audiences use apps before and during the event. In comparing data for mobile apps deployed this year for ten events of varying sizes, we found, not unexpectedly, that the No. 1 accessed feature in the mobile app was the Exhibitor List. The Session List and Session Details tied in the second place for the most… more
Aug 14, 2013
Atlanta-based Urban Expositions has further expanded into the restaurant and foodservice industries by scooping up three shows from Reed Exhibitions and one more from the New York State Restaurant Association. The Reed shows are the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and Expo Comida Latina, as well as the association’s International Restaurant & Foodservice Show, which was managed by Reed. "We have been searching for strategic opportunities to grow our retail/hospitality sector and these shows perfectly reflect the profile and… more
Aug 13, 2013
After a 15-year run as the telecom provider for the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, which oversees the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Cashman Center, Smart City Networks lost the lucrative contract to Cox Nevada Telcom, following a 14-1 vote by the LVCVA board on Aug. 13. Smart City came in second, followed by A&T. According to LVCVA board meeting notes, Cox Nevada Telcom was awarded a seven-year contract, with the option of a three-year extension, and will subcontract with showNets to provide on-site services to show management, exhibitors and attendees. “The… 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