The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show Sticks With Celebrity Chef Paula Deen, Despite Controversy
June 26, 2013
Big-name brands such as Target, Walmart and the Food Network have dropped celebrity chef Paula Deen after she admitted during a recent deposition to using a racial epithet in the past.
However, not only are there other retailers, but there also is The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show that have made the choice to stick by her.
Deen is on the schedule as a presenter at The Tiny Kitchen’s MetroCooking Dallas – The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show Sept. 21-22 at the Dallas Convention Center, as well as two other shows this year.
MetroCooking Dallas’ Web site has a statement that firmly stands behind Deen.
“Deen has been a friend of The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show for many years.She has apologized, and we are taking her apology at her word and moving forward accordingly,” show officials said.
They added, “MetroCooking does not condone or believe in the use of derogatory slurs by anyone. This is a nation of forgiveness and second chances. In that spirit, we intend to go forward with the MetroCooking Shows in Houston, Dallas and Washington, D.C. as planned with Paula as a presenter. At this time we have no plans to do otherwise.”
Denise Medved, The Tiny Kitchen’s CEO and founder, said the statement was posted June 24 on all of the shows’ Web sites after the company received some calls asking about Deen’s involvement.
“We thought we really needed to verbalize our position,” she added. “Her fans are very loyal. We’ve had more fans calling hoping she stays with the show than those who were less favorable.”
So far, Medved said, there have been no cancellations by exhibitors for any of the shows and only three attendees have asked for a refund.
She added that Deen, who she knows personally and called “kind and funny”, has been a part of The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show since 2007.
Deen is scheduled to perform in the Celebrity Theater both days of the Dallas show, where 5,000 people are expected to see her.
She also is on tap Sept. 15-16 for the Houston show at the Reliant Center and Nov. 2-3 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in D.C.
The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show in D.C., which typically draws up to 22,000 attendees and launched in 2006, found success and spread to other cities, including Houston and Dallas, which draw 20,000 and 9,000 attendees, respectively.
On The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show’s Facebook page there were several comments expressing support for having Deen be a part of the events, although there also were a few who were against it.
One poster said, “Thank you for standing up and not cancelling Paula Deen. Everyone deserves a second chance and forgiveness after they apologize. Looking forward to the D.C. show!”
While another said. “If Paula Deen is there, I won't be.”
Medved said, “We appreciate people have a different opinion and respect that. I personally am one to forgive, forget and move on.” She added that she has made errors in her own professional and personal life and has had the good fortune of people standing by her.
The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show is not alone in supporting Deen. According to news reports, several companies she has current deals with such as Tasty Blends Foods, Landies Candies, Springer Mountain Farms and Sandridge Food Co., to name a few, all have said they would stay with her.
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
Add new comment