Oct 16, 2019
The Expo Group unveiled the top four honorees of The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Awards.
These awards are run independently of any industry associations with a judging panel of trade show professionals to honor unsung heroes of events and trade shows.
“This program is a way for us to give back to our profession by drawing attention to the people who impress everyone with their commitment, innovation and excellence,” said President and COO of The Expo Group Randy Pekowski.
He added, “By presenting these awards and making donations to the award winners’ choice of charities,… more
Sep 17, 2019
Following an extensive international search, Tourism Toronto appointed Scott Beck as president and CEO.
For the past 14 years, Beck has served as the president and CEO of Visit Salt Lake in Salt Lake City, Utah, and will begin his new role on Oct. 15.
A proven leader in the destination sales and marketing industry, Beck served on the Executive Committee of Destinations International for six years and served as the organization's International Board Chair from 2014-2015.
"To say that I am excited about the opportunity to join the highly respected team at Tourism Toronto is an… more
Sep 10, 2019
Summer’s coming to a close, the kids are back in school, and companies in the meetings and hospitality space are ramping up hires for the last third of the year. Take a look:
The Offprice Show, the leading U.S. retail trade event, announced two new senior appointments last month. Tricia Barglof, formerly U.S. director, is now executive director of Offprice, while current CEO Stephen Krogulski is now director of business development. The announcement was made the week of the 50th edition of the biannual show, which is produced by Tarsus Group.
Lindsay Berezan has returned to ConvExx, a Las… more
Aug 20, 2019
Mary Pat Heftman, who has overseen the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show for two decades, will be honored as the 2019 TSNN Awards Industry Icon honoree, on tap Nov. 15-17 in Dallas.
“I am honored to be receiving the TSNN Industry Icon Award, and I am grateful for the support, mentoring and inspiration of my family and so many leaders and colleagues throughout my career,” Heftman said.
She added, “I continue to be motivated by the power of tradeshows and the economic and social impact they have on our communities and all industries. Looking forward, I remain… more
Aug 06, 2019
Summer may be the season for out-of-office notifications and slower days, but not so in the trade show industry. Catch up on the latest flurry of hires and promotions the last month, from shows to destination marketing organizations.
National Shooting Sports Foundation has appointed Kenneth G. Andres as senior director of sales. He joined the organization in late June with a wealth of experience in trade shows, including senior management roles with American Sportfishing Association and Freeman. Andres will replace trade show veteran Dave Jeannette, who will retire on Sept. 1 after 26 shows… more
Jul 31, 2019
Global trade show and events organizer Reed Exhibitions has made two major leadership changes.
Effective January 1, Fernando Fischer, who is the current president of Reed Exhibitions Brazil, will be moving to the U.S. to take on the role of president of Reed Exhibitions US (RXUS). In his new role, Fischer will report to Herve Sedky, president of Reed Exhibitions Americas.
Fernando has served as CEO of RX Brazil for the past three years, during which time he dramatically improved customer value, financial performance and employee engagement, according to Reed Exhibitions officials. During… more
Jul 30, 2019
The trade show industry lost one if its own July 20, Terence Donnelly, a long-time executive at Experient and a good friend to many.
“Terence was full of positivity, always had a smile on his face, a kind word to everyone around him and a warm hug whenever you saw him,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. “There are no words to describe this loss, and TSNN sends thoughts to his wife, two sons, family, friends and colleagues.”
Terence was a passionate moderator for TSNN-supported #Expochat as well, leading vibrant discussions on hot-button topics in the trade show industry.
Below is… more
Jul 25, 2019
Emerald Expositions has hired three new members for its senior management team as part of an effort to reorganize the business into more aligned portfolios. This news comes about seven months following the announcement that Informa would buy UBM for $5.5 billion. Emerald is led by Sally Shankland, who assumed her new role as CEO on June 1, as TSNN previously reported.
The new hires are expected to begin employment in August or early September. They include:
Lori Silva, who was previously managing director for Informa’s Advanced Manufacturing Group, is now executive vice president of retail… more
Jul 03, 2019
You could say Amy Calvert began her new role as CEO of Events Industry Council by jumping in with two feet. After taking the helm on May 20, her first day on the job was at IMEX Frankfurt. A little overwhelming, perhaps—but overall “it was awesome,” says Calvert. “It was a really fine and appropriate place to begin my career with EIC.”
Now less than two months in, she’s still making a big splash, carrying the enthusiasm and excitement she has brought with her since the beginning. We caught up with Calvert, who came to EIC from Visit Baltimore, to learn how she’s doing, what she’s planning… more
Jul 01, 2019
May and June have been busy months on the hiring front. From many new promotions and hires at CVBs around the country to expanded sales teams, new association leadership, DMO development and more, the future of the trade show and meetings industry looks bright.
Philip Schlitz has joined Chestnut, New York-based brand experience agency MC2 as the company’s first corporate vice president of strategic business development. Also at MC2, Ben Nazario (pictured at right) joined the leadership team as California division president. Prior to his most recent role as chief sales officer at Sparks, he… 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