Massachusetts Convention Center Authority Recognized as a CIO Top 100 by CIO Magazine

June 15, 2014

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority was named a 2014 CIO Top 100 company in IDG’s CIO magazine’s 27th annual CIO 100 Awards. The CIO 100 Awards recognize 100 organizations that have distinguished themselves by creating business value through the innovative use of IT.

“For 27 years now, the CIO 100 awards have honored the innovative use of technology to deliver genuine business value,” said Maryfran Johnson, editor-in-chief of CIO magazine and events. “Our 2014 winners are an outstanding example of the transformative power of IT to drive everything from revenue growth to competitive advantage.”

The MCCA was recognized for consolidating operating procedures through the development and use of custom mobile applications, reducing the number of separate business processes required for running shows from 36 to 13.

Innovative mobile technology has made the MCCA’s sales team more effective and given all employees real-time access to the status of an event at any given time, eliminating confusion and streamlining event execution. By transferring information from paper binders to Apple iPads, MCCA staff can now address customer requests during an event more quickly and efficiently.

“Implementing mobile applications enabled the MCCA to act like a private sector business and do things faster and better than our competitors,” said the MCCA’s CIO Steve G. Snyder. “Eventually, the  idea is to let our customers browse their own historical order information through custom MCCA apps, which would accelerate the sales process tremendously.”

James E. Rooney, MCCA executive director, added, “I have always said that the MCCA has the most technologically advanced convention centers in the world. When it comes to a meeting venue’s technology, today’s event planners have high expectations, and their events place an incredible demand on our IT infrastructure.  Steve and his team have consistently exceeded the expectations of these events, and I’m thrilled that CIO magazine is recognizing their work. I know they will continue to display their leadership and innovation as we move into the future.”

MCCA is one of few government agencies selected for the CIO 100 among many international private  organizations.

Other 2014 CIO 100 Honorees include: AT&T, Cisco, EMC, General Motors, and Intel Corp. A full list of winners can be viewed online.

Executives from the winning companies will be recognized at the CIO Symposium & Awards Ceremony on Aug. 19 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Snyder is one of four honorees who have been asked to speak on a mobile strategy panel at the awards event.

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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