Center for Exhibition Industry Research Unveils 2016 Board of Directors

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced the selection of Aaron Bludworth, CEO of Fern, as the incoming Chairman of the Board along with the new slate of officers and board members during its meeting held Dec.1 in Baltimore, Md.

The 2016 officers of the CEIR board of directors are as follows:

·  Chairman: Aaron Bludworth, president and CEO, Fern;

·  Vice Chair: Steve Moster, CEO, VIAD and president, Global Experience Specialists (GES);

Trade Show Industry Sees 3.1-percent Q3 Uptick, 21st Straight Quarter of Growth

The trade show industry continued its growth streak into the third quarter of this year, with a 3.1-percent uptick, compared with the same quarter last year, marking the 21st straight quarter of growth, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Index Report.

"We are very encouraged to see three very strong quarters of growth for the year," said CEIR President and CEO Brian Casey.

He added, "We will be watching with great interest how the year ends based on fourth quarter results, and anticipate growth to continue into 2016 and 2017."

IAEE Welcomes Incoming Chairperson Julia Smith, 2015 Board Election Results Unveiled

This year’s International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) Chairperson Megan Tanel, CEM, passed the gavel to 2016 IAEE Chairperson Julia Smith, CEM, CTA, at the Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Presentation held during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2015 in Baltimore, Md.

"I look forward to building on IAEE's successful advocacy initiatives, and to promoting program development to attract future generations to careers in the exhibitions and events industry," Smith said.

PCMA Education Foundation Unveils the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Honorees

Johnnie C. White Jr., CMP, MBA, Janet L. Jakobsen, CMP, MBA, and James E. Rooney, will be honored at the 2016 Visionary Awards, April 27 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington D.C.

More than1,000 industry professionals will gather this spring at the re-designed Foundation awards event, the 2016 Visionary Awards, to celebrate the honorees.

Destination Marketing Association International Hold First-ever Strategic Innovation Summit

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) brought together a broad base of DMO industry leaders and thought leaders during the organization’s first-ever Strategic Innovation Summit, held Oct. 7-8 in Dallas.

The efforts from this meeting, led by Soren Kaplan of InnovationPoint, built the framework for DMAI’s 2016-2017 Strategic Plan, according to DMAI officials.

People in the News: Rob Mesirow Steps Down from CTIA, Atlanta Convention Bureau Adds to Team

Robert Mesirow, vice president of business operations for CTIA – The Wireless Association, will be stepping down, after 17 years at the association.

“I want to thank CTIA, its board members and all of the wireless executives I have collaborated with over the years.  Special thanks to my dedicated team,” Mesirow said.

He added, “This Association has been at the forefront of every major mobile event since the inception of the wireless industry, and it’s been a great ride!”

Naylor Association Solutions Launches Association-focused TV/Video Channel

Naylor Association Solutions, a provider of member engagement and revenue solutions for the North American association marketplace, has produced an exclusive, association- focused online video channel and is partnered with 10 state, local, and regional societies of association executives at this time.

The channel showcases syndicated content, focusing on key topics of interest, while engaging audiences and sharing best practices and leadership tips for association professionals in segments of three minutes or less.

International Association of Conference Centres Elects Alex Cabanas as Global President

The International Association of Conference Centres has elected Alex Cabañas as global president, effective immediately.
 
Alex Cabañas, CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International, will serve a two-year term as head of the association, which has over 350 conference and meeting venue members in 22 countries worldwide. 

International Association of Exhibitions and Events Unveils 2015 Individual Award Winners

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveils this year's recipients of its individual awards program, which recognizes professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry.

The recipients will be honored during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition Dec. 1-3 in Baltimore, Md.

"We were very impressed with the nominations we received this year and congratulate these very deserving honorees," said 2015 IAEE Awards Committee Chairperson Randy Bauler, CEM.

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