Association Show News
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Oct 25, 2022
When it comes to achieving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), the global events industry has a lot of work to do, according to the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) 2022 Equity Benchmarking Study. Released on Oct. 11 in partnership with EIC’s global Equity Task Force, created in 2020 to address systemic racism and all forms of discrimination in the business events and hospitality industry, the study signifies the critical first phase of EIC’s Equity Acceleration Plan.
While there is an ever-growing awareness and commitment toward equity in the industry, survey scores reveal widespread DEI… more
Oct 17, 2022
The Events Industry Council (EIC) released the findings of its 2022 Q2 Global Business Events Barometer, which revealed a strong increase in its two major indexes: business event request for proposal (RFP) and group hotel room nights.
According to the barometer, which monitors the changes within the market relative to pre-pandemic levels, the Q2 RFP activity index rose to 81% of 2019 levels and the Q2 group hotel room nights index jumped to 83% of 2019 levels.
The barometer points to the fact that RFP activity for events with short lead times has recovered further than requests for events… more
Oct 13, 2022
As Hurricane Ian recovery efforts kick off in Florida, community organizations, including event and hospitality industry entities, are stepping up to the plate to provide assistance to those impacted by the devastating storm. Throughout the state’s response to the hurricane, VISIT FLORIDA has been working closely with authorities and travel brands including Expedia, Airbnb and hoteliers throughout Florida to connect displaced citizens with resources for finding suitable short- and long-term accommodations.
On Oct. 3, the state’s official tourism marketing organization learned of 23 families… more
Oct 07, 2022
Around 100 leaders of the world’s largest business events organizers gathered at the Asia CEO Summit Oct. 5-7 at The Fullerton Hotel in Singapore to reaffirm their commitment in the sustainable growth of the business events and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector in Asia.
Besides exchanging insights on their respective markets’ experience in the resumption of physical business events, it was an opportunity for global industry leaders to do business and build momentum for more business events in the region.
The inaugural Asia CEO Summit brought together the… more
Oct 03, 2022
The full scope of the vision care industry came together to reconnect and do business face-to-face at an energetic Vision Expo West 2022, held Sept. 14–17 at The Venetian Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. Presented by co-owners RX and The Vision Council, the annual sister show of Vision Expo East brought together thousands of ophthalmic professionals and hundreds of exhibiting companies for four days of innovative trends, education and plentiful networking opportunities.
“From reconnecting at networking functions and parties to conducting business on the show floor and taking… more
Sep 20, 2022
On Sept. 14, a cross-industry task force of event industry stakeholders released a collaborative research report that identifies key focus areas to support the B2B trade show industry’s transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon economy.
The result of a two-year independent research program, the report, “Finding the Future, Together: Towards a More Sustainable B2B Trade Show Industry in the U.S. and Canada,” details the industry’s most significant environmental impacts and creates a data and knowledge foundation for decision-making, knowledge-sharing and action. It also showcases steps… more
Sep 19, 2022
As interest in plant-based diets and environmentally conscious food choices continues to grow throughout the world, it makes sense that a trade show dedicated to this expanding market segment would find itself growing along with it. Case in point: Plant Based World Expo (PBW), North America’s only 100% plant-based B2B industry event designed exclusively for foodservice professionals, retailers, distributors, investors and manufacturers.
As the official trade show of the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), the U.S.’s sole trade association for plant-based food companies, the annual event… more
Sep 14, 2022
As the trade show industry continues full speed ahead into the post-pandemic era, exhibiting companies are making their return to the showfloor, resuming their live marketing programs in an effort to reestablish a brand presence among their competitors. But while many exhibitors may wish to freshen their showfloor image with new or improved trade show booths, intense budget constraints are forcing companies to get uber-creative. One person who knows this well is trade show industry veteran Anthony Floreano, CEO of Skyline Exhibits, who for the past year has led the company through its post-… more
Sep 09, 2022
Personify, a leading technology solutions provider for associations, nonprofits and event professionals, launched its first-ever A2Z Event Professionals Awards. The new awards program was established to celebrate the agility, creativity and innovation in today’s events and associations industries.
“So many awards are focused on revenue or square footage,” said Rich Vallaster, director of event marketing at Personify. “While those are critical components to an event’s success, recognizing the ideas of all sizes and the people and teams who have had a huge impact in the industry is why we… more
Sep 07, 2022
Creating year-round community engagement has become one of the most important marketing goals for event professionals, and epIQ Creative Group, a marketing agency producing multi-channel systems that drive demand to brands, is aiming to help them achieve it through its latest acquisition.
The company has purchased Community Leaders Institute (CLI), a member-based organization representing thousands of community professionals, including those in the events industry, and plans to create new and exciting opportunities for members to engage and grow.
“CLI, as the foremost independent… 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