Cleveland’s I-X Center Opens Doors to Outside Contractors for Trade Shows
February 3, 2018
For the past 30 years, the 9th largest convention center in the United States hasn’t permitted outside contractors, until now.
Cleveland, Ohio’s 2.2 million square foot I-X Center now will allow trade shows to utilize outside decorating providers specializing in exhibitor services and experience.
Since 1985, the I-X Center exclusively has provided on-site services, which covered all facets of decorator services for trade shows and large corporate events.
The new policy, effective immediately, provides new opportunities for the convention center and planners worldwide.
“After conversations with potential tradeshow partners and outside contractors, we felt this change in philosophy makes sense not only for our business, but also to allow clients to maintain existing relationships with their current service provider,” said Lisa Vo, I-X Center’s executive vice president.
She added, “Our goal is to offer an option in Cleveland to trade shows that previously wouldn’t consider the city.”
With this change in philosophy, the I-X Center still maintains its long-time reputation of outstanding customer service along with the ease and flexibility of a top 10 convention center.
Conveniently located adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the I-X Center offers 1 million square feet of exhibition and conference space, which includes 845,000 contiguous square feet on one level.
Surrounding the building are 30 truck doors, plus seven over-size drive-in doors for added convenience and 55’ to 77’ ceilings for easy move-in of oversized equipment.
“It is exciting to learn that the I-X Center will now be an open building,” said Richard L. Maples, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Shepard.
He added, “This philosophical change now gives exposition organizers another great option in the Midwest especially with the size of the I-X Center. We look forward to developing a great partnership with them in the near future.”
The I-X Center has hosted more than 1,500 events attracting 50 million visitors during the last 30+ years, including the Cleveland Auto Show, The Great Big Home and Garden Show and Ceramics Expo.
The convention center also self-produces five Signature Events annually including: I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama, I-X Christmas Connection, I-X Trick or Treat Street, I-X Indoor Amusement Park and I-X Get Fit, which provides them a unique decorating insight into making a show successful.
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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