May 05, 2014
The Association of Korean Exhibition Industry (AKEI) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). The signing ceremony was held at the Landmark Hotel Bangkok attended by Yang-whan Jeong (vice-chairman of AKEI), Sang-kon Kim (deputy director of MOTIE), Nopparat Maythaveekulchai (president of TCEB), Patrapee Chinachoti (president of TEA) and executives and members of TEA in Bangkok. AKEI is the representative organization in the Korean exhibition industry with its 53 members who conduct various roles from supporting and promoting… more
May 05, 2014
It’s been a roller coaster ride over at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia and, with the local Carpenters’ union striking twice in the past year - most recently in the middle of a show last week - venue officials drew a line in the sand and issued an ultimatum to all six unions working in the center. A deadline of a minute before midnight May 5 was set for the unions to sign a new “Customer Service Agreement” that would allow exhibitors to do more of their own work at the Pennsylvania CC, and two of those unions, Carpenters Local 8 and Teamsters Local… more
Reed Exhibitions Japan Will Launch Consumer Products IT Show alt
May 05, 2014
Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd. will launch a new business-to-business trade show - 1st CONSUMER IT PRODUCTS EXPO (C-PEX) - in Tokyo next spring. This new show will be part of of Japan’s largest and Asia’s leading comprehensive IT solution trade show - Japan IT Week, providing a new platform for consumer IT related business in Japan and Asia. C-PEX will specialize in consumer IT products (Smartphones/Tablets/Wearable Devices, PCs, and related accessories) and will be a platform to launch such products into Japan & Asia as well as finding the latest products from the region. As… more
May 04, 2014
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions has sold out the Asian Attractions Expo 2014 that spans more than 91,439 net square feet (8,500 net square meters), setting a new record for exhibit space at the event. More than 5,000 attendees are expected to participate, which will take place June 17-20 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. The record-breaking trade show will feature  new products and services for the amusement parks and attractions industry offered by more than 290 companies who are looking to connect with an estimated 3,500 buyers from 60… more
Medical World Americas Builds Strong Foundation at Debut Event in Houston alt
May 04, 2014
Medical World Americas, a unique collaboration between the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau (GHCVB), Germany-based Messe Duesseldorf, the Texas Medical Center and Houston First Corp., debuted this week at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Drawing more than 120 exhibitors, who came from across the U.S. and 11 countries, as well as 2,017 registered attendees from 33 states and 22 countries, the launch of the show was seen as a strong platform to grow from, according to organizers. “The inaugural staging of Medical World Americas has set a foundation for the growth of… more
Revamped Conference Program, Strong Regional Outreach Leads to Successful Coverings Show in Las Vegas  alt
May 02, 2014
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Coverings, the trade show for tile and natural stone, boasted the largest showfloor since 2008. “We’re up about 12 percent compared to 340,000 square feet last year,” said Karin Fendrich, Coverings' show director. “It’s representative of what’s happening in the industry and the fact that opportunities are coming back.” Attendance was at about 20,000, slightly up, compared with last year. Exhibitor numbers were unavailable, but expected to be on par with 2013. The show, owned by National Trade Productions,… more
Apr 30, 2014
Germany-based Messe Frankfurt will launch the 14th event in their worldwide Automechanika series in partnership with Calif.-based Advanstar Communications next year in Chicago. The new show, Automechanika Chicago, will be held April 24-26 at Chicago’s McCormick Place and serve a steadily growing U.S. automotive aftermarket. "We are excited about our partnership with Advanstar,” said Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt. He added, “Our combined experience in launching successful events only strengthens our ability to service this untapped niche… more
Carpenters’ Union Goes on Strike Mid-show at the Pennsylvania CC alt
Apr 30, 2014
For the second time in a year and right in the middle of the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, being held April 25-May 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, the Carpenters’ union that works at the facility went on strike. Talks had been ongoing between the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and Local 8 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, but ultimately broke down today. “Over the course of months of discussions, the center and our management team at SMG have provided ample evidence to union leadership that work rule… more
Apr 29, 2014
The Meetings Mean Business campaign - a national communications and advocacy platform that showcases the substantial value of meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions - recently launched an industry-wide mobile app. “It’s critically important that our industry continues to speak with one voice to communicate the value and benefits of meetings to communities, businesses and the economy,” said David Peckinpaugh, president of Maritz Travel and Co-Chair of Meetings Mean Business. He added, “The MMB app is another significant tool to ensure that everyone,… more
Apr 27, 2014
Adding to its extensive worldwide food and beverage portfolio, E.J. Krause & Associates took a majority ownership stake in MetroCooking DC’s Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show. “EJK is excited to work with Tiny Kitchen on expanding MetroCooking DC which offers exciting potential for growth,” said Ned Krause, CEO, E.J. Krause & Associates. He added, “This joint venture also fits our aim in continuing to develop a wide range of global food and beverage events.” The 9th edition of the DC Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show will be held Nov. 8-… 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