Patrick Martell to Take the Helm of Informa Markets Next Year
July 19, 2022
Leading B2B exhibitions and market access business, Informa Markets, has appointed a new CEO. Effective Jan. 1, 2023, Patrick Martell, current CEO of Informa Intelligence and COO of Informa Group, will take the reigns as the company’s chief executive while continuing his role as Group COO. He will replace current CEO Charlie McCurdy, who joined Informa in 2015 and will move into a new role as strategic advisor to Informa Group in 2023.
Since joining Informa in 2014, Martell has acquired significant knowledge of the business, including a heavy involvement in the integration of Penton Information Services in 2016. He also has gained deep experience in successfully embedding effective data discipline and investing in digital product development from his time leading Informa Intelligence.
Martell’s digital and data experience, paired with extensive exhibitions industry experience across the Informa Markets leadership team, will help build on that momentum, thus driving greater value for the communities and customers the organization serves, according to Informa Markets officials.
“I am greatly looking forward to the opportunity to lead Informa Markets from 2023,” Martell said. “Informa Markets has a leadership team with unparalleled experience in their markets. The business is nearly back to full strength on in-person events and rapidly expanding what it offers customers in terms of technology, data services and digital marketplaces.”
He added, “I’m looking forward to making the most of all of these opportunities and continuing to deliver exceptional value for the customers and communities Informa Markets serves.”
A renowned leader in the exhibitions industry who spent 35 years leading B2B events and media businesses, including the last seven as Informa Markets CEO, McCurdy has overseen the company through its acquisition of Penton Information Services, the YPI boat show business and the landmark UBM acquisition. He also led the exhibition business through the pandemic, helping to identify new digital solutions and emerging data opportunities while building the company back to strength throughout 2021 and into 2022.
McCurdy will remain CEO through the rest of 2022 before beginning his new role in January as the company’s strategic advisor. In this role, he will continue to support Informa Markets’ digital and data services development, as well as providing broader input and support on key partnership relationships and future growth opportunities through the period of Informa’s 2021-2024 Growth Acceleration Plan II.
“When I joined Informa Markets seven years ago, I had confidence that we could transform the business from a great regional exhibitions business to a world-leading one," McCurdy said. “I truly believe that we have done that and more, transforming from a world-leading exhibitions business to a true global market-access provider. We are delivering greater value for our customers on and off the show floor, and the business is in a fantastic position, with so much opportunity on the horizon.”
MCCurdy added that his time leading the Informa Markets business has been second-to-none, but he is ready to try a new approach.
"I'm really pleased that I am able to do that here at Informa, continuing to work with the amazing teams and talent that make up this community and engaged in the projects and opportunities that will continue to make this a best-in-class business," he said. "I am also truly pleased that I am handing the CEO role over to Patrick Martell, another member of the Informa community and one of its most experienced and effective leaders.”
McCurdy added that Informa Markets has witnessed a healthy return to in-person events through the first half of 2022, a trend it expects to continue. With that in mind, the business will be reinforcing its commitment to geographic and market expansion by deepening its partnerships with BolognaFiere Group in the beauty and personal care market, and further expanding into the Middle East—a key growth region for the business.
Additionally, as it continues to develop more efficient and effective ways for communities to connect on and off the show floor, Informa Markets has been investing in building out its product team and hiring new transformation leadership, including Chief Transformation Officer Trevor Attridge, who joined the company in May.
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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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