Long-time UFI Managing Director Vincent Gerard Passes Away
July 18, 2016
Vincent Gerard, long-time managing director of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has passed away.
"It is with great sadness that we heard about the passing away of Vincent Gerard, UFI's managing director between 2001 and 2010,” said Sergej Alexeev, UFI president.
He added, “Our thoughts are with his wife Catherine and the family. We have lost a great colleague, a strong promoter of our industry, and a close friend. Despite his health fading away, Vincent was following UFI and the industry all the time, and he stayed in touch with many friends from all over the world. Now he will follow us from another place. He will be missed, and we remain grateful for everything he did during his years at UFI and beyond.”
Gerard, who was also an architect, began his career outside of the exhibition industry, working for the United Nations in Rwanda, Africa, where he constructed schools for several years. He then worked six years for Belgian contract contractors on projects in Africa and the Middle East.
In 1986, he switched over to the exhibition industry, organizing for 15 years the international agriculture fair Agribex in Brussels, as well as matchmaking summits for industrial cooperation with several international institutions, including UNIDO (Vienna) and ESCAP (Bangkok).
UFI recruited Gerard in 2001, and he ran the association until 2010.
During that time, Gerard formulated a new strategic plan for the exhibition industry and grew UFI’s presence worldwide.
"Vincent was popular throughout the exhibition and trade fair community worldwide," said Jerry Kallman, who runs Kallman Consulting Services. "He assumed the leadership of UFI at a challenging time and introduced solid management principles and a steadying hand when they were sorely needed. His stewardship as the Secretary General of the InterEXPO Congress also reflected his dedication to orderliness and even-handed guidance."
He added, "Although he understood the inevitability of ALS, he never complained or lost his joie de vie. His devoted wife Catherine displayed the same stoic attitude and simple courage."
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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