Brian Casey Named President, CEO of Center for Exhibition Industry Research
October 2, 2013
Thirty-year trade show industry veteran Brian Casey has been chosen by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s board of directors as the new president and CEO for the organization.
Casey was identified as the best candidate after an extensive search process that was initiated after long-time head of CEIR, Doug Ducate, announced he was stepping down from the role.
Casey’s new position will begin Dec. 1.
"I am very honored and excited to have been selected to lead CEIR moving forward,” Casey said.
He added, “Having been in the industry for more than 30 years, I have seen CEIR grow and become the essential source for providing thousands of professionals with the data and research that fuels our industry.”
Casey currently is vice president and general manager for the Cleveland Global Center for Health Innovation & Convention Center, which is set to open Oct. 8.
Casey also has served as president and CEO of the High Point Authority (producer of High Point Markets), owner of Next Generation Events Group, executive vice president at SmithBucklin and managing director of trade shows for the International Housewares Exposition.
The CEIR board and selection committee retained the services of Minnesota-based SearchWide, an executive recruiting company, to handle the search.
"The selection of Brian was a unanimous decision by the CEIR Search Committee and similarly endorsed by the CEIR Board,” said Greg Ortale, CEIR’s board chairman. “We have the utmost confidence and admiration in him based on his background which will uniquely benefit CEIR, and we look forward to working closely together on the strategic initiatives and research projects that have made CEIR the well-respected organization that it has become today.”
He added, “I am pleased to know that CEIR will be led by a professional with an exemplary background and credentials who understands the exhibition industry, and is committed to its future."
Besides his extensive work history, Casey has been involved on several industry boards, including CEIR’s and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events.
Casey is a past chairman of Major American Trade Show Organizers (MATSO) and past chairman of the IAEE Midwest Chapter.
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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