Connect, IAEE to Partner on Women’s Leadership Forum
March 5, 2019
Connect (formerly known as Collinson Media & Events) will partner with International Association of Exhibitions and Events to host a Women’s Leadership Forum for the first time this year, to continue in 2020 and 2021.
Known as a leader in the meetings, events, travel and tourism industry, Connect will co-locate the forum with its largest reverse-style trade show event, also named Connect. This year’s event will take place Aug. 26-28 in Louisville, Ky.
Programming for the Women’s Leadership Forum will provide the knowledge, strategies, motivation and inspiration needed to help participants take the next step in their careers. Attendees can expect active discussions on communicating with different personalities, taking on new challenges, enhancing decision-making skills and balancing work and personal life.
The programming is curated for all women, regardless of age, title or position.
“The objective of the forum is to focus attention on the women professionals of our industry and the challenges they continue to face,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois. “Through partnerships like this, our industry will be able to finally provide a level playing field for all professionals who aspire to lead the exhibition and events industry irrespective of their gender.”
IAEE, the largest association in the exhibitions and events industry, also produces the Women’s Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C.
There’s never been a more important time to create a space for the industry’s top women leaders to come together, according to Steven Hacker, executive director of Connect Expo (Connect is also owned by Tarsus Group, TSNN's parent company).
“Women in our industry are by no means immune from the highly evident issues that have proven to be so confounding to so many for so long,” Hacker says. “The Forum will drill into practical, non-confrontational and effective strategies and tactics designed to remove as many of the hurdles and obstacles that still confront women professionals virtually everyday of their professional careers.”
He continued, “The Women’s Leadership Forum is not a magic, nor instant, prescription or remedy. It is, however, a vitally important aid those women who aspire to achieve all they are capable of achieving.”
Men are also welcomed, and encouraged, to attend.
To learn more, go here or reach out to Hacker at shacker@connectmeetings.com. Registration will open in the coming weeks.
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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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