David Loechner Resigns As President and CEO of Emerald Expositions
November 1, 2018
David Loechner has stepped down as president and CEO of Emerald Expositions and as a member of the company’s Board of Directors, effective as of the close of business on November 8.
Emerald CFO Philip Evans will serve as interim president and CEO until a permanent replacement is chosen, while Loechner will stay on with Emerald as an employee through December 31, working closely with Evans and the company’s leadership team to ensure a smooth transition.
“After more than 35 years with Emerald and its predecessor companies, this was a difficult decision to make, however, I believe that the Company is well positioned in its industry and its end markets, and this is the right time for me to retire from Emerald,” Loechner said.
He continued, “It has been an honor and privilege to lead the Company over the last eight years and to have worked with so many talented people. Together we have accomplished a great deal, and I look forward to working with Phil and team, through the end of the year, to ensure the business transitions smoothly.”
With the assistance of an executive search firm, the Board has commenced the search for a permanent successor to Loechner, according to Emerald officials.
Emerald Board Chairman Kosty Gilis credited Loechner’s strategic vision and day-to-day management with enabling Emerald to build a strong portfolio of industry-leading shows and events that have positioned the B2B events company for continued success.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank David for his leadership and numerous contributions over the past five years as we successfully built Emerald into the leading business-to-business trade show operator in the United States,” Gilis said.
He continued, “We look forward to further improvements under a new Chief Executive Officer who will lead the Company through the next phase of growth. The Board and Emerald remain committed to delivering long-term value to our shareholders through solid execution on all aspects of our operating model, including profitable organic growth and strategic M&A. Phil, together with his strong and experienced management team, will work closely with me and the Board to make this leadership transition seamless for our customers, shareholders and employees.”
With more than 30 years of experience in financial and leadership roles, Evans has served as Emerald’s CFO since 2013 and has played a critical role in leading the company through its successful initial public offering in April 2017.
Prior to joining Emerald, he served as CFO for several companies, most recently ProQuest, a provider of online information to researchers.
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
Add new comment