Apr 05, 2018
The Vancouver Convention Center has been awarded the Canadian Association for Exposition Management’s (CAEM) 2018 Give Back Award, which recognizes a member organization that has made corporate social responsibility and giving back to its community an integral part of doing business.
“Through the Vancouver Convention Centre’s efforts in energy and sustainability as being the world’s first double LEED platinum certified facility to their contributions to their local community through charities such as United We Can, among many other efforts, the Vancouver Convention Centre is undoubtedly the… more
Feb 26, 2018
When Kimberly Smith began as director of conferences and events at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), she already thought she was doing her part to be environmentally conscious, both in her career and personal life. Two years into her role at “the best association” she has ever worked for in her 30-year career, Smith has not only learned the true meaning of producing an authentically green event but also how much power event planners truly have when it comes to pushing the events industry in a more sustainable direction.
I had the chance to sit… more
Feb 19, 2018
Mandalay Bay Convention Center and UBM Join Forces to Develop Sustainable, Energy Efficient Lighting
Global business-to-business events organizer, UBM, and its UBM Fashion Group division, recently partnered with Mandalay Bay Convention Center to collaborate in the development of a more energy efficient and sustainable lighting system within its exhibit halls.
The new LED system debuted during MAGIC Marketplace, held Feb. 12-14 at the MBCC and the Las Vegas Convention Center.
In a demonstration of MBCC and UBM’s commitment to progressive leadership in sustainable, environmental and socially responsible business practices, the multi-million-dollar investment is expected to provide… more
Jan 31, 2018
In a move that is quite a departure from their usual investment in events, Diversified Communications recently completed a collaborative project with ReVision Energy and Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) to build a 1.5 Megawatt solar energy farm.
The new system will provide electricity for Brunswick Landing, a business park located at the former Naval Air Station Brunswick in Brunswick, Maine.
As its largest solar installation in the Pine Tree State to-date, Portland-based ReVision Energy completed the 10-row, six-acre installation of more than 4,500 photovoltaic panels just… more
Jan 10, 2018
The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and the Global Center for Health Innovation recently has completed two significant facility upgrades geared toward improving energy efficiency and enhancing its exhibitor services.
Late last year, the facility replaced 140 metal-halide light bulbs in its truck loading dock with LED technology bulbs as well as installed a permanent pneumatic air distribution system (compressed air) in the utilidor beneath the exhibit hall floor.
“These facility upgrades were aimed at increasing energy efficiency and lowering operating costs, providing a valuable… more
Jan 02, 2018
The Phoenix Convention Center recently has completed several energy efficiency upgrades by converting outdated lighting to energy efficient LED lighting technology.
Last year, the PCC participated in Arizona Public Service’s (APS) Solutions for Business energy rebate program, resulting in more than $175,000 in rebates for the LEED-silver certified facility.
The PCC took full advantage of the APS rebate program by converting to LED lighting in several areas of the campus including meeting rooms, loading docks, stairwells, food court, garages, production kitchens and its grand Atrium.
“… more
Dec 11, 2017
Due to the wide array of sustainability initiatives it has implemented during the years, including the global and national recognition it has received for its sustainability achievements and commitments, the Indianapolis Airport Authority was selected to participate in a panel discussion at the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization Seminar on Green Airports, held Nov. 29 at the UN ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canada.
Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, served as a panelist speaker in a discussion centered around green-energy… more
Dec 11, 2017
In his six years as vice president of Sustainability at Freeman, Jeff Chase has become quite proficient at making the case that “sustainable thinking is good for business.”
Besides working alongside corporate and association clients to help them produce greener shows, the 30-year industry veteran also serves as sitting chairman of the Events Industry Council’s sustainability committee, where he is passionate about educating the industry about the far-reaching benefits of environmentally-minded shows.
TSNN had a chance to sit down with Chase to discuss how far our industry has come, where… more
Dec 04, 2017
The Global Destination Sustainability Index has released its second sustainability performance ranking of 40 meeting and events cities throughout the globe.
The GDS-Index is a collaborative platform that promotes the sustainable growth of international meeting destinations through knowledge sharing, capacity building and benchmarking across four key areas: city environmental strategy and infrastructure; city social sustainability performance; industry supplier support (restaurants, hotels and convention centers) and Convention Bureau strategy and initiatives.
The 2017 results were announced… more
Nov 08, 2017
The Vancouver Convention Centre has set a new bar in the event sustainability realm. Last month, the already greener-than-green convention center’s West building was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification (version 4) for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance by the Canada Green Building Council.
Coupled with its 2010 LEED Platinum certification for New Construction, the VCC now owns the bragging rights for being the only double LEED Platinum convention center in the world.
“While the Vancouver Convention Centre was built to the highest… 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