Radical PowerPoints and French Cuisine Highlight IACC’s Americas Connect 2019
April 17, 2019
Toronto’s Vantage Venues and The Globe and Mail Centre played host to the 38th edition of IACC’s Americas Connect conference April 10-11, which brought in 230 delegates.
The theme of this year’s event was “Radical Innovation —Change Everything!” and as such, the education and networking opportunities took a new form. For example, organizers banned speakers from having PowerPoint slides with more than one word. In his address, Keynote Pablos Holman, a former computer hacker turned inventor, encouraged attendees to be disruptors of the events industry..
“We vowed to be different, and I believe that is something we achieved,” said Mark Cooper, CEO of IACC.
Regarding the PowerPoint change, Cooper says delegates were more attentive to the presenter without furiously trying to take notes or capture photos of the slides. “They just sat, listened and engaged,” he says.
The effect of these changes was also felt during networking breaks, which were “full of chatter,” according to Cooper, as delegates discussed and debated what they’d learned during sessions.
“If you want your delegates to remember the event for its educational sessions and not just the food,” he advises, “then this is a step in the right direction.”
That’s not to say food wasn’t a hot topic at IACC Americas. Its famous Global Copper Skillet competition, which took place on the second day of the conference, had finalists from the Americas, Europe and Australia competing for the championship. In the end, Sebastian Layen (an executive chef with Benchmark Hospitality) took home the title for his French-inspired crusted-beef medallion with fig and maple syrup gastrique; and roasted fig, artichoke and root vegetable barigoule (say that five times fast!).
In addition, attendees enjoyed a mystery culinary tour around the city of Toronto, where they visited three different venues to get a taste of unique twists on F&B.
Another new element at this year’s conference was directly involving the university student communities, inviting students from Ryerson University and Seneca College to gain experience and network with industry professionals.
“We wanted delegates to walk away from this year’s event inspired and excited to share what they’ve learned with their wider teams,” says Cooper. Mission accomplished.
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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