Mar 13, 2017
The positive overall jobs report last week seems to be reflected in the trade show industry as well, with more companies bringing on new hires and promoting from within. Core-apps hired association and events veteran Christine Davis as sales manager and promoted long-time employee Megan Pierce to director of Account Management. Davis comes to Core-apps from roles at SmithBucklin, PCMA and in association management. Pierce has been with Core-apps for five years and now will lead the account management team as second in command for that division. Core-apps CEO Jay Tokosch said both women offer… more
RD Whitney
Feb 06, 2017
The brisk hiring trend that kicked off the beginning of the year has continued, with several companies that serve the bustling trade show industry making hires. RD Whitney was appointed as executive vice president of Business Development Tarsus Americas, a division of U.K.-based Tarsus Group, with immediate effect Feb. 1. RD previously was group vice president at Diversified Communications overseeing a growing portfolio of business communities and events. Prior to Diversified, and in just 27 months as a Partner at Greenhaven Partners, RD transformed former BNA (now Bloomberg) publishing… more
Jan 31, 2017
Ed Several, formerly senior vice president and general manager of PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions, has been tapped for a new role as senior vice president, integration and commercial optimization–Reed Exhibitions Americas. In his new role and during the transition, Several will continue to assist with relationships and long-term strategy on events from his previous portfolio and will be reporting directly to Hervé Sedky, President of Reed Exhibitions Americas. “Ed Several’s sustained success over the past 12 years in elevating the value of the PGA Shows portfolio, plus multiple additional… more
Jan 23, 2017
The year continued to start off strong with several show organizer and supplier companies making new hires and promotions. Atlanta-based meeting management, convention housing and travel services leader Connections Housing kicks off its 30th year by naming Mark Sussman, vice president of Business Development.   As part of a continued growth strategy focused on further strengthening and enhancing In this newly created position, Sussman will focus on developing and growing the Connections client portfolio through his vast knowledge, tenure and connections in the industry.   A 35-year… more
Jan 10, 2017
One week after Will Secombe stepped down from the top post at Visit Florida in the midst of a controversy surrounding a $1 million promotional contract paid to musician Pitbull, Ken Lawson was named the bureau’s new President and CEO.  The announcement was made following a unanimous vote of the Visit Florida Board of Directors during a meeting Jan. 10 in Orlando.  Lawson, who currently serves as the secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), will assume his new position with Visit Florida Jan. 11. “The work VISIT FLORIDA does to promote… more
Jan 09, 2017
Instead of ending on a quiet note, last year finished up with a flurry of new hires and promotions at venues, convention bureaus and other companies. John Gonzalez, the long-time director of event and guest services at the George R. Brown Convention Center, has been promoted to the new vice president position at Houston First Corporation’s downtown convention complex. In his new role, Gonzalez will assist HFC COO Luther Villagomez in the administration of the George R. Brown and its central role in shaping the new Avenida Houston convention and entertainment district. Gonzalez will interface… more
Dec 17, 2016
Freeman Vice Chair Carrie Freeman Parsons grew up in the business, and as the third generation of Freeman leaders (her grandfather is founder Buck Freeman; her father is Chairman Don Freeman), Freeman Parsons employs forward-thinking strategies that maintain the company’s reputation as an industry innovator while staying true to its core values. Freeman Parsons has been frequently recognized by her peers and the industry at large for her outstanding contributions and achievements. She is involved with numerous organizations and nonprofits - one passion is her involvement with… more
Dec 13, 2016
More than 1,000 industry professionals will gather this spring at the 2017 Visionary Awards to honor these luminaries’ extraordinary contributions. Attendees will experience an Oscars-like evening with red carpet arrival, awards show, and after party, hosted by the PCMA Education Foundation and presented in partnership with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and Austin Convention Center. “The event last year was an incredible success.” said Chair of the Board of Trustees, Tina Wehmeir. “We are thrilled we have the opportunity to celebrate these three extraordinary individuals who have… more
Nov 07, 2016
The fall continues to be a busy time with brisk hiring at a variety of companies ranging from show management companies to convention and visitors bureaus to general service contractors. The Expo Group continues to grow and has added Dan DiPietro to the team as national sales director. DiPietro has a rich industry experience that includes a technology background and strong sales acumen. “With The Expo Group’s growth, it is important to have the right people in the right places to serve our clients and share how we can impact their trade shows and events,” said Randy Pekowski, president and… more
Nov 02, 2016
As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI serves around 50,000 employees of exhibition organizers, venues, service providers and industry associations in close to 90 countries around the world. To deliver and improve the growing roster of events, committee activities, and other industry initiatives, the association is bringing on board two new hires: Nicolette Elia-Beissel, and Jana Hofmann. Nicolette Elia-Beissel is joining UFI as program manager. She became part of the exhibition industry when she joined RAI Exhibitions and Events (now known as Thebe Reed Events &… 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