Dr. Lindsey Piegza Unveiled as 2018 CEIR Predict Keynote Speaker
April 8, 2018
Predict: CEIR’s Annual Exhibition Industry Conference will be held Sept. 13-14 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.
This one of a kind executive-level, invitation-only conference looks to the future — three to five years out – bringing meaningful insights from experts outside the industry to align with trends occurring in the industry in an interactive and engaging format.
This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Lindsey Piegza, serves as Chief Economist for Stifel Fixed Income.
She specializes in research and analysis of economic trends and activity, world economies, financial markets and fiscal policies.
CEIR CEO Cathy Breden, CMP, CAE said, “We are pleased to secure Dr. Piegza as a keynote. Her insights will be relevant to the industry, and with her background she will help to tie the ends of the string together to better understand the economics of trade shows.”
Piegza joined Stifel in 2015 amid the merger with Sterne Agee where she was Chief Economist.
Prior to her roles with Stifel and Sterne Agee, she was the Senior Economist for an investment bank for eight years in New York City.
In addition to more than 13 years of professional experience, Piegza has published academic papers in prestigious journals such as the Harvard Business Review and in textbooks from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Often quoted in the business press, Piegza is a regular guest on CNBC, Fox News, CNN and Bloomberg, as well as national radio and other business news outlets.
“Regardless of the industry sector a trade show falls into, what is occurring in the global economy impacts all shows,” said Vincent Polito, Principal of MDG & VPI - VP International, LLC, and co-chair of the 2018 Predict Conference.
He added, “I look forward to moderating a panel of industry experts and Dr. Piegza on the likely direction of our economy, and even more importantly, how the global economy might impact all of our trade shows.”
The program will give attendees:
• Brief review of the CEIR Index looking forward
• Landscape of today's economy with potential predictions of the impacts on the exhibitions industry
• Industry thought leaders will demonstrate trends impacting exhibitions
Click HERE to find out more about CEIR Predict 2018 and register to attend
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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