Tradeshow industry icon Peter Nathan received the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Krakoff Award, given each year to an individual who demonstrates “excellence and innovation in the industry over several years.”

The tradeshow industry experienced overall growth of about 1.5 percent in 2012, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, which released its CEIR Index Report on the first day of the Society of Independent Show Organizers CEO Summit in Kiawah Island, S.C.

Rush to close deals by end of 2012 creates Q1 vacuum.

Freeman's acquisition of the U.K.-based SO Group will expand its services geographically, while bringing its globals services in line with the company's overall “look and feel.”

Miami Beach Convention Center redevelopment plans coming together...Louisville convention and expo facilities to undergo big changes through 2020...New Oklahoma City convention center plans held up by hotel.

What had been called the Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center will open about six weeks earlier than the July 19 date announced last year.

The L.A. Auto Show drew more than 920,000 consumers last year, but organizers are hoping a new conference component for less than 1,000 industry professionals could have a big impact on the publicity for this year’s show.

Choose Chicago is expecting its budget to double...UBM India launches consumer jewelry show...Oregon convention facilities go green.

Reed Exhibitions is launching targeted events in China and Austria, the company has announced.

After the hotel it was planning to hold its annual meeting in announced it was seeking bankruptcy protection, the N.J. Bar Association moved the meeting from the Revel in Atlantic City, N.J., to the Borgata.

Oil and Gas Pipeline Conference adds to PennWell’s industry portfolio; Global Exchange Events brings new services, segments to Naylor.

Maketplace Events announced that they have contracted Toronto’s International Centre to host a brand new consumer home show. The four-day event will launch February 20, 2014.