Business Journals Inc.’s Britton Jones Named 2015 TSNN Awards Industry Icon Honoree
July 8, 2015
Trade Show News Network will celebrate Britton Jones, president and CEO of Business Journals Inc. (BJI), as the TSNN Industry Icon Award honoree at the 6th annual TSNN Awards Nov. 6-8 in Atlanta.
“I am truly honored to be named TSNN’s 2015 Industry Icon Award honoree. I am tremendously blessed to work with incredibility insightful, talented and dedicated people,” Jones said.
He added, “We work in an environment that fosters creativity and real innovation. To me, this award is wonderful recognition of the impact and significance of our collective efforts to move the events industry forward.”
Rachel Wimberly, TSNN President, said, “The TSNN Awards Industry Icon Honor typically is given to someone who is an innovator in the industry, and Britton has led the way for a long time. We are thrilled to honor him at this year’s awards in Atlanta.”
Jones will be feted during the TSNN Awards gala Saturday night at the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart at which the 50 fastest-growing shows in the U.S. also will be celebrated.
BJI produces 27 events per year, including brands such as AccessoriesTheShow, the industry’s largest and longest running accessories show and the industry's upscale menswear show, MRKET.
The BJI Fashion Group also has four women's apparel shows, FAME, EDIT, MODA and STITCH, which provide full coverage of the major women's categories ranging from the junior/ young contemporary to the luxury and premium contemporary markets.
In total, the BJI Fashion Group runs 21 shows annually at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York and six shows per year at the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas.
BJI also publishes three trade magazines including MR (Menswear Retailing), the world’s largest menswear business-to-business magazine and Accessories, which has been the leading publication of the women’s fashion accessories market for over 100 years.
In addition, BJI has a 54 magazine custom publishing division, seven web sites, and maintains one of the industry’s largest databases of fashion retailers.
Besides overseeing all aspects of BJI, Jones also serves as CEO of LeftField Media, a company he formed in late 2014 with Greg Topalian (former senior vice president at Reed Exhibitions and founder of New York Comic Con) and Mac Brighton (BJI’s chairman and COO) and Sharon Enright (BJI’s executive vice president).
LeftField is dedicated to building experientially rich events and celebrations for fans and enthusiasts primarily in the pop culture space.
Jones currently is the chairman of the board of directors of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, as well as serving on NYC & Co.'s Trade Show Council and the Javits Center's Customer Advisory Board.
Jones also was chairman of the board of Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) from 2008 – 2010 and served on the SISO board from 2001-2010.
Previously, Jones served three terms on the board of American Business Media (ABM), where he was twice chairman of ABM’s Trade Show Council
Jones and his wife of 23 years, Lauren, have two sons, Riker (22) and Dawson (19).
The TSNN Awards is a weekend celebration that will kick off Nov, 6 with an opening party at Atlanta’s College Football Hall of Fame, followed by a conference and the awards gala the next day at the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart and ending with a brunch at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.
For more information, please visit www.T-awards.com.
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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