Mar 20, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has sent the travel industry into a tailspin, but there is light at the end of the tunnel—however long it may take us to get there, says Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. Here’s his take on the current situation.
How are destinations dealing with the coronavirus from a meetings business standpoint?
I think there’s never been a more collaborative effort in the industry and with all the industry players involved in meetings. What we’re realizing, as we go through this, is that knowledge is power, and we’re getting more clarity with every… more
Feb 24, 2020
The latest round of people announcements is all about girl power. Check out the latest promotions, new hires and appointments of (mostly) women across the industry this month:
Catherine Chaulet is now president and CEO of Global DMC Partners, a network of independently owned destination management companies. Serving as president of the company for six years, her promotion to CEO came as a result of her strong leadership skills.
Julie Coker, president and CEO of Philadelphia CVB, will depart from her role in March to take on a new position as president and CEO of San Diego Tourism… more
Jan 31, 2020
After five years at the helm of Reed Exhibitions, Chet Burchett will be retiring from the global company, and Hugh Jones will be stepping in Feb. 1.
“I’m looking forward to bringing more increasingly sophisticated data-led analytics and technology to more customers around the world,” Jones said. “Exhibitions is an exciting, entrepreneurial industry, and the fundamentals of the business are excellent.”
He added, “Combining the best of face-to-face connections with technology and rich data analytics will provide new value to our more than 7 million exhibitors and visitors. This ensures that… more
Jan 13, 2020
ASAE’s President and CEO, John H. Graham IV, FASAE, CAE, has passed away after an extended battle with cancer.
“While no words can adequately express our deep sorrow at losing our leader, the ASAE team is profoundly grateful for the opportunity to know and work with John. Graham was a transformative leader for ASAE and a mentor to many in the association community. During his tenure, which began August 1, 2003, ASAE more than doubled its membership and developed a wealth of innovative products and services to benefit association professionals and their partners. Graham leaves behind an… more
Jan 13, 2020
The new year already appears to be a busy one for the trade show industry, with many new hires and promotion announcements this month. Check out the latest.
Venue News
Orange County Convention Center in Orlando will be led by Mark Tester, selected by Mayor Jerry L. Demings as the center’s new executive director. Tester was most recently director of Austin (Texas) Convention Center. Also at OCCC, Eric Blanc, Sr. is now assistant director of sales. He brings more than 25 years of experience in event management and convention center sales to his new role.
Spectra, the providers of venue… more
Dec 18, 2019
Packing for a trade show is usually a laborious task for anyone, but especially so for Candy Adams. In addition to her suitcase for clothing, shoes and all her personal items, every trip she takes, she packs a separate hard case Samsonite. It holds 40 dozen cookies and usually weighs around 43 pounds — and though it sounds like a lot, she’s got it down to a science, after doing this for more than 25 years.
It all started back in 1993 when she was working for a company that made wide-format printers, and the CEO was making a tiny printer for the first Macintosh computer called the Sweet Pea.… more
Dec 17, 2019
What year-end slow down? There's no rest for the trade show industry as new hires, promotions and appointments are still in full swing this holiday season. Take a look at the latest people moves.
Sally Shankland announced she is stepping down from her position as president and CEO of Emerald Expositions Events for personal reasons last week, and will transition to executive director and senior advisor in 2020. Her replacement for the time being will be Brian Field, currently Emerald’s current chief operating officer, who will serve as the company’s interim president and CEO effective Jan. 1… more
Dec 04, 2019
A new leader will soon take the helm at VisitDallas, the city’s convention and visitors bureau responsible for attracting tourism, meetings and conventions to the Texas destination. On Jan. 6, 2020, Craig Davis, the current president and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, will become the Dallas CVB’s new president and CEO.
Davis will replace VisitDallas Interim President and CEO Sam Coats, who assumed leadership of the agency in May after former President and CEO Phillip Jones stepped down. Jones left his position following a controversy stirred up by a January audit that questioned the ROI of the CVB… more
Nov 05, 2019
November is only just getting started, but it’s already a busy month for new hires and promotions. Check out the latest people moves in the trade show industry.
Los Angeles-based venue management and services company ASM Global announced a new executive leadership team that will report to Bob Newman, president and CEO. The team includes Mark Rozells, CFO; Chuck Steedman, executive vice president of strategy and business development for arenas and stadiums; Gregg Caren, executive vice president of sales and business development for convention centers; Doug Thornton, executive vice president… more
Oct 31, 2019
If the future’s in their hands, it looks pretty bright. Last week, PCMA announced its annual class of the brightest, most talented association professionals around the globe, including leaders from North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
The class is supported by the PCMA Foundation along with Experience Columbus and will be honored at the PCMA Convening Leaders conference, Jan. 5-8, 2020 at Moscone Center in San Francisco.
“This group represents our industry’s future, and the PCMA Foundation is dedicated to recognizing the efforts and achievements of those who want to help demonstrate the… more
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