Cleveland Med Mart Names Craig Thompson Head of Convention Sales
January 23, 2012
Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.'s Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center has named Craig Thompson convention sales director for the venue that is on track to open in fall 2013.
Thompson has more than 15 years of local and regional tradeshow industry experience and will be responsible for recruiting nonmedical trade shows and conventions to Cleveland MMCC, including initiating, developing and maintaining relationships with industry tenants, prospects and associations.
Thompson will work closely with Anthony Prusak, Cleveland MMCC director of convention sales, who will continue to coordinate recruitment of healthcare industry trade shows and conventions, and under the direction of Brian Casey, vice president and general manager.
"Craig Thompson brings more than 15 years of convention center and trade show industry sales and special events experience," Casey said.
He added, "During his successful tenure at the I-X Center, Craig has also proven to be successful in selling Cleveland as a tradeshow and convention destination. His sales experience, coupled with his enthusiasm for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, will be valuable assets for our team as we continue to expand our sales efforts nearing the fall 2013 opening date."
Thompson joined the Cleveland Med Mart after he previously worked as national sales manager at the International Exposition (I-X) Center in Cleveland for the past eight years.
At the I-X Center, Thompson was a member of multiple show production teams and focused his sales efforts on trade shows and corporate events, including recruiting trade shows, negotiating contracts, generating proposals and working closely with the Cleveland Airport Hotel Group.
Prior to joining the I-X Center, Thompson served as associate director of special events at the Cleveland Museum of Art and director of events at SeaGate Convention Centre in Toledo.
"Within the trades how and convention industry, Cleveland MMCC is already on the radar as a future destination location, and I am delighted to join the team and expand our sales opportunities as we gear up for the opening of the facility," Thompson said.
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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