Abilities Expo Shatters Attendance Record in Los Angeles
March 24, 2013
5Net4 Prductions’ Abilities Expo saw a 27-percent spike in attendance at its March 15-17 show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, compared with the previous year’s show.
The show drew 7,323 attendees by its final day, with a total of 9,100 altogether, counting an approximate 25 percent who were non-registered children under the age of 18. The total attendance broke last year’s record.
“The energy was incredible,” said 5Net4 President and CEO David Korse.
He added, “We’re thrilled that so many from the community of people with disabilities were able to come and join us for the celebration. We hope to see everyone again when we come back on February 28-March 2, 2014.”
In its 34th year, Abilities Expo is part of a series of shows that focus on people with disabilities that are held throughout the year in the United States.
The show featured a wide variety of products to appeal to people of all ages encompassing the full spectrum of disabilities.
There were bionic exoskeletons to help paraplegics and quadriplegics walk, adaptive vehicles, wheelchairs and accessories, adaptive clothing, home modification devices, daily living aids, medical equipment, adapted furniture, assistive technology for people with sensory disabilities, developmental disability products and more from the close to 200 vendors.
The workshops addressing critical issues for people with disabilities included presentations on travel, finances, managing emotions, disaster preparedness, finding the right mobility device and more.
Here are just a few of the events that were held during the three-day show:
KABC Radio’s Dr. David Kipper and Peter Tilden did a live broadcast of “The Medical Show” where attendees could ask any health-related question.
Rupert Issacson, author of the book and star of the film “The Horse Boy”, gave a workshop where he shared his Horse Boy Method to attendees hoping to better connect to children with Autism.
Guinness World Record holding paraplegic mountain climber Mark Wellman helped attendees climb with his specially developed adaptive climbing equipment.
Paralympian Angela Madsen displayed her bronze medal and her new ocean rowing boat, which she will use to row solo to Hawaii from California this summer.
Sundance Channel’s “Push Girls” were on hand to talk about the upcoming second season and sign autographs.
Dance sensation Team Hotwheels, including “Glee’s” Ali Stroker and “Push Girl’s” Chelsie Hill, performed dance routines.
“Such an impressive LA expo!,” said Attendee Emily Weiss. “(I) was happy I could attend and was inspired by such amazing individuals.”
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