People News - Summer Is Busy Time for New Hires in Trade Show Industry
July 30, 2012
Summer might be a slow time for actual trade shows being held, but it’s been a busy time for new hires, signaling a boost in business.
The Georgia World Congress Center recently announced the selection of Mark Adams as director of sales for the 3.9 million square foot facility.
"We are all looking forward to the addition of Mark Adams to our GWCC team,” said Mark Zimmerman, general manager of the convention center.
He added, “I am confident that with his experience he will make an immediate impact on our sales program.”
Adams joins the GWCC after working as the director of sales for the Athens (Ga.) Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he led the sales team in booking over 150 conventions, corporate meetings and sporting events each year.
He also previously was a general manager and operations manager for Global Experience Specialists.
Messe Frankfurt USA hired Kristy Meade to Group Show Director, Textile Events, responsible for managing the teams producing Texworld USA Winter/Summer, Apparel Sourcing, Home Textiles Sourcing Expo, Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas.
“We are pleased to add Kristy our team,” said John Gallagher, president of Messe Frankfurt USA.
He added, “Her professionalism, strong track record in managing successful events and expertise in the textile industry make her a valuable addition to our team.”
Meade has 13 years of experience in domestic and international events. Most recently, she was the Director of Events/Educational Development at Industrial Fabrics Association International at which she managed and developed various events with more than 8,000 attendees.
NexxtShow has brought Kevin Nalepka on the team as Vice President of Business Development.
Based out of Washington, D.C., Nalepka will be responsible for helping develop and execute NexxtShow's strategic business, sales and operating plans.
Nalepka comes to NexxtShow with more than 10 years of experience in the tradeshow industry. Beginning in 2000, he worked as Director of Corporate Sales at Freeman and then moved in 2007 as the Director of Sales to GES.
In these positions, he was responsible for a full range of business accountability, including business development, sales, marketing, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
"Kevin is a proven leader and it's exciting to have someone with his rich and deep experience join the NexxtShow team," said Matt Epstein, president of NexxtShow.
Meet Minneapolis, Convention & Visitors Association, welcomes Sue Stein as partnership marketing manager.
She will support Meet Minneapolis’ current partners and enhance the organization’s strategic development by actively recruiting new partners with an initial emphasis on the restaurant and retail categories.
With more than 20 years of experience in sales, business development, meeting management and event marketing, Stein has a wide range of knowledge in the industry that comes from owning her own meeting management and marketing services firm to working for NAPCP, Carlson Companies, Triad Conferences and BI Worldwide
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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