News

Apr 21, 2014
Earlier this week, the Taiwan International Fastener Show (Fastener Taiwan) was the inaugural event at the official opening of the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center (KEC). The Fastener Show attracted 350 exhibitors and was held from 14th to 15th April. Organisers estimate 2,000 overseas visitors attended the two-day trade show. The KEC features gross indoor space of 18,000 m2 across two halls as well as 7,200 m2 of outdoor space. There were 850 (standard) exhibitor booths, double the number recorded in the previous edition in 2012, featuring fastener services, production, equipment, tools, testing… more
Apr 20, 2014
The Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center in Mexico is just four and a half years old, but it already is making a name for itself in the international event community. For the past three years, it has been recognized in MDC Magazine Readers Choice Awards as one of Mexico's top 10 convention centers. This year, it was No. 3 on that list. While speaking outside the building to Patricia Farias-Barlow, CEO ‎at PVICC, a hawk was seen flying overhead. “That’s Harry,” said Farias-Barlow. “He was adopted by us, and he’s not completely wild.… more
Apr 20, 2014
This year’s Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) 2014 Annual Meeting will head to Cleveland, Ohio, June 21-24, where there not only is the new Cleveland Convention Center to check out, but also the city is the home to the new Global Center for Health Innovation. “HCEA’s Annual Meeting convenes thought leaders who are innovating healthcare conventions and exhibits worldwide. Therefore, Cleveland is an ideal venue for our attendees to meet, experience, learn and network,” said Sue Huff, of Medtronic, Inc. and HCEA President. She added, “During… more
Apr 20, 2014
Some organizations, trade associations in particular, are reluctant to automate their existing event management practices. Others have embraced the idea of optimizing the planning process, realizing both tangible and intangible benefits along the way. Why some groups wait to automate. There are a number of reasons why event organizers avoid or delay automation: Lack of internal expertise to select the appropriate technology Perceived risk of selecting the wrong tools Budget constraints Reluctance to disrupt existing operations “If it ain’t broke, don’t… more
Apr 20, 2014
Some organizations, trade associations in particular, are reluctant to automate their existing event management practices. Others have embraced the idea of optimizing the planning process, realizing both tangible and intangible benefits along the way. Why some groups wait to automate. There are a number of reasons why event organizers avoid or delay automation: Lack of internal expertise to select the appropriate technology Perceived risk of selecting the wrong tools Budget constraints Reluctance to disrupt existing operations “If it ain’t broke, don’t… more
Apr 15, 2014
In 2005, Stephen Saunders, CEO and founder of Light Reading, sold his company to UBM. Just this year he bought it back from them. Light Reading is an integrated media company. It is not just an online publication, but it is an in-person community. Live events always have been a significant part of Light Reading. When Saunders re-took over the helm of Light Reading, he noticed that the live events had not changed during the six years he was away. “What I saw was an immediate opportunity to build a big event,” Saunders said. Thus, Light Reading’s Big Telecom Event… more
Apr 15, 2014
SMG snagged yet another venue management contract, Convention Data Services expanded into Mexico and caught the eye of a major new trade show launching next year and Hargrove continued to win new business this year. Venue Management Company SMG scored another contract for its ever-expanding portfolio with the Branson (Mo.) Convention Center. SMG was selected over two other firms in a recent request for proposals by the City of Branson.  SMG also named Marc Mulherin as the center’s new general manager. “We are pleased to welcome the Branson Convention Center to our family of… more
Apr 14, 2014
More than 6,000 nonprofit and association professionals are expected to attend the 2014 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition Aug. 9-12 at Nashville’s Music City Center. Attendees now can register  on the 2014 Annual Meeting & Exposition website, which includes information on all the speakers, more than 120 education sessions, registration, hotels, and events. Have you ever wondered how to use networking, collaboration, influence, negotiation, and leadership skills to improve individual and team performance? Opening General Speaker Adam Grant, author of “Give and Take: A… more
Apr 14, 2014
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events opened a call for nominations for its annual awards program to recognize exceptional professionals in the exhibitions and events industry. Each year, industry professionals who meet the outlined criteria can be nominated for any of the awards listed at www.iaee.com/awards. Nominations must be submitted to IAEE by June 13. "One of the best perks in working in this industry is the number of motivated, passionate professionals involved," said 2014 IAEE Awards Committee Chair David Audrain. He added, "You see this in… more
Apr 13, 2014
Turning a major spotlight onto the value of meetings, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events will launch of the first-ever Exhibitions Day. The two-day event will be an industry-wide effort to educate federal legislators, helping them to understand the impact of regulatory decisions on the exhibitions and events industry, according to IAEE officials.   On tap June 16-17, Exhibitions Day will be in Washington, D.C. and was developed in collaboration with multiple industry organizations who have come together to develop and support this critical initiative to ensure… 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