News
Mar 10, 2022
Growing up, Cathy Breden thought she would one day pursue a career in medicine, an aspiration her father hoped she would one day fulfill. But while putting herself through college, the Tampa, Florida native realized her life was meant to take a different path, one she would shape through trial and error.
“I did not have the stereotypical college experience many students have because I was focused on keeping my head above water,” Breden says. “My grades reflected how stretched I was. I was carrying a full load of classes [at Florida State University] and working part-time at the Florida… more
Mar 08, 2022
The city of Dallas, Texas, will soon have the ability to attract even larger trade shows and other events to its destination. According to Visit Dallas officials, the Dallas city council approved plans last month for a new 2.5-million-square-foot convention center that will be constructed adjacent to the current Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD). Once construction is complete, all or most of the KBHCCD will then be demolished.
The new $2 billion center, which is expected to break ground in 2024 and open in 2028, will feature 800,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space; 300,000 sq… more
Mar 07, 2022
As the trade show industry continues to regain its footing, event-related organizations across the country are moving full steam ahead in appointing new executives, promoting hard-working team members and welcoming new staff. Check them out!
Aria Technology Solutions
Aria Technology Solutions LLC (Aria AV), providers of audio-visual rental equipment including digital signage, full-service LED video walls and display equipment for the live event industry, recently appointed award-winning sales leader Vishal Goyal to Chief Revenue Officer.
Bringing extensive experience in the audio-visual… more
Mar 04, 2022
From an early age, Sarah Soliman has been inspired to lead and driven to succeed.
“I am a results-driven person, so when I see how my passion can inspire others, it ignites the fire in me to do more,” Soliman said, before describing a time that flame truly burned bright—in high school, when she created a petition after the principal of her school cancelled “seniors week.”
Soliman, along with other classmates, thought it was unfair to take away such an important experience for reasons the students had no control over, so she went from class to class collecting signatures, organized a… more
Mar 03, 2022
According to a Marketing General Incorporated benchmarking report, 50% of associations reported that members do not renew their membership due to a lack of engagement. That’s why membership engagement has always been one of the top priorities for the leadership in associations. It’s important to recognize that different members prefer to engage in different ways, and their pattern of content consumption may vary. To help better align your engagement strategy across the multitudes of channels your members might prefer, we’d like to offer up 20 ways to boost your membership engagement across… more
Mar 03, 2022
6Connex, a provider of in-person, virtual and hybrid event solutions, and BizBash, a trade media platform, recently conducted a survey of event professionals that sought to gauge how events will take place in 2022 and beyond, with virtual and hybrid formats holding steady as go-to options.
The survey, which took place in Q4 2021 before the full impact of the Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19 were known, indicated that more than 75% of respondents will host at least a portion of their events virtually in 2022, while 51% expect most of their 2022 events to be produced in a hybrid format… more
Mar 02, 2022
A growing number of events industry organizations are condemning the acts of aggression on Ukraine, with some suspending business activities with Russia.
IMEX Group, Messe Frankfurt, Messe Düsseldorf, Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and Events Industry Council (EIC) are among the entities that have issued statements on the conflict showing support for the people of Ukraine and denouncing the Russian invasion.
IMEX Group
IMEX Group suspended Russian businesses from attending its IMEX Frankfurt show, which is scheduled for May 31-June 2.
“Sadly, we have taken the… more
Mar 01, 2022
Attention global exhibition industry professionals! Are you passionate about the industry and want to be part of its evolution? Do you want to take your career development to the next level? Put your best talent forward by applying for the UFI Next Generation Leadership Grant (NGL Grant) program, now accepting applications through March 28, 2022.
Developed by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, this prestigious talent accelerator program is currently looking for five outstanding, high-potential industry professionals to participate in an eight-month-long project… more
Feb 28, 2022
Leading trade show organizers Emerald and Questex have teamed up to launch the inaugural Las Vegas Food & Beverage Industry Week, featuring four premier food and beverage trade shows taking place concurrently at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).
Running March 21-24, SIAL America, Bar & Restaurant Expo (formerly known as Nightclub & Bar Show), International Pizza Expo and World Tea Conference + Expo will unite decision-makers from all sectors of the recovering $1.5 trillion food and beverage industry under one roof at the 4.6-million-square-foot facility.
“We’re excited to… more
Feb 25, 2022
The Toy Association unveiled plans to change its long-running Toy Fair New York from a late winter to early fall time frame starting next year and set dates for a one-time marketplace in Dallas this year to meet demand.
The announcement comes after COVID-19 concerns prompted the cancellation in January of the 2022 in-person edition of Toy Fair New York, which was set for Feb. 19-22 at the Javits Center. It was only the second time the fair was cancelled in its 117-year run. The 2021 edition was also cancelled due to COVID-19.
Announced during the Toy Association’s Annual General Meeting,… 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