Advisor Communications Buys Boston-based Great American Bargain Book Show
January 6, 2013
The Boston-based Great American Bargain Book Show (GABBS) was bought by Framingham, Mass.-based Advisor Communications and will be renamed the Boston Remainder & Overstock Show.
The show was founded and owned by Larry B. May, who will retain ownership of the Atlanta-based GABBS event.
“GABBS has been supporting the Boston market for the past three years and with the new management team based in Massachusetts the event can expand and address the specific needs of the bargain book distributors and book buyers in the Northeast better,” May said.
He added, “We’ve enjoyed working with the companies in Boston and will continue to support the event in the future as both an exhibitor and marketing partner.”
The Boston event will move from its home at the John B. Hynes Convention Center and be held Aug. 14-15 at the Cyclorama Boston, part of the Boston Center for the Arts in Boston’s South End neighborhood.
Bill Sell, managing partner of Advisor Communications, which is an affiliate of the Portfolio Media Group, will lead the team and help drive the event in to new product lines and services, according to show management.
“We are looking forward to continuing to work with Larry and the entire GABBS Network team,” Sell said.
He added, “They’ve come a long way with their various programs and Larry’s insight in to the remainder and bargain book industry is second to none.”
The Atlanta GABBS event also is making some changes, moving to AmericasMart Atlanta and being collocated with the Atlanta Spring Gift, Home Furnishings & Holiday Market.
“This is a major audience expansion program for GABBS Atlanta and will open up the market opportunities for our customers to potentially hundreds of new gift shop buyers, new to the bargain book business,” May said.
He added, “We are developing joint marketing programs with AmericasMart and will have new training programs for both book store owners and gift shop owners, taught by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance.”
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
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