The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore Tapped to Emcee TSNN Awards Gala in Atlanta
September 22, 2015
The most recognized face in weather – The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore – will step away from his reporting on all of the top events for the past 25 years, including Hurricane Katrina and Super Storm Sandy, to emcee the TSNN Awards’ gala celebration Nov. 7 in Atlanta.
"The Weather Channel's own Jim Cantore, headquartered here in Atlanta, is an excellent choice to emcee the 6th Annual TSNN Awards," said Mark Sussman, director of Trade Show Sales, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
He added, “Weather plays an important role in the execution of trade shows and events, and as a storm tracker Jim understands how unpredictable Mother Nature can be to our industry.”
The gala will honor 50 of the fastest-growing trade shows in the United States, with association and for-profit winners being named onstage for fastest-growing overall in attendance and net square footage (www.T-awards.com).
“We are very excited to have someone of Jim’s caliber emceeing the TSNN Awards’ gala celebration,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly.
She added, “He is well known for his animated, tenacious style, both in the field and in the studio, and he is the perfect choice to light up the stage on a really special evening for the trade show industry.”
As Weather’s storm tracker, Cantore reports tirelessly before, during and after weather events, providing live reports and insights for the network.
When not in the field, he covers the latest forecast and weather news on “AMHQ,” weekdays from 7-10 a.m. ET.
He also is a frequent contributor to NBC programs such as "Nightly News" and "TODAY," as well as for NBC affiliates nationwide and multiple MSNBC shows.
A native of White River Junction, Vt., Cantore graduated with a bachelor's degree in meteorology from Lyndon State College (Lyndonville, Vt.), where he returns each year to work with students in the meteorology program.
Weather hired Cantore out of college and he first appeared on air in July 1986. He was inducted into the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center Hall of Fame in February 2013, and in 2013 he was inducted into the Silver Circle of the National Television Academy of Arts & Sciences Southeast Chapter. In 2014, he was elected a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society.
Cantore is a sought-after speaker and serves as a celebrity ambassador for the American Red Cross, enabling him to further spread the message of preparedness, an issue of vital importance to him that carries over from his work.
He also has appeared in a series of public service announcements for FEMA on the importance of preparing your home and family for severe weather.
When he's not covering the weather, Cantore's passion for the outdoors is equally evident in his leisure activities, which he enjoys with his two children.
He is an avid skier, golfer and gardener and makes his home in the Atlanta area. Cantore is an active supporter of several charities, including FRAXA, the National Fragile X Foundation.
The list of 50 shows that will be feted during the three-day, celebration-filled weekend can be found below and HERE.
The TSNN Awards weekend kicks off with an opening night Tailgate Party at the College Football Hall of Fame. The next morning will be a conference featuring the chairs of IAEE and SISO speaking on the “State of the Industry” followed by a luncheon and keynote at the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart.
That evening, also at the Atlanta Convention Center, will be the TSNN Awards gala celebration, followed by a brunch the next morning at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.
The TSNN Awards is proud to be partnered with awards co-founder The Expo Group, as well as city sponsor the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Additional sponsors include venue sponsor, Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart; hotel sponsor, Westin Peachtree Plaza; technology sponsor, Colortone Staging & Rentals; presenting sponsors, Wyndham Jade and Ungerboeck Software International; transportation sponsor, Production Transport; gold sponsors, ASP Events, Experient, Shepard Expositions, MapYourShow, Fern Exposition Services, Juice Studios, Cobb Galleria; silver sponsors, Freeman, epic, Expocad, Core-Apps, Convention Data Services, showNets, OnPeak/GES, a2z, Inc. and HelmsBriscoe; F&B sponsor, Aramark; video/photography, sponsor, CNTV and The Photo Group.
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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