International Association of Exhibitions & Events Names Los Angeles Abilities Expo 2015 Top Public Event
November 11, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions & Events has named Los Angeles Abilities Expo 2015 the Top Public Event this year, an award that will be celebrated at the organization’s Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition Dec. 1-3 in Baltimore, Md.
The IAEE Top Public Events program was established in 2011 to honor the best consumer shows in the nation. Events that submitted applications were measured on broad criteria to include sound business practices, stability, exceptional customer service, and how the event serves the community and overall industry.
The Los Angeles Abilities Expo 2015 is produced by 5NET4 Productions and connects the disability community to live and online resources that promote greater independence.
The event brings necessary products and services together under one roof for the community of people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, seniors and healthcare professionals.
Every event features new technologies, new possibilities, new solutions and new life-changing opportunities.
"It's an honor to be acknowledged by our peers," said Lew Shomer, Owner of Abilities Expo. "This is a wonderful award - not only for those that make Abilities Expo possible, but for the millions of people who live with disabilities every day and who exhibit tenacity and a positive attitude that all things are positive as long as you think they are."
Because Abilities Expo services a uniquely diverse attendee base, show management engages in a very hands-on approach to create a unique experience for its attendees and meet their individual needs.
Customer service initiatives include: American Sign Language Interpretation, Braille and Large Print Accommodations, CART Services for Workshops, Loaner Scooters,
Personal Care Service Attendants, Power Chair Charging Station, Service Dog Relief Area and Wheelchair Repair.
Abilities Expo's event promotion strategies include a wide range of activities via the following marketing channels: digital media, direct mail, email, special promotional events, online advertising, press releases, newspapers, magazines, billboards, directories, fliers, public relations campaigns, radio, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, telemarketing and television.
This year, the company purchased a new, more all-encompassing URL for the organization: www.Abilities.com.
This action was the direct result of their continuing efforts to reach out to the entire disability community, connecting people to the products, services, information and resources that they need to enhance their lives.
The site has all of the show information that people have come to depend on, and is searchable so that visitors can more effectively target the information they are seeking.
It also features an editorial side chock full of news, product information and resources available to the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from any location. In addition, the site offers a network of bloggers and experts to keep the content fresh.
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
Add new comment