GES’s New Flex Talent Pool Program Aims to Put Exhibitions Professionals Back to Work
January 26, 2021
With many trade show professionals still unemployed due to COVID-19, one full-service marketing and logistics partner for the global exhibition and convention industry is taking matters into its own hands with a new program designed to get them back on the job. Launched Jan. 25, GES’s industry-wide Flex Talent Pool program has been designed to provide flexible, temporary work opportunities for experienced and talented trade show personnel in 2021 and beyond.
In anticipation of exhibitions starting up again this year, the new program will be first introduced in the United States and will cover key cities and venues where shows are expected to occur, according to Jeff Quade, GES’ executive vice president of exhibitions.
“We created this program in anticipation of exhibitions returning in 2021,” Quade said. “As shows and events begin to come back safely, we want to prioritize work opportunities for those talented and skilled trade show and live event professionals that have been so pivotal to the success of our industry.”
Quade added that the program’s goal is to join forces with other leading industry suppliers to offer exhibition professionals broader opportunities for flexible employment. Meanwhile, GES is partnering with Epic Personnel, a third-party staffing agency, to help recruit, on-board and manage the Flex Talent Pool.
Individuals with operational and exhibitor services experience in key industry markets will initially be sought on a show-by-show basis to provide administrative as well as supervisory support for all showsite operations, including freight, electrical, logistics and decorating services.
All qualified and experienced exhibition talent, including former GES employees, will be paid on par with market expectations, with paid travel provided when required, Quade added.
While temporary work for professionals will be a welcome opportunity to get back in the game, what will be the chances of turning these gig workers into full-time employees at GES?
“Business demand in 2021 is still uncertain, therefore, we implemented a method that will allow us to flex up and down as business needs necessitate,” Quade said. “Of course, when shows return at large scale and business demands ramp up again, we are always eager to hire great talent.”
At this time, the Flex Talent Pool program is accepting applications for Texas, Florida, Louisiana and Georgia. To learn more and to register, go here.
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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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