Galen Poss Joins Drake Star Partners to Serve the Association Sector
October 13, 2016
Drake Star Partners, an international investment bank focusing on the technology, media and communications sectors has brought on industry veteran Galen Poss as Senior Advisor.
Poss will focus specifically on the not-for-profit association-owned trades how market and will work closely with Kathleen Thomas, managing partner at Drake Star Partners.
“The association sector comprises more than 60 percent of the U.S trade show market, and an ever increasing number of association executives are exploring options relative to selling or partnering with for-profit organizers,” Thomas said.
She added, “I am delighted to be working with Galen, one of the most respected operators in the tradeshow sector, in serving a community that we believe is underserved. Galen has worked with many associations in his career guiding them and effecting outcomes that have benefitted their constituency greatly. I look forward to providing the platform, team and technical expertise to enable us both to serve this important community more broadly.”
Galen A. Poss, CEM, is vice chairman for dmg events, which owns and operates events globally in the construction and oil/gas sectors.
“In many cases, an association’s annual convention and trade show are not part of the organization’s core mission but are vitally important to funding its initiatives,” Poss said.
He added, “This provides a unique opportunity for the not for profit sector and for-profit organizers to work together in a mutually beneficial relationship. I look forward to working with the team at Drake Star Partners to facilitate these relationships and to serve both portions of the marketplace.”
Previously, Poss was president of Hanley-Wood Exhibitions, a division of Hanley-Wood, LLC from its inception in January 2000 until June of 2009.
Poss was responsible for managing and growing the company's exhibition activities, which are concentrated in the building and construction industry.
During his tenure with Hanley Wood, the Exhibitions Division grew from one show and $11 million in revenue to seventeen events and over $70 million in revenues.
Poss will continue his current duties with dmg in addition to the new responsibilities with Drake Star Partners.
Prior to joining Hanley-Wood Exhibitions, Poss spent six years with the Dallas Division of Miller Freeman, Inc. in Dallas, Texas.
As group president, he had overall responsibility for the real estate, design, decorated apparel, sewn products, building, association management and equine markets, as well as the company's South American division and corporate exhibition central services.
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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