Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Stellar Speaker Line Up
February 19, 2016
The 15th anniversary of the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum will feature a bevy of high-profile speakers when the one-day conference is held June 1 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C.
“The ECEF 2016 program has confirmed the participation of 11 ‘A-list’ executive presenters and panelists” said Sam Lippman, president, Lippman Connect.
He added, “Because ECEF is renowned for its C-level program, I am keenly aware that expectations for the 15th Anniversary are extraordinarily high. To meet the challenge, the 2016 agenda takes an unblinking look at the looming threats and opportunities organizers need to conquer.”
ECEF attendance is limited to 200 CEOs, executive directors, presidents, and vice presidents from associations and for-profit organizers.
The event will kick off with an opening keynote by Karen Chupka, senior vice president, CES & Corporate Business Strategy Exhibitions and Events, CTA/CES, who will share the wisdom that has taken CES to the top.
A panel discussion, “Our Exhibitors Speak”, will have Randal Acker, president at EXHIBITOR Media Group and Diane Benson, Americas exhibits leader, GE Healthcare; Dominique Cook, trade show manager, Marvin Windows and Doors; and Dana L. Tilghman, senior trade show and events planner, Minitab, who will discuss what is working and what needs to change to maximize their ROI from events.
Lippman will discuss “Attendee Acquisition”, utilizing research from Exhibit Surveys and best practices from Lippman Connect’s Attendee Acquisition Roundtables on how to find, attract and retain quality attendees.
Another all-star panel discussion, “Agenda 2018: New Event Realities”, will be led by Galen Poss, Vice Chairman, dmg events, and he will invite Charles McCurdy, chairman and CEO, Informa Global Exhibitions; David Loechner, CEO, Emerald Expositions; and Deborah Sexton, president and CEO, PCMA, to share their vision of how the events business will have changed by new technologies, new competitors and the pressure to experiment and innovate.
The day will wrap up with the closing keynote, “From Mini to Mega: Growing and Protecting Your Brand” given by Frank Supovitz, president and chief experience officer, Fast Traffic Events & Entertainment, who will demonstrate that no matter your event’s age or size, protecting your brand takes more than meticulous planning and flawless execution.
The session will focus on understanding an event’s potential, leveraging opportunities for growth and being prepared to respond to threats and challenges.
Excepting one session reserved for late-breaking developments, complete information on the all the sessions is HERE.
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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