2012 Begins With Flurry of Association Staff Changes
February 27, 2012
This year has been a busy one so far for association staffing and executive-level changes, with several appointments being announced.
National Association of Convenience Stores appointed Molly Hoyt its meetings coordinator. Prior to joining NACS, Hoyt worked at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, where she served as a meetings concierge and eventually assistant banquet manager, supervising all banquet functions at the hotel.
Destination Marketing Association International has named Cindy Kong, CMP, as its director of meetings effective Feb. 22. Kong has more than 20 years of professional meeting management experience.
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions hired Stephanie Robert to begin in February as vice president, membership and marketing services.
Prior to joining IAAPA in 2012, Robert served as the director of marketing and communications for the National Association of Convenience Stores, a trade association serving the convenience retail industry.
The National Restaurant Association named Liz Garner to the policy and government affairs team as director of commerce and entrepreneurship.
In this position, she will help advance the association’s tax and profitability priorities, working with member companies, policymakers, and other stakeholders as an advocate for the restaurant industry, the nation’s second-largest private sector employer, with nearly 13 million workers nationwide.
Garner previously served as director of government relations for the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) representing the supermarket industry.
Meeting Professionals International appointed its new COO, Cynthia D’Aoust, after a comprehensive search.
D’Aoust will report directly to the organization’s president and CEO, Bruce MacMillan, and will lead operational deployment of MPI 3.0, MPI’s strategic business plan, through key business units of the organization.
D’Aoust brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to MPI. She has held key positions in business development, project and operations management and business intelligence with Maxvantage (the strategic alliance between Maritz Travel Company and American Express) and with the Maritz Travel Company – Meetings, Events and Incentives Division.
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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