Independent show management company, ConvExx, has been selected by the National Confectioners Association to handle attendee and exhibitor services for the annual Sweets & Snacks Expo.

ConvExx’s responsibilities will include registration and attendee services, exhibitor outreach, housing oversight and assistance with the show’s special programs, such as the Most Innovative New Products Awards.

“ConvExx is excited to partner with NCA on such an esteemed event as Sweets & Snacks Expo,” said Jeff Pressman, ConvExx president & CEO. “ConvExx is unique in being an independent show organizer that specializes in supporting association staff to create the best possible experience for both exhibitors and attendees.”

He added, “The Sweets & Snacks Expo has a reputation of being the best in its industry segment and we look forward to working with the NCA staff to build upon that reputation through our expertise.”

The next Sweets & Snacks Expo is set for May 21-23 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

“Our exhibitors are the heart and soul of the Sweets & Snacks Expo, and we continue to work hard to elevate the service we provide to them and to our attendees, while at the same time giving our staff greater capacity to focus on making programmatic enhancements to the show,” explained NCA President and CEO John Downs.

He added, “When looking for a partner, we felt that ConvExx matched our association’s unique culture and our commitment to execution with excellence. We’re looking forward to a great partnership.”

The Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association and the Auto Care Association/ Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association have renewed their contract with CompuSystems, provider of registration, data management, data analytics and lead retrieval services, through 2021.

The associations own the SEMA and AAPEX shows that are hosted annually each November in Las Vegas – the SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the AAPEX Show at the Sands Expo. Combined, the shows attract more than 4,900 exhibitors and more than 162,000 attendees from across the globe.

“We’ve had a long and outstanding relationship with the SEMA and AAPEX Shows for a decade,” said Chris Williams, president of CompuSystems. “We look forward to providing the same exceptional service and continuing to build upon the partnership.”

The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) has renewed its contract with SMG to manage the facility operations of Cobo Center through 2022.

On Oct. 1, 2010, the DRCFA entered into a three-year management agreement with SMG that included three, three-year options to renew at the discretion of the board. The contract was first extended in 2013 and later in 2016. 

SMG is currently in the final year of the second three-year extension.

“Our partnership with SMG has been extremely beneficial to Cobo Center and the Metro Detroit Region,” said Larry Alexander, chairman of the DRCFA. “This is now a world-class facility and we will continue to improve in the future.”

According to Cobo officials, SMG was recognized for significant achievements including a 335 percent increase in operating revenue with a simultaneous operating expense increase of only 11 percent, greatly improved building maintenance and efficiency, retention of existing business, recapture of lost business and forging new customer relations, and the substantial turn-around of the reputation of Cobo Center in the event industry.

The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) has appointed event management services company, SPARGO, as its Meeting Management firm for ATA19, known as the world’s largest international telehealth conference.

To be held April 14-16 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, the ATA Conference and Exposition explores the evolution and changes ahead that will transform the delivery of health care services. 

SPARGO will provide a full set of meeting management services for ATA19 including strategic meeting planning, speaker management, logistics and program committee administration. 

The company also serves as ATA’s exposition and sponsorship sales and management firm. 

The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) has renewed its contract with Convention Data Services (CDS) for three years through 2022. 

CDS will provide full-service registration, integrations and lead management for the ASCRS•ASOAAnnual Meeting as well as self-service registration for multiple smaller conferences.

“We love working with the team at CDS,” said Richard Mraz, Director of IT at ASCRS, the international educational society for ophthalmic surgeons. “The company’s commitment to quality and customer service makes our complex registration processes go smoothly and gives our attendees a great first impression at our meetings.” 

John Kimball, president and CEO of CDS, said he and the company look forward to continuing their partnership with ASCRS. 

“The show has a complicated registration process, so our teams work closely to deliver an exceptional event experience,” Kimball said. “CDS is excited that ASCRS uses both our full-service registration products for the annual meeting along with our self-service registration program for smaller events.”