Apr 18, 2016
Industry Veteran Larry Luteran has been brought on my parent company Freeman to Freeman Audio Visual, as the company continues to grow its global presence.
Named chief sales officer, Luteran will be responsible for the revenue performance of Freeman Audio Visual, Freeman Audio Visual Canada and Encore Event Technologies.
During the past six years, Freeman has broadened its Audio Visual presence by expanding its AV technology division through organic growth and acquisitions around the world.
“We’re building a strong leadership team with a focus on extending the company’s reach, with expanded… more
Apr 08, 2016
The first quarter of 2016 saw a busy hiring period, with companies ranging from audio-visual to for-profit show management to convention and visitors bureaus.
Surf Expo, the largest and longest-running boardsports and beach/resort lifestyle trade show in the world, has named Rod Tomlinson as sales manager for the Surf Category of the show. He is replacing Ryan Nettleton.
Tomlinson was most recently a sales executive for Interbike, the largest bicycle trade event in North America, also owned and operated by Emerald Expositions.
“Surf Expo is excited to bring Rod Tomlinson to our sales team… more
Mar 17, 2016
Suppliers ranging from convention and visitors bureaus to electrical services to display companies either promoted from within or added onto their ranks to mark the beginning of a busy spring season.
Claude Molinari has been named by SMG the general manager of Cobo Center, effective immediately.
Since SMG assumed operations management of Cobo Center in 2010, Molinari has been the assistant general manager of Cobo under Thom Connors.
Connors will continue his corporate role with SMG, including oversight of the Cobo Center account. “This is a natural transition,” Westley said, SMG’s president… more
Mar 08, 2016
The Appointment Group (TAG), an independent travel management company, has appointed Brandon Chan as the general manager of its Singapore office.
Chan joins TAG Singapore after a long career in the hospitality, travel and events industry under a number of leadership positions, including director of sales and marketing at Design hotels for the Asia Pacific region and a stint at Rosenbluth International, a privately owned independent travel company.
In his new role, spearheading the Singapore operation, Chan will be supported by Jodie Hobday, who takes on the position of operations manager of… more
Mar 07, 2016
The Expo Group has named Randy Pekowski president of the company, of which he already serves as COO.
Founder and former President Ray Pekowski will remain CEO and chairman of the business.
The promotion is part of the strategic succession plan the company has put in place for the next generation of leadership.
“It has become clear Randy is the right person to lead The Expo Group into the next 25 years,” said Ray Pekowski.
He added, “In his role as COO, he has been leading our day-to-day operations, gaining extensive experience and showing his great passion for this business. I am looking… more
Feb 29, 2016
National Trade Productions, the San Diego Convention Center Corporation and MC2 all have named new leaders in their companies.
National Trade Productions has promoted Christopher Harar to president of NTP Events. In this role, he will oversee the Events Division, including all show management, personnel and administration.
Harar will provide leadership working strategically with the Event Services teams to ensure outstanding customer service through the management of NTP's Client Care Program.
"Chris is an exceptional executive and his insights, ideas and leadership have been a… more
Feb 23, 2016
The past month has marked a busy time, with several companies not only bringing on new employees, but also naming people into top positions.
SnowSports Industries America, the snow sports industry’s member-owned trade association, has named Nick Sargent as SIA president.
Sargent, who joined the organization in August 2015 as SIA’s incoming president, has spent the last five months working alongside exiting President David Ingemie.
“Nick holds a background in all aspects of the snow sports industry, which has proved to be extraordinarily beneficial in helping to strategize future growth,” said… more
Jan 21, 2016
The New Year signaled an even bigger uptick of hiring in January not only in companies based here in the U.S., but also some well-known ones overseas.
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s (MCCA) newly minted Executive Director David Gibbons made two key senior executive decisions by naming Fred Peterson as the new deputy director and Dennis Callahan as the general counsel for the organization.
Peterson served as the interim executive director from July 1, 2015, until Dec. 31, 2015, while also fulfilling the duties of director of facilities operations.
Callahan, similarly,… more
Jan 07, 2016
Julie Coker Graham officially stepped into her new role Jan. 1 as the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB).
She assumed the role following the retirement Dec. 31 of former President and CEO Jack Ferguson.
In June 2014, Coker Graham was promoted to executive vice president of the PHLCVB as part of a strategic succession plan that allowed her to continue leading the organization’s convention sales efforts, while expanding her responsibilities to include overseeing all of the PHLCVB’s departments and operational duties.
A 21-year Hyatt Hotel Corporation… more
Dec 09, 2015
Whoever said December was a slow month, might have been wrong when it comes to end of this year’s new hires and promotions, with several companies bringing people on before kicking off a fresh start in 2016.
Global Experience Specialists recently named Wendy Gibson as executive vice president of global marketing.
Gibson is an accomplished B-to-B marketing leader with a high-tech background and brings 25 years of managing all aspects of marketing, including branding, lead generation, product marketing, corporate marketing, digital, social and business development.
As executive vice president… 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