News

Nov 24, 2012
If timing is everything, then Advanstar Communications chose the perfect moment to expand its fashion trade show portfolio with the recent purchase of ENK International. Advanstar’s MAGIC International already dominated in several market segments – such as footwear, men’s, boy’s and women’s junior – to name a few, and ENK’s show group brought in not only overall women’s wear, but also the East Coast, where several ENK shows are held, according to Joe Loggia, Advanstar Global’s CEO. A deal to acquire ENK made sense, he added, since some… more
Nov 23, 2012
Mermaids, Hawaiian shirts and just about every type of equipment needed for a treasure hunt in a shipwreck took the spotlight at the 2012 DEMA Show, the world's largest trade-only event for the scuba diving, ocean sports and dive travel industries. It took place Nov. 14–17 at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas. "Diving is a discretionary industry, which makes it unique that the show is growing in size in this economy," said Robert Harar, chairman and CEO of National Trade Productions that produces the show for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association.… more
Nov 19, 2012
Information on  a memorial fund set up in Joyce's name for an elderly woman she was helping take care of is posted below.   Joyce McKee, a well-known 25-year trade show veteran and most recently CEO of Joyce McKee & Company, passed away Nov. 19 after suffering a stroke.   Her company was a results-based marketing firm focused on direct marketing programs that created solid customer relationships and helped drive revenue goals.   “Joyce McKee was the most positive person I have ever known,” said Cathy Breden, COO for the International Association for… more
Nov 18, 2012
In March, the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association bought the Performing Racing Industry Trade Show, and now it’s expanded its reach even more, with the acquisition of the International Motorsports Industry Show, held annually in Indianapolis. The two motorsports shows will be combined in the process. “This consolidation is all about helping the racing industry to succeed,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. He added, “Unifying the racing industry’s trade shows makes it more affordable for all to participate and allows us to focus on providing… more
Nov 15, 2012
Houston-based Hart Energy’s DUG East trade show and conference for the unconventional resources industry has grown in leaps and bounds, each year steadily drawing more attendees and exhibitors to an ever-expanding showfloor. Held Nov. 13-15 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, the event attracted approximately 3,200 attendees and 315 exhibitors to a 45,800 net square foot showfloor, compared with just 25 exhibitors and 649 attendees to a 37,200 net sq. ft. showfloor when it was launched just four years ago. DUG East, one of five DUG-branded events owned and… more
Nov 15, 2012
Advanstar Global, parent company of the biennial MAGIC Marketplace fashion shows, has acquired ENK International, owner of 14 high-end trade show fashion brands, including ENKUSA, ENKVEGAS, Fashion Coterie, Intermezzo and Sole Commerce. This acquisition adds to Advanstar’s existing events portfolio with shows such as MAGIC, PROJECT, FN Platform, Licensing International, among several other events and conferences. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Having ENK, MAGIC and PROJECT within the same family of companies provides the fashion industry a choice of intimate and… more
Nov 14, 2012
Peter W. Nathan, president of PWN Exhibicon International, one of the most well-known and storied icons in the trade show industry, has announced he will retire after 58 years of service. “It’s time … I’ve been in this industry 58 years,” Nathan said. “Not that I’m going to fade away. There are a number of volunteer opportunities I want to work with.” Nathan, who is turning 80, started in the industry when he was a 22-year-old and worked with Saul Poliak of Clapp & Poliak. “I had a fabulous mentor,” Nathan said. “His… more
Nov 13, 2012
New York-based Penton Media made a big buy recently, scooping up the Farm Progress portfolio from Fairfax Media Limited of Sydney, Australia, for $79.9 million. This buy significantly expands Penton Media’s agriculture information business portfolio that includes live events, digital products, data, marketing services and publications. The Farm Progress buy includes four farm trade events, including the nation’s largest outdoor farm show, a robust broadcast division and several media brands. The shows include Farm Progress Show, Hay Expo, Husker Harvest Days and New York Farm… more
Nov 11, 2012
AMC’s LIGHTFAIR International typically rotates annually between the West and East, with its long-time Western home being Las Vegas, but in 2016, the show decided to change things up a bit and head to San Diego instead. The move is meant to signal continued growth for the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, according to Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., president and COO of AMC.   “For LFI and its global business base, San Diego opens yet another new door to the future with its spectacular combination of Pacific-coast… more
Nov 11, 2012
The latest in the TSNN Webinar Series, "Leveraging Content Marketing to Enhance the Exhibition Experience”, is a must-attend for anyone interested in learning how effective content actually can boost attendance to a live event. This webinar is designed for both the show organizers and exhibitors and outlines ways to deliver content, including blogs, articles, newsletters, webinars and social media, which your attendees want. The webinar will be held Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. ET. Please register HERE. Every show strives to create awesome conference programming that will be motivational,… 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