Blizzard Impacts Some Shows: New York Toy Fair Opens on Time
February 7, 2013
Even though there is two feet of snow forecasted to hit the Northeast beginning Feb. 8 and thousands of flights already have been canceled, the Toy Industry Association is going full steam ahead, planning to not only hold pre-show events for the American International Toy Fair, but also open the show’s doors as scheduled Feb. 10-13 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.
Show organizers assured all attendees that “the show will go on,” despite unfavorable weather predictions for the New York City area, with a message on their Web site saying, “There’s No Business Like Snow Business.”
The show is expected to attract more than 30,000 attendees and 1,000-plus exhibitors and is expected to generate 17,000 hotel room nights and $29.2 million in economic impact for the city, according to NYC & Company officials.
The 13th annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards will kick off Toy Fair week Feb. 9, and the show will open as scheduled Feb. 10 at the Javits.
“Toy Fair has opened its doors on time every year for 110 years … a little snow won’t stop us now,” said show organizers.
The Boston area also is predicted to take the brunt of the snowstorm.
New England Grows, which was scheduled to run Feb. 6-8 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, was impacted by the incoming storm before the first flakes even fell.
A message on the show’s Web site stated: “Due to the blizzard warning issued by the National Weather Service, and a directive from the Massachusetts Convention Center Authorities' Pubic Safety Department, all New England Grows activities have been cancelled for Friday, February 8, 2013.”
The next event scheduled at the BCEC is the Progressive New England Boat Show, Feb. 16-24, and at Boston’s John B. Hynes Convention Center, the American Association for the Advancement of Science 2013 Annual Meeting is on tap Feb. 14-18.
The Spirit Fest Cheer & Dance National Championships, which were scheduled Feb. 9-10 at the Connecticut Convention Center, were cancelled altogether.
Event organizers said, “After much consideration and for the safety of you, your athletes and their families we have decided to reschedule Spirit Festival Nationals for Mid-March.”
In Philadelphia, the Tattoo Arts Convention, which opens Feb. 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, had a message emblazoned on the show’s Web site page in bright red letters that says – “The Show Will Not Be Cancelled Due To Snow”.
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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