News

Jun 10, 2013
The Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centrehas recently reopened with US$147 million worth of new features and service enhancements. The extensive renovations began in June 2012. Facilities in the upgraded venue include more than 2,100 m2 function space, 36 convertible meeting rooms, six halls covering 12,000 m2, and a 10,000 m2 column-free hall that connects to a multipurpose hall. Free Wi-Fi is now provided throughout the building, and is capable of handling up to 6,000 devices any given time. The first event after Suntec’s reopening is the Special Olympics Singapore… more
Jun 09, 2013
Taking your show or exhibitors overseas is potentially lucrative - but it’s also challenging! This webinar features Tom Cindric, vice president, Hanley Wood, who is about to launch a brand new show - World of Concrete, India this October in Hyderabad and Larry Schur, president, ABC Kids Expo, who has recently begun bringing pavilions of exhibitors overseas. The webinar will be moderated by global consultant and blogger Stephanie Selesnick, president of International Trade Information, Inc. Register here for June 13, 1pm EST webinar: https://www.etouches.com/64807 This… more
Jun 09, 2013
The National Confectioners Association’s Sweets & Snacks Expo, held May 21-23 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, not only snagged a 10-percent increase in attendees, but also the number of new exhibitors rose 17 percent and the showfloor grew 9 percent, compared with the 2012 event. “For the fourth year in a row, the Expo demonstrated significant growth in all areas. Our 10- percent increase in overall Expo registration is an accomplishment we relish,” said NCA President Larry Graham. He added, “In a challenging economy, it is apparent by the continued growth… more
Jun 09, 2013
Want to keep attendees engaged 365 days a year? ExpoBee has developed the Industry Tracker, a turnkey solution that provides personalized news feeds based on a subscriber’s specific interests. A subscriber can select industry categories and specific companies to track. Then, Industry Tracker uses a proprietary algorithm to pull content from vendor Web sites, social media, blogs, magazine sites and other outlets, scrub it for duplicates and extraneous content, then feed it directly to a subscriber via the Web, mobile or e-mail. “Keeping up with industry news meant subscribing to… more
Jun 09, 2013
Want to keep attendees engaged 365 days a year? ExpoBee has developed the Industry Tracker, a turnkey solution that provides personalized news feeds based on a subscriber’s specific interests. A subscriber can select industry categories and specific companies to track. Then, Industry Tracker uses a proprietary algorithm to pull content from vendor Web sites, social media, blogs, magazine sites and other outlets, scrub it for duplicates and extraneous content, then feed it directly to a subscriber via the Web, mobile or e-mail. “Keeping up with industry news meant subscribing to… more
Jun 05, 2013
Several days after contract renewal talks broke down between Global Experience Specialists and the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Local 1027, the two entities have not come to a resolution over wage increase expectations. June 4 article announcing talks breaking down: Contract Talks Break Down Between Chicago Warehouse Carpenters, GES Talks broke off 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. “While achieving solid agreements with GES’s… more
Jun 04, 2013
In April, the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia issued RFPs for the management and operation of the venue, and West Conshohocken, Penn.-based SMG prevailed as the winner of the lucrative five-year contract. The venue’s board first voted 13-2 to privatize the center and 12-3 to give the contract to SMG. "To be given this vote of confidence in our own backyard is a real thrill,” said Gregg Caren, SMG’s senior vice president strategic business development. He added, “We love this city and the Pennsylvania Convention Center. So many of their clients (… more
Jun 03, 2013
General service contractor Fern Exposition & Event Services bought another GSC, NexxtShow, which will operate as an independent company. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Both Fern and NexxtShow are foremost focused on customer service and providing personalized approach to meeting each customer’s business objectives,” said Aaron Bludworth, Fern’s president and CEO. He added, “In an industry where business models are forced on customers in the name of productivity or efficiency, both Fern and NexxtShow will continue to deliver customized services and… more
Jun 03, 2013
Reed Exhibitions’ Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition, on tap June 11-13 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, will feature a roundtable of meetings association leaders from around the world to debate future industry trends and challenges.   Major topics of discussion will include insights into the future of face-to-face meetings, the impact of technology in meeting planning, the current evolution and innovation for tradeshows, the increasing need to tie meeting outcomes and content to business goals and the continued importance of education and sharing… more
Jun 03, 2013
Citing a difference in wage increase expectations, Global Experience Specialists said contract renewal talks broke down last week with the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Local 1027, who work in the warehouse on exhibits and other projects. Negotiations had been in the works during the past month in “good faith” between the two parties for a new, 4-year contract, according to GES officials. Frank Libby, president of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, said his group wasn’t willing to comment on the situation as of yet, but would be releasing a statement in… 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