Gina McDuffie

Gina McDuffie is the executive vice president of global marketing at GES, a global event marketing company with a long history of connecting people through live events. Her expertise lies in the overall integration of marketing efforts for GES and its clients, and in customer experience and engagement.

 

People News: The Expo Group, GES, Leftfield Media Make New Hires

The month of May has been an unusually busy one for new hires across a wide variety of companies in the trade show industry.

The Expo Group hired Lloyd van Meter its new general manager in its Las Vegas offices. Van Meter has extensive freight expertise, as well as 15 years in the trade show industry and strong leadership skills honed in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Metropolitan Makes Move into Housing Services

Metropolitan Exposition Services has forged a partnership agreement with Orlando-based Fan Experiences, which supplies housing services.

“We are genuinely excited to add a housing component to our ever expanding portfolio, and are especially thrilled to be working with such a respected industry trendsetter as Fan Experiences,” said Metropolitan General Manager Gina Calderon.  

She added, “Continuing on with our plan of strategic diversification, we are now able to offer clients a range of services that is unparalleled in the business.”

BIO International Convention Will Feature Expanded Innovation Zone

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have agreed to feature Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funded early-stage biomedical companies in an expanded Innovation Zone at the 2015 BIO International Convention®, on tap in June in Philadelphia.

The Innovation Zone companies, focused on drug discovery, diagnostics and other therapeutic platform technologies, will have dedicated exhibit space and participate in BIO One-on-One Partnering™.

Trade Show News Network Signs on as Official Media Partner with UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry

Trade Show News Network (TSNN) has signed an agreement to become an official Media Partner and member of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

Rachel Wimberly, President/Editor-in-chief, and Paul Woodward, Managing Director of UFI signed the agreement that will help disseminate the work carried out by the international body.

“TSNN is very excited about this new partnership with UFI," Wimberly said. "UFI's role as the global association for the exhibition industry is the perfect complement to TSNN's broad reach into the industry worldwide."

Help Your Exhibitors Get Their Brand Message and Story “Heard” - How Sponsorships Add Value to Your Event

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Sun, 05/24/2015 - 22:21

Sponsorships have a direct and long-lasting positive effect on a company’s brand awareness and strategy. By offering the advantage of a sponsorship opportunity within the life cycle of your event, you are offering your exhibitors the ability to boost their company’s name recognition and exposure to their target audience: their current and future customers. An exhibitor’s sponsorship also broadens awareness of your event within new communities, such as the customer base of the sponsoring company.

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Partner Voices
Partner Voices
NO WISH IS TOO BIG AT THE ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
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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