People News: End of 2012, Beginning of 2013 Hiring in Full Speed
January 7, 2013
December usually is a quiet month, but instead, there were a spate of new hires that led right into even more at the start of 2013.
With unemployment figures in the United States continuing to stabilize, the trade show industry is ahead of the curve with a busy hiring season.
Experient hired Heidi Voorhees as senior vice president of Housing, in which she will lead the company’s housing sales and operations.
“The meetings and event industry is ripe for unified registration and housing technologies backed by an organization with strong leadership,” said Shawn Pierce, president of Experient’s Registration and Housing division.
He added, “Heidi’s depth of experience, leadership acumen, and track record of success are exactly what the company needs for its next major phase of growth.”
Voorhees comes to Experient from the Institute of Food Technologists, organizer of the world’s largest annual food expo, where she served as vice president of meetings and events and vice president of strategic initiatives.
Prior to that, she was managing director for National Foundation for Judicial Excellence, senior director at Defense Research Institute and convention manager at SmithBucklin Corporation.
Shepard Exposition Services appointed industry veteran Doug Whittemore as a national sales manager to its trade show sales team in Washington, D.C.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring in somebody with the experience, relationships and skill-set that Doug brings to the table,” said Richard Maples, executive vice president of sales for Shepard.
He added, “Any time that you can add somebody like this to your team, it benefits everybody in the organization.”
Whittemore began his career in the D.C, area working with Andrews-Bartlett. He also has worked for various general service contractors all across the country.
Here are several other new hires:
Fifteen-year industry veteran Matt Beavers has been named general manager of 3D Exhibits’ newly expanded Las Vegas operation.
SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals appointed Chuck DiGiaimo as director, Mid Atlantic Sales.
The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau recently hires Amy Clark, director of sales, Lily Leiva, director of eCommerce and Kathryn Wilhoite, specialist, consumer markets & marketing services.
SMG named Angie Mykel as General Manager of the Lynnwood (Wash.) Convention Center.
Industry veteran Kevin Ruehl joins Exhibit Systems project management team, where he will provide hands-on marketing and design services to help the company’s customers incorporate their brands and messaging into 3-D environments.
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
Add new comment