Chris Harar Tapped to Head NTP, Clifford Rippetoe Will Lead San Diego CCC, David Fee Heads New MC2 Consumer Events Division
February 29, 2016
National Trade Productions, the San Diego Convention Center Corporation and MC2 all have named new leaders in their companies.
National Trade Productions has promoted Christopher Harar to president of NTP Events. In this role, he will oversee the Events Division, including all show management, personnel and administration.
Harar will provide leadership working strategically with the Event Services teams to ensure outstanding customer service through the management of NTP's Client Care Program.
"Chris is an exceptional executive and his insights, ideas and leadership have been a tremendous asset to our organization," said Robert E. Harar, chairman and CEO.
He added, "His promotion is well-deserved, and I am excited to see where he will take the division, elevating our events and the success of our clients across the board."
During his time at NTP, Harar previously held positions of corporate vice president, show director, director of marketing and marketing manager.
Prior to joining NTP, he worked as an account executive at CSG Creative. He also served as show program coordinator at The Vision Council.
The Board of Directors of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation selected Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, a convention and meeting industry veteran, to take the helm as president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.
The Corporation manages, markets and operates the San Diego Convention Center on behalf of the City of San Diego.
“The San Diego Convention Center is a world-class facility and we are thrilled to welcome Rip Rippetoe as our new leader,” said Rabbi Laurie Coskey, chair of the Board of Directors. “Rip brings a breadth of industry expertise and skills that will help insure our continued success for years to come.”
Rippetoe has a long career in facility management and operations working in the for-profit sector, as well as not-for-profit and governmental organizations.
His immediate past position was president and CEO of the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB). The KSFB manages the Kentucky Exposition Center (the sixth largest convention center in the United States).
MC2 has appointed David Fee as president of the new MC2 Consumer Events division, which includes offices in Los Angeles and Charlotte, N.C.
In his role as division president, Fee will manage substantial experiential event business from top Fortune 500 clients. He will be responsible for the productivity of sales, display concepts, design and production as it pertains to consumer events.
Fee has spent 25 years in the mobile event marketing industry. His background includes such event venues as NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, State Fairs, Air shows, Golf tournaments - delivering up to 100 nationwide events each year and hospitality events for up to 10,000 people.
Fee holds a degree in marketing from California State University Long Beach. He is based in Los Angeles with oversight of the Consumer Events east coast offices outside of Charlotte, NC.
"Having David in charge of MC2 Consumer Events is a natural outgrowth of our acquisition earlier this month of Brand Promotions where he was General Manager," said Rich McAdam, MC2 president.
He added, "David's acumen and long experience in the mobile tour marketing arena makes him the right choice."
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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