Trade Shows/Events Postpone as Hurricane Irma Upgraded to Category 5
September 5, 2017
Just more than a week after Hurricane Harvey wreaked devastation on the Texas Coast, Hurricane Irma now is hurtling toward a possible strike in Florida, prompting organizers to start postponing events or ending them earlier than scheduled.
With the state of Florida declaring a state of emergency in 67 counties, the opening of the Miami International Auto Show, originally scheduled to open Sept. 9 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, has been postponed.
“Our priorities are to provide any assistance that helps our community better prepare for this hurricane,” said Richard Baker, president of the South Florida Dealers Association, promoters of the annual Auto Show.
He added, “We hope to be able to open the Auto Show sometime next week depending on the movement of the storm, but will continue to work with officials at the City of Miami Beach on just when an opening will be possible.”
The South Florida Automobile Dealers Association, which comprise more than 190 dealerships in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties, presents the Miami International Auto Show, which debuted in 1971.
At Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, several events are on tap this week, including Emerald Expositions’ Surf Expo, which will be closing Sept. 8, instead of Sept. 9.
“With your best interest in mind, the Surf Expo leadership has been working continuously with the Orange County Convention Center management and with local authorities,” said show officials on the show's web site. “Every conversation we have and each decision we make starts and ends with our unwavering commitment to our exhibitors, partners and attendees. We believe this to best course of action.”
Another event at the venue, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, postponed its run from Sept. 10-12 to Oct. 11-13.
“Due to the expected impact of Hurricane Irma on the homes, businesses and families of our show visitors in the state of Florida, Urban Expositions and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association have decided to postpone this year’s Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show until October,” said Urban Expositions officials, which runs the show.
They added, “First and foremost, the safety of our customers comes first. We want you to be able to prepare for the possible storm path within Florida and the surrounding states, and keep your family and business as first priorities.”
As of now, according to the show’s Facebook page and web site, Emerald’s Imprinted Sportswear Show will be held Sept. 7-9 at the OCCC as scheduled.
Check HERE for more updates on how Hurricane Irma might impact operations at the Orlando/Orange County Convention Center.
The APA Florida Executive Committee had its event, Florida APA Annual Conference 2017, began yesterday at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Fla., and it is scheduled to run through Sept. 8.
With Hurricane Irma possibly making landfall in the U.S. this weekend, event organizers there already also have made preparations.
“We do recognize that some of you may need to leave the conference early,” said APA Florida Executive Committee members. “We have discussed this issue with the Hilton staff and they are waiving their cancellation penalties."
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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