MAD Event Management and Messe Düsseldorf North America Team Up to Launch New Business Events In Detroit
June 16, 2021
The city of Detroit is about to become the launchpad for a host of new B2B and B2C events. The June 7 announcement follows the formation of a new partnership between New York-based MAD Event Management and Messe Düsseldorf North America, which plans to launch and incubate new conferences and shows in the Motor City with the support and under the guidance of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau leadership.
The partnership plans to start with several yet-to-be-announced conferences and a large-scale consumer show, with MAD handling all the sales and marketing and MDNA in charge of show operations, according to MAD Event Management Founder and President Martha Donato. He said that the launchpad is the result of a multi-year development plan between her company and DMCVB President and CEO Claude Molinari.
“[Molinari’s] vision of Detroit as a city well-positioned to capitalize on the future of live events in North America is unwavering,” Donato said. “Detroit is keen to focus its resources to launch business-to-business and business-to-consumer events.”
She added, “Messe Düsseldorf North America is an organizer with a global view of the events industry and was the perfect partner with whom to execute the ambitious plan.”
Donato said that selecting Detroit as a home base was an easy decision, as the destination features all the ingredients necessary for a perfect incubator to develop nascent shows and conferences.
“The convention center is modern and conveniently located downtown, there’s easy access to hotels, an easy in/out airport with direct service to most hubs and most importantly, the team there is friendly, flexible and willing to work with us on launch events,” Donato explained. “We were already working on a show launch prior to the COVID shut down, so this timing is a function of the reopening and our optimism about getting back to business!”
According to Tom Mitchell, president of Messe Düsseldorf North America, it was Donato and Molinari’s vision and passion for creating new events in Detroit that inspired the international show organizer to partner and use its extensive operating resources to support their entrepreneurial goals.
“We all believe that sustainable commerce in trade shows, conferences and consumer events in Detroit will contribute to the city’s long-running Renaissance story and we are excited to be part of it,” Mitchell said. “Once we get a better handle on protocols in a post-COVID world, we will announce our dates and initial conference and show schedule.”
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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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