Apr 06, 2015
Earl C. Hargrove, founder of Hargrove, a general service contracting company, passed away at age 86.
Hargrove CEO Tim McGill and President Carla Hargrove-McGill issued the following statement:
“It is with a very heavy heart that we share the news that Earl C. Hargrove, Jr., an icon of the events industry, passed away peacefully early this morning surrounded by his family. He was 86 years old.”
A very proud Marine Corps veteran, he began his career as a window dresser for stores in Washington, DC at the end of World War II. He was an industry pioneer, able to foresee a future… more
Feb 17, 2015
Supplier and show organizers alike promoted from within and brought on new personnel for a variety of positions across the trade show industry in the past month.
Reed Exhibitions appointed Nick Pilbeam to the position of divisional director – Travel.
Pilbeam will oversee the travel division under Reed Travel Exhibitions, which includes the International Luxury Travel Market portfolio, World Travel Market portfolio and the newly branded ibtm events portfolio of global and regional events providing business solutions on five continents.
They include ibtm world, ibtm arabia, ibtm… more
Feb 12, 2015
This month on Interview with a Trade Show Exec, part of an ongoing TSNN series conducted by Traci Browne, we’ll be getting to know a bit more about another one of our industry’s rock stars. While it may not have the Gothic setting of an Anne Rice novel, I think these main characters are just as complicated and deep as were Lestat de Lioncourt and Louis de Pointe du Lac, but without all that brooding undead thing going on.
Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr.
Vice Chairman, president & COO AMC Inc.
AmericasMart shows and markets and LIGHTFAIR
29 years in the trade show industry
Traci Browne: Where… more
Jan 09, 2015
Going into the end of last year and starting 2015, companies have continued to add to their ranks by adding board members, promoting from within or hiring a veteran in the field.
Lew Shomer, chairman of 5NET4 and ABILITIES EXPO, said that Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Apprise Media, will join the Board of Directors of 5NET4.
McCurdy’s role will be to help Abilities Expo extend their brand through spin-offs, additional launches and acquisitions.
David Korse, president and CEO of 5NET4, said, "As 5NET4 continues to make an impact on the disability community and, through its Abilities Expo, has an… more
Dec 20, 2014
The holidays brought good cheer for companies looking to hire or promote from within throughout the end of 2014.
The International Association Exhibitions and Events appointed Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP as the organization's executive vice president. In this role, she will oversee additional strategic planning and operational responsibilities.
"Cathy has been an integral member of the IAEE team for many years and has worked tirelessly to promote IAEE's strategic plan and initiatives," said David DuBois, president and CEO of IAEE. "She has earned respect and appreciation from our staff,… more
Dec 04, 2014
Steve Moster, president of Global Experience Specialists, also has been named president and CEO of its parent company, Viad, effective immediately.
In addition, Moster has become a member of the board and replaces Paul Dykstra, who resigned as chairman, president and CEO of Viad.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Viad at this important time,” Moster said.
He added, “Viad has a long history of innovation and customer service, and all Viad companies share a common goal – to create high-quality memorable experiences. I’m also happy to continue executing GES’ vision of serving our… more
Dec 03, 2014
As part of an ongoing series, TSNN Reporter Traci Browne has been profiling trade show executives and asking them probing questions like if time travel were possible, where would you go and why? For this interview we’re lucky enough to chat with Denise Capello with Amsterdam RAI. I met Denise a few years ago at SISO and not only is she brilliant, but she’s also fun to hang out with.
Denise Capello
Business Acquisition Manager
Amsterdam RAI
Years in the industry: 12
Traci Browne: Where did you grow up? What was your adolescent experience like?
Denise Capello: I grew up in Curacao, a… more
Nov 12, 2014
Autumn brought a busy time with companies adding sales, marketing, operations and executive positions to their employee rosters.
Shepard Exposition Services added of two new national sales managers to help support its expanding business in the Orlando and Las Vegas markets. Alex Shelton will be based in Shepard’s Las Vegas branch and Tony Diehl in their Orlando branch.
Richard Maples, Shepard’s executive vice president of sales, said, “As we continue to grow our business, it’s critical that we maintain our focus on providing the best customer service, experience and success in the industry.… more
Oct 14, 2014
Margaret Edgell Core has been tapped as vice president of industry events by the Food Marketing Institute to oversee its annual event – FMI Connect, The Global Food Retail Experience.
“Margaret brings the experience, enthusiasm and inspirational leadership we need to help FMI achieve the vision we have for ensuring our premier events become game-changing experiences for the food retail industry.” said FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin. “FMI members, staff and leadership look forward to Margaret’s guidance as together we help FMI Connect reach its potential as the pivotal industry… more
Sep 07, 2014
This month on Interview With A Trade Show Exec we’ll be getting to know a bit more about another one of our industry’s rock stars – 32-year veteran Robbi Lycett, senior vice president, Conventions & Conferences, Biotechnology Industry Organization, which owns and runs the BIO International Convention.
While it may not have the Gothic setting of an Anne Rice novel, I think these main characters are just as complicated and deep as Lestat de Lioncourt and Louis de Pointe du Lac, but without all that brooding undead thing going on.
Where did you grow up? What was your adolescent experience… 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