Event Leadership Institute Launches Business Mentoring Program for Event Pros
September 28, 2020
Event Leadership Institute (ELI) and McVeigh Global Meetings and Events have partnered to launch the Business Owner Mentorship Program, providing coaching and consulting to event professionals who’ve been negatively impacted by the pandemic.
“Event business owners, agencies and third-party suppliers went from a banner year in 2019 to a full ground stop of work in March,” said Howard Givner, founder of ELI and a former event agency owner. “Now they’re scrambling for survival and resources to help them chart a path to come out of this crisis.”
The new program came out of an ELI-led initiative called the Situation Room that Givner hosted earlier this year. Held over four months, the Situation Room involved 15 event business owners from the United States and Canada meeting regularly in private Zoom conferences. Attendees shared the challenges they were facing, exchanged ideas and provided support to each other. “We kept coming back to the question of how we could help each other and the industry as a whole,” said Givner.
It was through these sessions that Givner said they started to recognize that an opportunity existed for industry professionals who had been through previous crises — and could relate to the kinds of pressures and challenges this year has brought — to help others navigate the pandemic.
“None of us got where we are without mentorship,” said Jeff Guberman, CEO of McVeigh Global Meetings and Events, who will lead the new mentorship program. “We are excited to pair experienced mentors in the industry with small business leaders looking for guidance on how to weather this challenge.”
As the chair of the program and a volunteer mentor, Guberman will look to match event professionals seeking guidance with mentors based on the size and type of their business and the challenges being faced. Once matched, the mentors will offer approximately two hours of consulting and coaching support.
“While no one has the magic answers,” said Guberman, “it is helpful to have a second pair of eyes or an auxiliary sounding board who understands your business so we can all emerge stronger as an industry.”
Mentors and mentees are invited to apply for the program here.
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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