Ohio School Boards Association Attracts 9,000 to Greater Columbus Convention Center
November 15, 2016
The largest educational trade show and second-largest education convention in the nation returned to the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center, as more than 9,000 attendees attended the 61st annual Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference and Trade Show Nov. 13-16.
“This is the time that we get to shine for our members,” said Jeff Chambers, OSBA director of Communication Services.
Among the highlights were the18th annual Student Achievement Fair, featuring five performing groups representing each of the OSBA regions, an artwork exhibition and 100 student groups sharing their innovative ideas for school board members to explore.
The trade show also featured 551 booths of the country’s leading vendors of school supplies, equipment and services.
“Our members keep coming back even when budgets are tight because of the experience they get here when they arrive,” said OSBA Deputy Executive Director Rob Delane.
Here were some of the general session speakers:
Ernie Hudson, known for his roles in the “Ghostbusters” and “Miss Congeniality” movies and HBO’s “Oz” series, traveled a difficult road to success and will speak about “Overcoming Odds and Adversity.” Guided by his grandmother, he grew up in the housing projects of Michigan following the death of his mother when Hudson was only two months old. Hudson has also served in the Marine Corps and attended Yale University. Though a father was absent from Hudson’s life, Hudson has raised his own sons as a single father.
“The Difference Board Members Can Make in the Lives of Children” was the topic shared by actor Steven Michael Quezada, winner of the Screen Actors Guild Award for his role in the “Breaking Bad” television series. He is an elected member of the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education and has involved students from the Digital Arts & Technology Academy in Albuquerque in his talk show.
“From Grits to Glitz: How I Fell Off the Okra Truck and Onto the Red Carpet” was the topic shared by Emmy-winning journalist and New York Times best-selling author Leeza Gibbons. Known for covering issues involving family caregivers, she founded the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation when Alzheimer’s disease touched her family.
Additionally, “The 3 Ds of Success” was presented by two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, senior advisor to The Ohio State University Office of Advancement, at the OSBA Conference Luncheon.
“The OSBA Capital Conference and Trade Show is considered Ohio’s premier continuing education program for school board members and we are excited to share our newly renovated ballrooms, meeting rooms and other amenities with this group,” said GCCC General Manager John R. Page before the event.
The Greater Columbus Convention Center, located in downtown Columbus, hosted an estimated 2.5 million visitors in 2015.
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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