New Business Contracts: Stetson, CDS, eventPower and CompuSystems

September 23, 2020

While there has been an understandable drop in new and renewed business deals in the trade show industry lately, there have been some bright spots, particularly in the virtual space. Here are a few companies continuing to forge ahead as they prepare for a post-COVID-19 business future.

Stetson Convention Services

Pittsburgh-based Stetson Convention Services has been tapped by Jamie Belkin Productions, Cleveland Clinic and The Commission on Presidential Debates to help produce the 2020 Presidential Debate, set for Sept. 29 at the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

According to Stetson President Bill Sandherr, the 56-year-old full-service contractor and decorating company will be a specialty contractor for the event. It will work closely with all parties, including approximately 150 media outlets, to provide event management services and online material and equipment ordering storefronts. Additionally, Stetson will provide IT sourcing, marketing and special events departments for Cleveland Clinic.

“This means so much to our company,” Sandherr said. “It means that we can get back to work and do the things we love to do: planning, collaborating, creating, producing [and] working with a team of professional event planners in a safe and enjoyable way.”

Convention Data Services

Convention Data Services signed a new four-year contract with LightFair International, the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference. Between 2021-24, the Freeman Company-owned partner will provide registration, lead management and integrations for the event, set for May 16-20, 2021, at Javits Center in New York City.

According to LightFair Show Director Dan Darby, CDS’s customizable registration system, which also allows the show to access real-time data analytics, was the deciding factor in continuing its partnership with the company.

“We are excited to once again join forces with LightFair International,” said David Lawton, chief sales officer at CDS. “We plan to implement new technologies and best practices to simplify the registration process for [LightFair] attendees and exhibitors.”

eventPower

Conference management services and software tools provider eventPower has signed 11 new corporate and association clients that will use its new Virtual Event Experience, an all-in-one digital tool for hybrid events. They include:

Arkansas Speech Language Hearing Association
BioOhio
First Three Years
Healthcare Businesswomen's Association
Khoros
Metro Public Adjustment
National Association of State Retirement Administrators
National Council of State Housing Agencies
Technology Services Industry Association
The Missouri School Boards Association
Tito’s Handmade Vodka

“When COVID-19 hit the industry, our team knew that we had to quickly shift gears in coming up with a solution that allows eventPower to continue to host events in some capacity,” said Laurie Powell, the company’s vice president of business development. “We’re proud to separate ourselves from other virtual platforms by designing a tool that was built by meeting planners, for meeting planners.”

CompuSystems

Event software company CompuSystems has been tapped to provide registration, data analytics and call center services for the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s SEMA360 eMarketplace, a new e-commerce solution that will taking place Nov. 2-6 in lieu of the annual live SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“Since 2009, CompuSystems has serviced the in-person SEMA Show,” explained Chris Williams, president of CompuSystems. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to deliver our best-in-class registration solutions to help them make their online SEMA360 the best it can be.”

The company also signed multi-year renewal deals with several association clients recently, including National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), The Association for Talent Development (ATD) and Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA).

CompuSystems will provide registration, data analytics and lead retrieval services for each of the organization’s annual shows, including Total Store Expo through 2023, NACDS Annual Meetings through 2023, ATD International Conference & Expo through 2022 and SGIA’s PRINTING United through 2023.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices

NO WISH IS TOO BIG AT THE ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

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

Learn More