Brian Casey Will Step Down as President of CEIR; Organization Announces Overall Strategic Realignment

December 6, 2016
Rachel Wimberly
After a series of strategic planning meetings over a two-year period, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research Board of Directors is realigning its resources to focus more clearly on the mission of the organization: producing industry-leading research on the exhibitions and events industry. As a result, CEIR will not only work more closely with International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ to produce forward-looking research in collaboration with the CEIR Research Committee, but also CEIR President Brian Casey will be stepping down in January. “I am honored to have led CEIR for the last three years,” said Brian Casey, CEM. “Over that period we have updated the CEIR Census, which is the basis for the CEIR Index and responded to many press calls from trade and business media requesting data. CEIR has been able to provide data to destination marketing organizations and convention centers to justify new builds and expansions. We launched a new website with a new look and better functionality, including adding an Event Performance Analyzer and an Economic Impact Calculator tool." He added, "A new blog has also recently launched with industry thought leaders contributing their insights on where the industry is headed. Perhaps my proudest accomplishment is producing three very successful CEIR Predict Conferences, with the 2016 event holding the largest attendance, the proceeds of which help to fund research. Working with CEIR has been a very good run for me.” CEIRF Chairperson of the Board of Directors Aaron Bludworth, CEO of Fern said, “Brian’s background in the exhibitions and events industry and his fresh approach have brought CEIRF’s research to a higher level. We will miss him in this role and we wish the best for him.” The intention of this overall organizational shift, according to CEIR officials, “is to simplify governance, fundraising and administrative responsibilities.” Also with IAEE, CEIR plans to grow existing relationships with related industry organizations and continue producing CEIR Predict, the industry’s annual outlook conference. CEIRF will remain a nonprofit 501(c)3 foundation with the Chairperson-Elect of IAEE serving as the Chairperson of the CEIR Foundation Board of Directors. CEIR’s Research Director Nancy Drapeau will remain in the position and she will continue to work with the CEIR Research Committee to identify research needs and conduct research. A 2017 calendar of research has been developed with the first study being released in Q1 2017. IAEE Executive Vice President and COO Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP will add the title of CEO of the CEIR Foundation and she will be responsible for driving CEIR’s future strategy. Breden has worked with CEIR since 2006 and has been with IAEE since 1995. A CEIR Project Manager will be hired to work with Breden, Drapeau and other staff. IAEE Chairperson Julie Smith, CEM, CTA said, “We are honored to have been entrusted with the CEIR Foundation and we are committed to continuing the excellent work and valuable research CEIR produces. We have the perfect person to assume the CEO role of the foundation. The IAEE Board of Directors, IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, Cathy and I are all confident that this realignment will only enhance the mission of CEIR into the future.”

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NO WISH IS TOO BIG AT THE ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
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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