News

May 03, 2015
At SMX West this year, Google’s Matt Cutts stated that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if mobile search exceeded desktop queries this year. Though Google hasn't officially backed this prediction, it is obvious that the company agrees with this assessment. By now, we have all heard about Google's recent release of “Mobilegeddon,” the major update to Google’s mobile search algorithm. Currently, there are roughly 2.5 times more mobile devices than PCs in use globally. And the gap is growing fast. Thus it is just a matter of time before both mobile… more
Apr 30, 2015
There were several high-profile shifts in show management recently, with some people retiring, others named into new positions and another taking on a new role altogether. The National Shooting Sports Foundation promoted Melissa Schilling to the position of director, Exhibitions & Conferences. Schilling’s most recent position with the organization was director, Recruitment & Retention, a title she held since 2012. Schilling worked on the development and organization of NSSF’s many conferences and shows, including its annual Industry Summit, Congressional Fly-In and the SHOT Show, one… more
Apr 30, 2015
Outdoor Retailer and Surf Expo, both part of Emerald Exposition’s portfolio, have partnered with the StandUp Paddle Industry Association (SUPIA). SUPIA is the trade organization of stand up paddle businesses: manufacturers, retailers, service providers (instructors, guides, race directors, event planners, certifiers), media, sales reps, distributors, suppliers, etc.   As a result of this partnership, SUPIA will exclusively endorse and participate in Surf Expo’s two annual shows and Outdoor Retailer’s Summer Market, as well as work to foster participation and growth in SUP at the shows… more
Apr 29, 2015
The United Fresh Produce Association, already with a successful show serving the produce industry in June in Chicago, has teamed up with the Global Cold Chain Alliance, which represents all major industries engaged in temperature-controlled logistics, to launch Global Chain Cold Expo. The new show will be collocated with not only United Fresh, but also FMI Connect and the International Floriculture Expo June 2016 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO for GCCA, and Tom Stenzel, president and CEO for United Fresh, jointly made the announcement during the IARW-WFLO… more
Apr 28, 2015
As a result of violent protests in Baltimore that broke out following the funeral of Freddie Gray, who died while in police custody, the Door and Hardware Institute decided to cancel its CoNEXTions 2015 trade show, which was scheduled April 29-May 1 at the Baltimore Convention Center. “The DHI Board of Governors has discussed this issue in great detail this evening, with the overriding concern of the safety of our attendees while at our event in Baltimore,” DHI officials said in a letter on the show’s Web site. The letter continued, “With that primary concern in mind, they have unanimously… more
Apr 28, 2015
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) officials said that One-on-One Partnering™, BIO’s proprietary software system, was unveiled for the 2015 BIO International Convention, taking place June 15-18 in Philadelphia. One-on-One Partnering™, which powers tens of thousands of individual business-to-business meetings each year at BIO events, has been newly redesigned to improve user experience and increase value for event attendees. The new system is the result of a collaboration between BIO and INOVA, the life sciences’ leading partnering place provider. Attendees of the 2015 BIO… more
Apr 28, 2015
The 2015 AACR (American Association for Cancer Research) Annual Meeting and Exhibition, held April 18–22 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, highlighted the latest, most exciting discoveries in every area of cancer research. The annual meeting attracted a record-breaking 19,250 attendees, which was up 4 percent from last year’s meeting held in San Diego. While Philadelphia is more convenient to those traveling from Europe and is situated midway between New York and Washington D.C., Pam Ballinger, senior director of meetings and exhibits at the AACR, felt convenience was not… more
Apr 27, 2015
TSNN has launched a new e-newsletter – TSNN Venue News – that will be geared toward any and all news about the world of venues in which shows and events are held. Adding to its comprehensive suite of existing e-newsletters, TSNN Venue News will have up-to-date stories on venue construction and expansion projects, new management contracts, technological upgrades, people on the move and any other news that comes out of the venue universe. To submit any news, please send to TSNN President Rachel Wimberly rwimberly@tsnn.com. To subscribe to the TSNN Venue News e-newsletter, go HERE. Our goal… more
Apr 27, 2015
The Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association has launched a new look to further support their enhanced member benefits, education and support for professionals in healthcare exhibit marketing, according to the association. HCEA’s brand new logo features three squares in three different colors representing the three member types Regular, Associate and Supporting. “As the three squares in the logo come together as one, so too, do the three HCEA member types for our programming and events,” said Mike Pennington, executive vice president for HCEA. By re-introducing the brand, HCEA is… more
Apr 27, 2015
The Anaheim Convention Center kicked off their seventh betterment expansion with a ground breaking ceremony last week. Tom Morton, executive director, Convention, Sports and Entertainment, started the ceremony with a focus on the future, as well as thanks to the many individuals who helped make the expansion possible. “With this 7th betterment expansion, the ACC will continue to be the largest convention facility on the West Coast,” he said. “This expansion is about the future, in particular, meeting the demands of the future for the shows that continue to grow.” Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem Lucille… 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