Burress Named Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau's New President
December 25, 2012
The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau’s Board of Directors has named Jay Burress the new president of the bureau, replacing long-time industry veteran Charles Ahlers.
“We are confident that Anaheim and Orange County will move forward under Burress’ leadership as a major leisure and convention destination,” said Steve Arnold, AOCVCB Chairman of the Board.
He added, “Our destination and partners will benefit substantially from his expertise, collaborative style and drive to succeed.”
In his new position, Burress will lead the organization and oversee the day-to-day management of all convention, tourism and destination marketing programs, according to bureau officials.
He also will play a key role in Anaheim and Orange County visitor industry business development and future expansion plans for the Anaheim Convention Center.
Burress formerly was president and CEO of Experience Arlington (Convention & Visitors Bureau for Arlington, Texas).
Prior to that, he spent 20 years at the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he held executive-level positions in both convention sales and tourism sales.
His experience also includes international marketing, management of six international representation offices and management of five regional sales offices.
“The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau is admired by many industry colleagues around the world for all it has accomplished throughout the past 50 years in promoting Anaheim and Orange County as a leading destination,” Burress said.
He added, “I am honored to have been selected to lead this excellent organization, and I fully intend to continue their tradition of success. Having been directly involved at many levels in destination marketing and convention business for more than 20 years, I am confident we can blend our collective talents and experience and continue to keep Anaheim and Orange County in the forefront of the industry as a leading leisure and business destination.”
Burress will take office Feb. 11, replacing Ahlers, who announced his retirement in February of this year, after 20 years with the bureau. Ahlers will stay on the executive team in a transitional role until June 2013.
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