Industry Unites to Spotlight the Power of Global Exhibitions
June 7, 2021
Trade show, exhibition and the event professionals took a moment to celebrate the industry’s worth and influence before a grand kickoff of shows begins to flood the global marketplace.
Organizers from about 110 countries and regions participated in Global Exhibition Day via social media, meetings, videos, webinars and contests. The message was simple: “exhibitions are the fastest of fast tracks to economic recovery,” noted a press release distributed by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
Meanwhile, in a more targeted campaign, nearly 170 influential industry advocates petitioned leading U.S. lawmakers to support the Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act, legislation that, among other benefits, eases tax burdens to facilitate the complete return of business events, conferences and trade shows.
Organized by the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance, Legislative Action Day kicked off with a webinar featuring one senator and three members of Congress:
- Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada
- Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nevada
- Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Illinois
- Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Indiana
“Our industry has tremendous advocates, and every single one of their voices is critical in helping get all of us back to business and back to work nationwide,” said Tommy Goodwin, ECA’s vice president of government affairs. “We thank all of the industry leaders who were part of ECA Legislative Action Day and encourage everyone across the industry to reach out to their members of Congress and encourage them to support the Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act.”
One of the pandemic’s silver linings is that it has led to coalitions between would-be competitors to advocate for the events industry.
“GED 2021 definitely is a unification of the industry, presenting the opportunity to share hope and optimism, and to focus on the important role of exhibitions in reconnecting and rebuilding communities and economies,” said UFI President Anbu Varathan. “We’ve seen thousands of event professionals celebrating across the globe, and saying how proud they are to be part of the industry and how much they value face-to-face events. This memorable day raises awareness, as we demonstrate our passion, purpose and power!”
Exhibitions typically generate $551 billion in business sales annually, and visitor and exhibition costs add another $334 billion in tourism-related dollars. Many destinations are banking on the full-scale recovery of events over the next few years. All eyes will be on Las Vegas this month, as it reopens with World of Concrete and a series of additional events, including MPI’s World Education Congress.
While there is positive momentum, work remains. Attendance figures are not likely to match pre-pandemic levels and the hospitality industry is struggling to fill needed job vacancies as an influx of leisure and business travelers make up for lost time.
Goodwin called for ECA members to continue communications with legislative leaders to support the hospitality bill.
Said Kai Hattendorf, UFI’s CEO. “We are business event professionals, and the best prepped sector in the world to set up and run exhibitions and business events safely, with top-class procedures in place. Exhibitions are ready for you, and are better than ever!”
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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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