American Library Association Signs on in Chicago for Three More Years
July 4, 2012
Chicago just received a big boost with the American Library Association signing on to bring its annual trade show to the city in 2020, 2023 and 2026.
The association already was committed to having the event in the Windy City in 2013 and 2017.
Each show is projected to bring in $50 million in estimated direct expenditures per year, according to Choose Chicago officials.
“This is great news for our convention industry and shows that Chicago is the place for large, national organizations to come and do business,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said.
He added, “The reforms at McCormick Place and Navy Pier have attracted more than $3.25 billion in committed shows and this number continues to grow.”
The ALA, which usually meets the week before the Fourth of July and was last in Chicago in 2009, had planned to hold its annual meeting in New York in 2013, but three years ago it decided to relocate the meeting to Chicago.
The event, recently held in Anaheim June 21-16, attracts approximately 25,000 attendees and books more than 34,000 room nights.
“We are delighted to host ALA’s Annual Conference in Chicago with greater frequency with our new, multi-year commitment covering 2020, 2023 and 2026. The recent legislative changes and cooperation from Chicago’s labor unions have made this agreement possible,” said Maureen Sullivan, president of the American Library Association.
She added, “Chicago is our hometown and such a fabulous city. We enjoy working with our partners at Choose Chicago and McCormick Place and are excited that our attendees and exhibitors will now have the opportunity to experience this city’s great amenities more often.”
Don Welsh, Choose Chicago’s president and CEO, attributed the passing of labor reforms that helped curb costs at McCormick Place for more shows signing on in the city.
"ALA’s decision to include Chicago in its annual convention rotation is a perfect example of a major customer returning to Chicago as a direct result of these reforms,” he said.
Welsh added, “We are pleased to see positive progress and our team will continue to aggressively pursue all potential customers, who will benefit from Chicago’s impressive convention platform, vibrant city and the significant cost savings resulting from the labor reforms."
Overall, Chicago has seen a positive uptick in visitors to the city, with a 6.8-percent increase in occupancy rate for its hotel rooms, from 62 percent in 2011 to 66.2 percent in 2012.
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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