IAEE Names Jonathan “Skip” Cox 2017 KLI Legend of the Industry
August 7, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) named Jonathan “Skip” Cox a the 2017 KLI Legend of the Industry.
Each year, IAEE selects a KLI "Legend of the Industry" whose contributions, innovation and leadership truly have been unique and remarkable.
“I am truly honored to be named the IAEE Legend of the Industry for 2017,” Cox said. “I have been involved with IAEE and the exhibitions industry for the span of my career, and it is humbling to have my service to the industry recognized by IAEE and its board of directors.”
Cox joined Exhibit Surveys, Inc. in 1971 as Assistant Survey Director after graduating from Wittenberg University. In 1994, Cox became president of Exhibit Surveys, Inc. (ESI), and his research responsibilities were expanded to include overall management of the company.
In January 2005, Cox became CEO and sole owner of ESI. In May 2016, ESI was acquired by Freeman, where Cox continues to manage ESI as Freeman’s senior vice president of Research & Measurement.
Cox focuses strategically on client development and serves as the visible face of ESI in the marketplace. This affords him the opportunity to translate emerging needs of the industry into relevant research and the development of new diagnostic tools.
He also is heavily involved with the direct application of research and these new tools to enhance the strategic and tactical planning of many exhibition and event organizers, corporate brand marketers, and facilities.
Cox’s involvement with industry associations is extensive. He has served as the Chairperson of the International Association for Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Board of Directors and on the board of directors of the Corporate Events Marketing Association (CEMA) and the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR).
In the past, he served on the board of Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA). Recognition from these associations includes TSEA’s Chairman’s Award, CEMA’s Pinnacle Award and IAEE’s Chairman’s Award.
Cox is a frequent contributor of articles in various trade publications and academic journals serving the marketing and events marketing fields, and he has authored numerous white papers for the industry.
As a speaker, he has been invited to present the company’s research findings to annual meetings of virtually every major organization in the U.S. related to trade shows and events marketing (IAEE, PCMA, SISO, TSEA, HCEA, CEMA, NACS, EDPA and Exhibitor Show), as well as international associations (UFI in Europe and Asia, AMPROFEC in Mexico, Fairlink in Sweden, CAEM in Canada and EEAA in Australia). He also has conducted research for various CEIR-sponsored industry studies.
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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