Informa Markets Taps Nancy Walsh to Lead North America; Rick McConnell, Fred Linder Stepping Down
October 29, 2020
Informa Markets has consolidated its North America-headquartered brands under a single leadership team led by Nancy Walsh, who has been promoted to the role of President of the expanded North America portfolio.
“Since joining us, Nancy has immersed herself in understanding what value we can offer to our customers through our brands and developed solutions that keep our communities connected, 365 days a year,” said Charlie McCurdy, CEO Informa Markets.
He added, “She and her team have demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship – two fundamental attributes to our culture at Informa Markets. By elevating Nancy to this broader role, I have every faith that she will help all our North America-headquartered brands to continue to develop sustainable and effective physical events and evolving digital solutions.”
Key brands in the portfolio Walsh will oversee include National Products Expos West and East, World of Concrete, SupplySide West and MAGIC.
During her time as president of the company’s Fashion portfolio, Walsh has been instrumental in getting close to customers and communities, understanding their needs and developing brands and experiences to help them trade and connect.
Most recently, Walsh and her team launched a first-of-its-kind digital tradeshow for the fashion industry through a strategic partnership with ecommerce platform provider, NuORDER.
Walsh was named the International Association of Exhibitions and Events' Woman of the Year in 2020, an honor she described as ‘humbling’.
Walsh joined Informa Markets from Freeman, where she held the position of senior vice president, Brand Experience, and prior to that she spent 32 years at Reed Exhibitions, where she worked her way up to president – North America.
“It’s been an honor to work alongside such passionate colleagues who have continued to deliver for our customers in what has been a challenging year for us all,” Walsh said.
She added, “I’m excited to take on this new role, drawing upon what we’ve learned in the Informa Markets Fashion group and bringing it together with what other industry-leading brands across the rest of this enlarged North America portfolio have done to develop the best solutions for our customers.”
With these changes, two long-standing members of its senior management team, Rick McConnell and Fred Linder, who led the former North America group and Health & Nutrition group, respectively, will be stepping down.
McConnell and Linder will both leave the business at the end of this year.
“Rick and Fred have both been strong leaders, instrumental in building up their areas of the business, as well as trusted advisors and friends,” McCurdy said. “On behalf of our senior team, I wish them every success in their future ventures.”
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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