Shepard Expositions Buys Event Producer Aquarian
September 12, 2016
Atlanta-based Shepard Expositions, a provider of trade show general services contractor and event production services, has expanded their service offerings by acquiring Virginia-based Aquarian, a producer of corporate events and large-scale entertainment shows.
“By adding live event production to our portfolio of services, we’ll be in the position to more completely meet the needs of our clients as they look to more fully integrate all aspects of their events into a cohesive experience for their participants,” said Carl Mitchell, president of Shepard.
He added, “Aquarian brings a full complement of services, a shared dedication to client success and satisfaction, and a personal approach to their customer relationships. We believe it’s a perfect fit for our Shepard culture and will be a tremendous value-add for our clients.”
Gene Lundgren, Aquarian’s founder and president, said, “Our Aquarian team couldn’t be more excited about joining forces with Shepard. Our combined teams will design and deliver complete, turnkey experiences that will increase engagement, production value, and cost efficiencies for show organizers.”
In addition to general session and entertainment production, Aquarian’s capabilities include video production, speech writing and coaching, art direction and scenic design.
Shepard’s new live production arm will operate as Aquarian, a Shepard Company.
“Gene will continue to lead Aquarian as its president and I’m thrilled to welcome him and his experienced team of professionals into our Shepard family,” Mitchell said.
This strategic expansion of Shepard’s services signals an aggressive move to more fully serve the growing needs of their customers and the industry as a whole.
Shepard currently supports its clients with a national footprint with offices in 13 U.S. cities.
The company has experienced significant and steady growth during the past decade and plans are in place to continue this pace to better serve its customers, according to company officials.
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
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