Aug 27, 2014
Reed Exhibitions North America has continued to grow its business into the U.S. and Mexico and leading that charge has been Nancy Walsh, executive vice president for North American Tradeshows
Effective immediately, Walsh, who has been with Reed for 29 years, was promoted to president, Reed Exhibitions North America.
“Nancy is uniquely prepared and qualified to lead the North American business,” said Chet Burchett, President, Americas, for Reed Exhibitions. “Her commitment has been unwavering and her contributions to our customers and our business have… more
Aug 22, 2014
There really wasn’t a slowdown in hiring this summer; in fact, August saw plenty of new hires for suppliers and trade show organizers.
Cygnus Business Media appointed Brian Cassell as group show manager for Firehouse events. Brian will be responsible for the overall performance of Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, Md, and Firehouse World, in San Diego.
Cassell is a 20-year fire service veteran, serving on the marketing team for fire apparatus manufacturer KME for 10 years and as a volunteer firefighter with the Tamaqua, Penn., Fire Department.
In addition to his experience both as a manufacturer… more
Jul 02, 2014
June marked a month filled with people news that included long-time industry veterans announcing they were retiring, other trade show professionals being promoted and new hires into some companies.
Tom Mobley, who has served as Global Spectrum senior vice president of Convention Centers since January of 2006, has retired, effective June 30.
Before joining Global Spectrum, Mobley served as general manager and CEO of the Washington Convention Center Authority in Washington, D.C.
He also spent 11 years as general manager of the largest convention center in the U.S., the McCormick… more
Jun 23, 2014
PMMI Director of Expositions A.J. Janosko, who was 45, passed away suddenly as the result of an accident over the weekend.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce the sudden passing of A.J. Janosko, director of expositions for PMMI, who passed away yesterday as a result of an accident over the weekend,” said Chuck Yuska, president and CEO, PMMI.
Yuska added that Janosko joined PMMI in August 2012 to fill a newly created position, handling much of the day-to-day show management.
Janosko worked on a portfolio of shows that included PACK EXPO Las Vegas, which drew more than 23,000… more
Jun 22, 2014
Trade Show News Network will celebrate Karen Malone, vice president of meeting services for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, as the TSNN Industry Icon Award honoree at the 5th annual TSNN Awards Nov. 14-16 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Malone has more than 30 years of meetings industry experience and has been with HIMSS since 1997.
She oversees a staff of 18 in logistics, exhibits and sales activities, including oversight for the planning of HIMSS Annual Conference & Exhibition, a $34 million event that is No. 34 on the 2013 TSNN Top 250 trade show list. … more
Jun 17, 2014
After stepping down from the top post at the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau earlier this year, Jim Wood has been tapped to run newly formed Meet AC, a private non-profit sales organization with a sole focus on building the convention, meeting and group market for Atlantic City.
Wood will begin his new role June 30.
“The entire board was very impressed with Jim’s highly successful track record of accomplishments,” said Jeff Albrecht, Meet AC board chairperson and general manager, Sheraton, Atlantic City.
He added, “Everyone we spoke to about Jim reiterated… more
Jun 11, 2014
For the past 10 years, George Jage, founder and director of World Tea Expo, has been busy building up the show, as well as launching Healthy Beverage Expo and growing them both into successful events.
World Tea Expo was such a success, that for several years it was named by now-defunct Tradeshow Week magazine one of the fastest-growing shows in the U.S.
But now, Jage has decided to switch tea for another natural product by taking the lead at CannaBusiness Media, a division of Anne Holland Ventures, Inc., headquartered in Pawtucket, R.I., is a publishing and event company serving the medical… more
Jun 10, 2014
With the colder winter days firmly in the rearview mirror and the summer months ahead, companies have kept up a brisk hiring pace into the sunnier, longer days of the season.
Atlanta-based Nth Degree has named Brad Langley as president of its Events division. In this key senior leadership role, Langley will be charged with providing overall strategic direction to and overseeing growth and client service for the company’s Events business.
Langley, a seasoned professional in the global meetings and events industry, has more than 20 years in executive-level leadership roles at Creative… more
May 12, 2014
With 23 years of hospitality and tourism experience under his belt, Ronnie Burt has been tapped as the new president and CEO of the Kansas City (Mo.) Convention & Visitors Association.
Burt’s most recent position was vice president of sales and marketing for Destination DC, the bureau for the Washington, D.C., market.
"The search committee was pleased that an extensive search for a new president and CEO yielded numerous qualified candidates,” said Brenda Tinnen, KCCVA Chair and general manager and senior vice president of AEG/Sprint Center.
She added, “Ronnie’… more
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… 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