Industry Veteran Julie Coker Graham to Co-Chair Meetings Mean Business Coalition
October 17, 2017
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition has appointed Julie Coker Graham, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, as its next co-chair.
Coker Graham will join Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International, in leading the coalition and promoting the value of face-to-face meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions.
“We are very excited to have Julie be the first CEO of a convention and visitors bureau to co-chair MMBC,” Van Deventer said.
He added, “Her insights, experience and passion for our industry will be invaluable assets to the coalition, as we expand our reach among frontline industry professionals and destination leaders.”
Coker Graham is the first woman to lead the PHLCVB and the only African American woman to lead a destination marketing organization in a top U.S. market.
Under her direction, MMBC will continue to advocate the industry’s value story among a diverse group of stakeholders, including meeting professionals, business leaders and elected officials.
The coalition also will continue to reinforce the economic impact of face-to-face meetings in cities such as Philadelphia, where in 2016, meetings and conventions booked by the PHLCVB generated an estimated $989 million in economic impact.
“I am looking forward to serving alongside Paul Van Deventer and the entire MMBC team as we advocate for the meetings and convention industry,” Coker Graham said.
She added, “You cannot deny the value of face-to-face meetings – they are the foundation for generating positive results across all industries while also creating economic benefits for local communities across the country.”
Coker Graham will assume the leadership position previously held by Richard Harper, executive vice president at HelmsBriscoe.
Harper has co-led MMBC since 2016 and has been an ardent supporter of the coalition since its inception. Under his leadership, MMBC has highlighted the role of face-to-face in an election year through its Worth Meeting About campaign; illustrated the stories of third party validators and C-suite executives through its Business Leader video series; rallied the industry for the second annual Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID); and expanded engagement with grassroots industry professionals through the MMBC Ambassador network. With his guidance and support, MMBC has grown to house more than 60 members and continues to shape discussions around some of the meetings and events industry’s most critical issues.
“I want to thank Richard for his passion and dedication to MMBC since its inception. His contributions over the last two years as co-chair have helped grow the coalition’s reach and impact,” Van Deventer said.
Coker Graham will begin her term on Jan. 1. As president and CEO of the PHLCVB, she will continue to oversee all of the organization’s departments and operational duties. Prior to her current role, Coker Graham served as the senior vice president of convention sales at the PHLCVB and managed a staff of 25 sales and services professionals responsible for selling the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Philadelphia’s hotel package to customers across the country.
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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