Newly Named Exhibit & Event Marketers Association Unveils Plans for Red Diamond Congress
June 18, 2012
The newly named Exhibit & Event Marketers Association (E2MA), formed by the combining of the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA) and the Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association (EACA), has unveiled plans for the 3rd annual Red Diamond Congress.
The event will be held July 10-12 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
This year’s event will be focused on both advocacy and education issues, said Jim Wurm, executive director of E2MA.
“This will be the first meeting of these combined associations,” he added. “We will have general sessions each day asking for input and expertise.”
Wurm said the first day will focus on brainstorming, the second day would be identifying challenges and the third day would focus on initiatives that should be undertaken.
There are approximately 100 people signed up for the event, and a total of 150 are expected, he added.
The opening keynote will be given by Gary Slack, CEO of Slack and Company, on “Transforming the Organization”, a look inside the challenges he faced, and the opportunities created, as president of the Business Marketing Association.
Gary is two-time past president of the Business Marketing Association’s Chicago chapter, and he served as chairman of BMA National’s executive committee for the 2009-2010 program year.
Lara McCulloch-Carter, of Ready2Spark, will be the keynote speaker on the second day of the Red Diamond Congress and will present her “Cannonball Marketing Secrets”.
McCulloch-Carter’skeynote addresses the new age of marketing, and the increasing challenges created by the bombardment of messages (upwards of 5,000/day) thrown at target audiences that marketers must compete with.
The event also will feature the debut of The Expo Group’s Exhibit Manager of the Year Awards, as well as a gala during which several other honors, such as the Intrepid Award, will be given to an individual or organization that excelled in customer service.
Also part of the event will be Face-2-Face Connectionse in which top corporate xxhibit and event managers from across the U.S> are invited for an all expenses paid trip for face-to-face meetings with leading vendors and services providers in an accelerated buy-and-sell event.
A full schedule and registration information can be found HERE.
Wurm said one of the primary purposes of the Red Diamond Congress is to get all members involved in shaping the direction of the association so “they have a strong sense that the association is responsive to their needs and wants.”
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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