people-in-the-news

Green Strides: Suzanne Morrell, Founder, Creating Environments and Sustainability Consultant

When it comes to achieving true sustainability, the meetings and events industry has a lot of work to do. For decades, many planners have been touting the “green” practices they’ve been carrying out at events such as going paperless, recycling, reducing waste and reusing signage, all with good intentions.

People News: BPA Worldwide, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and More Tap New Leadership, Announce Promotions

As the trade show industry continues its evolution toward a post-pandemic future, event-related organizations across the U.S. and abroad are appointing new leaders, promoting staff and hiring new team members in preparation for bluer skies ahead. Here are the latest exciting new people developments you need to know!

People News: APPA, WWIN, Visit Reno Tahoe and More Welcome New Executives, Fill Directorship Roles

In their quest for recovery and growth, associations, CVBs and trade show producers have been busily tapping new executives as well as filling director and management positions with experienced professionals. Check out all the hard-working individuals moving up at event-related organizations across the U.S. this month! 

People News: Spiro, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and More Expand Teams, Appoint New Directors

Spring continues to blossom with a slew of new hires and promotions and newly created positions at trade show and event-related organizations across the U.S. and abroad. Here’s the latest news about hard-working professionals in the trade show industry that you need to know!

People News: CloserStill Media, Spiro, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and More Tap New Leaders, Make Key Hires 

The second quarter of the year continues full steam ahead as organizations covering all facets of the trade show and events industries continue their strong hiring and promoting activities to fill key positions and reward hard-working staff with elevated titles. Check them out! 

Women at the Helm: Teri Orton, General Manager, Hawai‘i Convention Center

Born and raised in the Hawaiian islands, Teri Orton’s passion for the hospitality industry started early. In fact, it’s part of her family legacy. Both her parents worked in hospitality, so she was born into and exposed to the industry as a small child, yet never felt the need to rebel against or stray from the family business as a young adult. 

Taste Trends: Purvill Chaney, Executive Chef, Duke Energy Convention Center 

Some people are fortunate enough to be born into their life’s calling. Chef Purvill Chaney is such a lucky individual. A consummate culinary professional who discovered his passion for cooking while working as a chef in his parents’ restaurants in his hometown of Flint, Mich., the budding chef wasted no time in embarking upon a professional career path in hospitality after college, cutting his teeth as a sous chef at a local Hyatt Regency.

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