PMMI Director of Expositions A.J. Janosko Passes Away Suddenly
June 23, 2014
PMMI Director of Expositions A.J. Janosko, who was 45, passed away suddenly as the result of an accident over the weekend.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce the sudden passing of A.J. Janosko, director of expositions for PMMI, who passed away yesterday as a result of an accident over the weekend,” said Chuck Yuska, president and CEO, PMMI.
Yuska added that Janosko joined PMMI in August 2012 to fill a newly created position, handling much of the day-to-day show management.
Janosko worked on a portfolio of shows that included PACK EXPO Las Vegas, which drew more than 23,000 attendees and 2,700-plus exhibitors last year to the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the PACK EXPO International show, which will be held in November in Chicago’s McCormick Place and draws more than 40,000 attendees, among others.
“It didn’t take long for him to become an integral member of the PMMI staff,” Yuska said. “When he came on board, A.J. told exhibitors to expect three things from him: Commitment, trust and respect. He lived up to that promise with PMMI members and PACK EXPO exhibitors in every possible way.”
Before joining PMMI, Janosko was director of trade show operations at SPI: The Plastics Industry Association.
SPI’s triennial NPE event ended a four-decade run at McCormick Place after its 2009 show with a very successful launch at the Orange County Convention Center last spring in Orlando.
“I have a great deal of respect for and understanding of union labor, and that’s been invaluable in my career. I also take great pride in my ability to navigate the proper channels to achieve positive results,” Janosko said at the time. “That definitely helped us achieve our goals.”
The transition of NPE from Chicago to Orlando also prepared him to come to PACK EXPO.
“As a show manager, that transition meant I had to introduce myself to a new team at a new location, get to know them, how they work and what works in the venue,” Janosko said.
Janosko’s background also includes working for BDMetrics, Inc., the Telecommunications Industry Association and Convention Management Group.
"Here at the office, we’ve lost a member of the PMMI family. A.J. will be sorely missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family,” Yuska said.
Funeral and service arrangements still are being finalized. A.J.’s family requests that donations toward an education fund for his sons, to be named later, be made in lieu of flowers.
TSNN will provide details of the fund when they are made available.
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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