Shows Move from Miami Beach CC After Building Construction Disrupted by Hurricane Irma
September 25, 2017
Set to open in just more than two weeks, Reed Exhibitions’ JIS (Jewelers International Show) October 2017 show will relocate to Fort Lauderdale, after receiving news from the Miami Beach Convention Center that it would be unavailable to host the event because of Hurricane Irma disrupting construction activity and the building not being cleared for public occupancy.
The show now will take place during the same dates Oct. 8-11 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, just 30 miles north of Miami.
“Knowing the important role that JIS October plays in delivering product in time for the Holiday’s, we spoke to customers whose unanimous feedback was to find a new location and move forward with this year’s event,” said Jordan Tuchband, industry vice president of JIS.
Tuchband added, “We were thankful that the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center had space available during our same dates and that this location would have minimal impact for customers who have already booked flights to Miami, just a short drive away.”
To support the move, JIS will invest more than $250,000 in new programs dedicated to easing travel concerns and delivering a successful event for all attendees, exhibitors and the markets that rely on the show.
The investment will include a buyer merchandise credit program, special retailer hotel hosting opportunities and travel assistance from Miami.
Each day, there will be more than $50,000 worth of merchandise credits available for attendees to earn and spend with JIS October exhibitors.
JIS isn’t the only show moving to Fort Lauderdale, Emerald Expositions’ ICCF Miami Show, on tap ct. 3-14, also moved its event up the road out of the Miami Beach CC, citing the same reasons as the jewelry show.
“Fortunately, ICFF management and South Florida city officials identified alternative space available during the same dates," said ICCF show management.
The Spectra-managed Miami Beach CC is in the middle of a more than $500 million renovation project (projected to be completed in 2018) that includes a state-of-the-art 60,000 square foot grand ballroom, additional meeting rooms with flexible arrangements, advanced technology and versatile indoor/outdoor areas.
The 5.8 acre parking lot directly across from Hall C on Convention Center Drive will be converted into a public park, complete with canopy trees, a flexible lawn area, a food pavilion, and a veteran’s memorial.
The 800 parking spots that the park will be replacing will be relocated within the footprint of the building.
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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