People News: SMG Ups McCormick’s David Causton to Regional VP and Other Companies Make New Hires

May 11, 2014

Winter is finally in the rearview mirror for most of the United States, and promoting and hiring has continued into April and May for companies in the trade show industry.

David Causton, general manager of Chicago’s McCormick Place, bas been upped by venue management company SMG to regional vice president of the company’s Convention Center Division.  Causton, who has been with the center since 2004, will maintain his role as general manager of the facility.

“The successes we have had at McCormick Place are attributable to David’s leadership.  He has simultaneously ensured we are able to meet the expectations of the Authority and our trade show partners while maintaining a strong team of more than 200 employees,” said Gregg Caren, SMG executive vice president, Convention Centers. 

He added, “This promotion recognizes the magnitude of the job he does each and every day.”

Causton’s new role will allow increased engagement with the company’s leadership team around the country and greater involvement in SMG’s Convention Center Division strategic planning initiatives on behalf of their municipal venue owners.

This includes implementation of industry innovations and best-practices, participation in business climate strategic assessments and leadership in labor relations initiatives, according to SMG officials.

Integrated marketing communication firm, Frost Miller Group, added Sarah Kennedy to their growing team as public relations and social media specialist.

As public relations and social media specialist, Kennedy will develop social media strategies and public relations plans, research new trends and work with clients to successfully manage their social media accounts. 

Together, FMG and Kennedy will focus on expanding its strategy in the public relations and digital space.

Shepard Exposition Services is growing its team and the company’s recently acquired operations in the Phoenix and Tucson markets by adding two new National Sales Managers in Phoenix - Ryan Taffe and Georgina Zizzo.

Taffe's 12 years of sales experience is complemented by his rich event management experience, having produced events like the Waste Management Phoenix Open, The Barrett Jackson Auto Auction and the NASCAR Subway Fresh Fit 500 in Phoenix.

Zizzo brings 18 years of experience from the hospitality industry working to develop long-term relationships and create innovative solutions, which helped her clients set themselves apart from their competition.

Her most recent position was with the Venetian/Palazzo in Las Vegas as National Sales Manager where she specialized in the Insurance/Financial and IT vertical markets.

The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau (AOCVCB) has named Charles Harris, former vice president of marketing for Luxe Hotels and L.E. Hotels, as senior vice president of marketing.

In the newly-created role, Harris will lead strategic destination marketing efforts for Anaheim and Orange County and oversee the marketing, communications and tourism departments. He will also manage the organization’s rebranding efforts.

“Charles has an impressive background in tourism and sports marketing,” said Jay Burress, president and CEO, AOCVCB. “His depth of knowledge in these areas is essential as we embark on some very high-level projects, including the marketing of the Anaheim Convention Center’s expansion.”

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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