News

Jun 24, 2013
In an effort to expand its U.S.-based portfolio, global event organizer E.J. Krause recently held the second edition of its M-Enabling Summit, which focuses on mobile technology for people with disabilities, June 6-7 in Washington, D.C. “M-Enabling Summit gained wide spread support from disability and senior organizations as well as the private industry, demonstrating the strategic importance of this rapidly growing sector,” said Ned Krause, president and CEO of E.J. Krause and Associates. He added, “Promoting M-Enabling Solutions is definitely the next frontier for the… more
Jun 24, 2013
A new, 5-year labor agreement was reached between Global Experience Specialists and the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Local 1027, who work in the warehouse on exhibits and other projects. Contract renewal negotiations originally had halted June 3 because of the union’s request for a 17-percent wage increase during a 4-year period and GES’ offer of a 15-percent increase during the same 4-year time period. Neither side disclosed specifics of the new agreement, but Frank T. Libby, president and executive secretary-treasurer for the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters,… more
Jun 24, 2013
Overseeing the world’s largest medical-themed trade shows, MEDICA, and launching new ones, including Medical World Americas, Messe Duesseldorf recently made a few announcements regarding its medical events portfolio. The company’s Duesseldorf-based MEDICA 2013, International Trade Fair with Congress – World Forum for Medicine has decided to changes its conference program’s name to MEDICA Conferences & Forums. “The MEDICA conference, which regularly attracts several thousand participants, has until now only been well-known in Germany. But now over half of… more
Jun 24, 2013
Douglas L. Ducate, president and CEO of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, announced today at the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association’s Annual Summer Educational Conference that he will step down at the end of this year.   Ducate, a 45-year industry veteran who has held the CEIR post for 15 years, explained he believed CEIR deserves "younger and stronger legs to carry some of the new initiatives to success." CEIR Chairman and Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Greg Ortale said, "The respect and presence that our… more
Jun 23, 2013
Freeman’s marketing agency, FreemanXP, recently launched FXP | Cloud - a social engagement platform that allows clients to host integrated online events throughout the year. With this platform, organizations have the ability to connect with their audiences through many different touch points and create year-round experiences that are seamless complements to face-to-face events. Chris Cavanaugh, FreemanXP’s president, said, “Our positioning is around Social Engagement, which to us means from a strategic point of view, ultimately integrating virtual and social media with live… more
Jun 23, 2013
Instagram announced a new feature this week that allows users to take up to 15 seconds of video. Users also will have the option to add a filter to the video before sharing.  Read all of the details in their press release. There are similar apps already available on the market: Vine for Twitter and Cinemagram. This doesn’t worry Instagram though.  They feel the video tools will be one more reason for their fans to remain loyal. Instagram is currently popular with the masses for its easy to use photo capturing, editing and sharing tools. You may ask, “What can you share… more
Jun 23, 2013
Freeman’s marketing agency, FreemanXP, recently launched FXP | Cloud - a social engagement platform that allows clients to host integrated online events throughout the year. With this platform, organizations have the ability to connect with their audiences through many different touch points and create year-round experiences that are seamless complements to face-to-face events. Chris Cavanaugh, FreemanXP’s president, said, “Our positioning is around Social Engagement, which to us means from a strategic point of view, ultimately integrating virtual and social media with live… more
Jun 23, 2013
Instagram announced a new feature this week that allows users to take up to 15 seconds of video. Users also will have the option to add a filter to the video before sharing.  Read all of the details in their press release. There are similar apps already available on the market: Vine for Twitter and Cinemagram. This doesn’t worry Instagram though.  They feel the video tools will be one more reason for their fans to remain loyal. Instagram is currently popular with the masses for its easy to use photo capturing, editing and sharing tools. You may ask, “What can you share… more
Jun 22, 2013
UBM Canon hosted their 2013 east coast expo for medical design, manufacturing, automation and packaging June 18-20 in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The three-day expo boasted 1,200 exhibitors and encompassed just shy of 200,000 net square feet. UBM does not release attendee numbers but rather a number of companies represented. Those numbers will be made public in two to three weeks, according to show officials. The event is a collocated one with six expos - Atlantic Design & Manufacturing, ATX East, EastPack, MD&M East, PLASTEC East, and Pharmapack North… more
Jun 22, 2013
After two years of negotiations, Detroit’s Cobo Center and five unions working in the building have formed a new labor agreement that streamlines services and makes costs more predictable, according to venue officials. “This agreement makes Cobo’s costs more competitive with standards for the exposition and meeting industry,” said Thom Connors, general manager of Cobo Center for SMG, the venue’s management company. He added, “This is a significant step forward to clarify and maintain exhibitor rights and make our operations more efficient and competitive… 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