Trade Show Companies Give Back to Their Communities
September 6, 2016
The trade show industry has a history of being generous to its surrounding communities, and a few companies recently have lent a helping hand to those in need.
SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals, based in Hauppauge, N.Y., continues to be a strong supporter of Long Island Cares, the nonprofit organization based in the same town and founded by the late Harry Chapin, which brings together resources to benefit the hungry on Long Island and meet other vital humanitarian needs.
SmartSource, which has a longstanding tradition of raising funds and volunteerism on behalf of Long Island Cares, recently made yet another contribution.
Approximately 35 staff members from the company’s Hauppauge headquarters raised $1,000 for Long Island Cares, which was matched by SmartSource for a total contribution of $2,000.
Last year, a team of SmartSource employees headed to the Long Island Cares warehouse to volunteer in its Warehouse Sorting & Repacking Program.
On its 30th anniversary, SmartSource made a sizeable contribution to the organization in honor of its founder, Julian Sandler, for whom fighting hunger was a top priority.
Helen Brett Enterprises, producers of the New Orleans Gift and Jewelry Show, designated their August show as a collection point for donations to South Louisiana residents, who were affected by catastrophic flooding.
HBE provided donors with a voucher for a free guest badge, as a ‘thank you’ for donating. Attendees donated 12,140 pounds of non-perishable food items, personal toiletries, cleaning supplies and bottled water.
Freeman volunteered their services to load the items into two trucks and transport them to Second Harvest Food Bank of New Orleans and Acadiana, where the items were transported to their distribution channels in the affected areas.
“All of us at Helen Brett Enterprisers are humbled by our attendee’s and exhibitor’s giving spirit,” said Brett Kolinek, president, Helen Brett Enterprises.
He added, “We started off with the idea of doing a small part in helping an area that has supported us for so many years and we are completely inspired by the generosity of our loyal customers, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center staff, Freeman and the onsite team from Helen Brett Enterprises. Our thoughts and prayers are with those in need right now.”
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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