Louisville Tourism, PMMI Foundation, Centerplate and IAEE Give Back This Fall

October 5, 2020

It goes without saying that the events industry could use more positive news right now. Here’s what several DMOs, venues and organizations are doing to help those who need it most during this challenging time.

Louisville Tourism Sells Face Masks to Benefit COVID Relief Charities

For the past few months, Louisville Tourism has sold Louisville-branded face masks and donated a portion of the proceeds to local COVID relief programs: One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund and the Fund for the Arts’ Black Artists Fund 

Available for $10 each, the masks come in three styles: two with the city’s popular slogan, “Just Add Bourbon,” and a third bearing a small Fleur De Lis, the city’s emblem. The DMO has so far sold just under 700 masks, resulting in more than $4,000 in donations split between the two charities.  

“Louisville Tourism has created a fun way to adhere to the CDC and the Governor’s health guidelines while showcasing Bourbon City’s soul and authenticity,” said Karen Williams, president and CEO of Louisville Tourism. 

The initiative will continue until mask-wearing is no longer a health and safety necessity, she added. The masks are available for purchase online or in-person from the Louisville Visitor Information Center, located at 301 S. 4th St.

PMMI Foundation Awards $75K in Student Scholarships  

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has awarded 15 students $5,000 scholarships from the PMMI Member Family Scholarship. Created to support immediate family members of member company employees who are pursuing packaging and processing as a profession, the annual scholarship program is funded by the PMMI Foundation. 

To qualify, students are required to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have career plans in packaging and processing machinery manufacturing and be an employee or immediate family member of a member company in good standing with PMMI. 

Since 1998, the Foundation has awarded more than $200,000 in annual scholarships, according to PMMI officials. 

“Member Family Scholarships underscore PMMI’s commitment to our members and the future of the packaging and processing industry, paving the way for the next generation,” said Jim Pittas, PMMI president and CEO.

Centerplate at San Diego Convention Center Serves 615,000 Meals

Centerplate

Since pivoting from hosting live events to temporarily housing more than 1,300 homeless individuals from local shelters last April, the San Diego Convention Center and its Centerplate team have made sure its residents are safe and fed. The nearly six-month-long effort in partnership with the San Diego region and its Operation Shelter to Home initiative has resulted in a recent milestone of 615,000 meals that the culinary team has prepared so far for the SDCC’s hungry residents. 

Not only has this initiative allowed 69 Centerplate employees to keep working (in four independent teams working in two separate kitchens as a COVID-19 infection preventative measure), it’s also enabled the food and beverage provider to support the local economy by working closely with local food vendors.

While the culinary team’s daily meal volume has been dropping as more residents find permanent housing, the experience has been an unforgettable and humbling one for all involved, said Centerplate Executive Chef Daryl O’Donnell.

“My team and I [have been] grateful just to be working but happy and excited for the service we’ve been able to provide for our community” O’Donnell said. “For me, being able to recognize someone’s current state of mind and offer support or some comic relief is how I try to keep morale up and productivity going.” 

IAEE Announces 2020 Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund Grant Recipients

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events recently announced the 2020 recipients of the Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund Grant. Created in memory of beloved 51-year exhibition industry veteran and mentor Bob Dallmeyer, the fund was created to support exhibitions and events industry education and professional development.  

“Each year, IAEE awards grant funding to industry members who stand out because of their passion and commitment to enhancing their professional skills,” explained said President and CEO David DuBois. “This year, we are proud to recognize and reward these individuals for their ongoing pursuit of excellence in our industry.”

The 2020 grant recipients include Shannon Binger, senior manager of meeting services with American Thoracic Society; Dana Jasat, manager of exhibit sales with International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions; and Farirai Nandipa Muregi, owner of Zimbabwe-based Farirai Nandipa Events. 

  

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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