MCI Launches Event Portfolio Investment & Management Partnerships for U.S. Associations
March 19, 2019
Strategic events and meetings management firm MCI has launched its Investment & Management Partnership initiative, designed to help U.S. associations accelerate the growth and market impact of their event portfolios.
Events are a critical revenue driver for associations. MCI’s Investment & Management Partnership frees association partners from the responsibility of planning and executing their events so they can focus on membership, education, advocacy and other areas of expertise that differentiate them in the market.
Meanwhile, MCI is able to implement efficiencies and introduce cost savings through its event management expertise and global buying power.
“MCI is recognized as an innovator and we are proud to introduce this highly strategic market approach in the United States,” said Tom Gibson, CEO of MCI USA, the U.S. division of the Geneva, Switzerland-based company. “By partnering with our client’s event portfolios, we provide a long-term commitment to innovate, develop, and accelerate association growth and impact.”
MCI launched this initiative last month via a strategic partnership with the National Cannabis Industry Association, which boasts a $7 million event portfolio serving more than 16,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors, according to MCI officials.
Through its Plano, Texas-based Strategic Events, Meetings & Incentives division, MCI USA will manage NCIA’s trade show portfolio to free up the association’s internal resources to focus on industry advocacy, membership engagement and content curation.
While MCI works to ensure a streamlined event experience and grow the events year over year, NCIA will enjoy reduced risk and financial success while focusing its energies on serving the needs of the cannabis industry.
“NCIA looks forward to a long-term partnership with MCI USA,” said Aaron Smith, NCIA executive director. “While our team is passionately fighting to end prohibition on Capitol Hill and throughout the country, we rely on a world-class organization like MCI to efficiently and effectively direct event operations and management strategies.”
NCIA’s shows include the Cannabis Business Summit & Expo, the California Cannabis Business Conference and the Seed to Sale Show. In 2020, MCI will be working with NCIA to launch into additional markets.
“If an association event isn’t growing in this robust economic environment, it is quickly losing ground, placing enormous pressure on other association revenue centers while compromising membership engagement,” said Shawn Pierce, president of Strategic Events, Meetings & Incentives for MCI USA.
He continued, “Through MCI’s Investment & Management Partnership approach, we provide a combination of financial, strategic planning and event management expertise to help unleash a powerful growth capability for client event portfolios while radically reducing risk for the association.”
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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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