Mar 06, 2023
Oftentimes, the careers we imagine for ourselves as children aren’t necessarily what we end up pursuing as adults. Ask Phil Evans about his path into the culinary arts and he’ll tell you a similar story. “My parents were the driving force for me to get into the culinary industry,” Evans explains. “I actually wanted to be a schoolteacher, but I grew up in the kitchen cooking with my grandmother and then my mother, so it came to me naturally. I inevitably fell in love with cooking.”  Now, as executive chef at Sodexo Live!, Evans boasts an extensive background in fine dining, catering and… more
Mar 01, 2023
Pre-teen girls certainly have a lot of things on their minds but hatching a business—let alone brainstorming best marketing practices for its success—ordinarily aren’t some of them. Cathy Schlosberg, however, was an extraordinary girl, and those were the exact thoughts swirling through her 12-year-old brain when she and her brother came up with the idea to launch a catering business servicing events for their parents and parents’ friends. “That’s where my career in marketing and hospitality began,” Schlosberg said of the catering operation in her hometown of Framingham, Mass. “We called… more
Feb 24, 2023
Taking place each February, Black History Month is an ideal time to honor and celebrate the achievements of Black people in the events industry and beyond and renew our commitment to continue fostering diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). TSNN checked in with six industry leaders to find out how their organizations support the Black community and get their advice on championing DEI. Desirée Knight, Senior Director, Meetings and Events, American Psychological Association; 2023 Chair of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)   What tips would you share with fellow event… more
Feb 20, 2023
Following an incredibly challenging period of unprecedented, pandemic-inflicted hardships, the hotel industry is making promising strides toward recovery. According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2023 State of the Hotel Industry Report, this resilient industry is projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels of demand, nominal room revenue and state and local tax revenue this year, while moving closer to other key 2019 performance metrics. However, with economic concerns such as inflation and borrowing costs, and operational challenges such as staffing shortages rising to the… more
Feb 14, 2023
The trade show industry appears to be demonstrating a positive outlook for the year ahead as event-related organizations across the U.S. announce a slew of new hires and an array of promotions at the executive level. Check them out! Freeman   Global events leader Freeman recently promoted 25-year team member Chris Schimek to COO, event and exhibit operations, responsible for all event and exhibit operations across North America.  In his new role, Schimek will provide leadership and strategic direction for regional warehouse operations and local event logistics at venues, graphics… more
Feb 01, 2023
Peter Nathan, founder of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and international trade show trailblazer, passed away on Jan. 28 at 89. He spent nearly 60 years working in the exhibitions, conferences and events industry and left an indelible mark in the lives of event professionals and the industry at large along the way.   After graduating from University of Connecticut, Nathan served in the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of captain. After leaving the military, he joined Clapp & Poliak and is credited for organizing the first U.S. events in the former Soviet Union and… more
Jan 31, 2023
It’s that time of year again when we in the business world focus on setting new goals and intentions to set ourselves up for a successful year ahead. The same goes for exhibiting companies, many of which may be seeking to kick off 2023 with a fresh brand identity to amplify their presence on the trade show floor. But what if you’re one of those companies that can’t afford a complete rebrand just yet? Consider a brand refresh instead, suggests Wendy Gibson, chief marketing officer for Skyline Exhibits, a trade show exhibit builder known for creating award-winning trade show experiences… more
Jan 30, 2023
The trade show industry is moving full steam ahead into the new year with strong hiring and promoting momentum that appears to defy national concerns of a looming economic recession. Here’s all the latest people news you need to know!  Smithbucklin   Association management company Smithbucklin has launched a new network-based organizational structure and leadership role designed to serve the dynamic and emerging needs of the association marketplace. As part of the structure, Jim McNeil has been appointed president of the company’s association management business, responsible for advancing… more
Jan 16, 2023
A leading hospitality partner and a top exhibition industry organization announced some major leadership changes recently. Sodexo Live! Sodexo Live! tapped proven international business leader Belinda Oakley as its new CEO, North America. Bringing two decades of foodservice management experience to her new role, Oakley is responsible for leading more than 20,000 team members at more than 150 partner venues throughout the U.S. and Canada.   Oakley replaces outgoing CEO Steve Pangburn, who will stay on with the company to help with the transition in an advisory capacity through the end of… more
Jan 12, 2023
Long-time trade show industry veteran Martin C. ("Skip") Farber passed away Jan. 4 in Los Angeles. Farber worked for many years in both the business-to-business events and media worlds. Starting his career with Security World in 1974, he held leadership positions at Cahners Publishing, Reed Exhibitions, Reed Publishing USA, and Advanstar. The capstone of his career was his acquisition in 2006 of the World Shoe Association, a business he ultimately sold to a portfolio company of private equity firm Forstmann Little & Co. Following that transaction, Skip co-founded Carlin Capital… more
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