Independent Show Organizers Join Forces with New Agreement
May 17, 2017
The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) and The Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO) have entered into a reciprocity agreement following a meeting among several of their independent trade and consumer organiser members in Miami last month.
The agreement sees both organisations supporting each other with information exchange, research insight and mutual discounts for members to attend each associations’ events.
In addition, it sees the formation of a new special interest group the ‘Independent Organiser Network’ (ION).
The ION is a group formed of AEO and SISO commercial event organiser members who operate on a global basis. It will see the pure play ‘for profit’ organisations coming together to share experiences, opportunities and challenges for the benefit of all parties and the industry at large.
“SISO is a much respected organisation with similar objectives to AEO, and we share many members who have common interests and challenges,” said Chris Skeith, CEO of AEO.
He added, “The partnership with SISO will see us further extend collaborations with other associations throughout the world to help us deliver more value to our members.”
David Audrain, executive director of SISO, adds: “A third of SISO members operate outside the US on a global scale alongside half of the AEO’s membership that organise events outside of the UK. This partnership will see the very best organisers in the world sharing experiences to help shape best practice and improve exhibitor experiences which will help grow the industry overall.”
Audrain said the ION will formally meet twice a year with the first meeting taking place at SISO’s CEO Summit, which several of the members already attend.
He added that he second meeting will be standalone during the second half of the year although there will be continued virtual support provided by both SISO and AEO to enable ION members to communicate throughout the year.
“Associations can support commercial, for profit, organisers through representation by providing a common voice to benefit from international opportunities and overcome challenges. In addition, working as one should provide confidence and is particularly significant in the current climate of political and economic uncertainty, the mantra of ‘together we are stronger’ has never been more important,” Skeith said.
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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