Mar 16, 2014
Transitioning from his role as interim president and CEO of NYC & Company, Fred Dixon has been named the city convention and visitors bureau’s new president and CEO.
Dixon will replace George Fertitta, who stepped down Jan. 1 after joining the bureau in 2006.
“Fred’s been such a star since he joined New York City & Company,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. “And I don’t know about you; the Southern charm definitely works … As I’ve spent time with him, I became as convinced as everyone on the board that this was the right man… more
Mar 03, 2014
February was another brisk month of not only new hires, but also several companies promoted from within their own ranks.
Wyndham Jade has promoted Bryan A. Scott from chief strategy officer to president of the company’s Convention Division.
In his new role, Scott will continue to sit on the company’s senior leadership team and influence the strategic direction of the organization, while taking an even greater role in management oversight and innovation of new housing, registration, and meeting offerings.
“We are proud to recognize Mr. Scott’s contributions to our… more
Mar 03, 2014
Last year was a another strong one for U.K.-based Tarsus Group, with the company posting full-year revenues of $132 million (£79 million), a 23-percent jump, compared with same-show year 2011, when biennial events such as the Dubai Air Show and Labelexpo Europe run.
With its core strategy of “Quickening the Pace” that focused on accelerating the pace of financial returns to the company’s shareholders as its cornerstone, Tarsus Group also had like-for-like revenues up 11 percent and profit before tax of $27 million (£15.9 million), compared with $5 million (… more
Feb 25, 2014
Twelve years ago, Joel Davis sat down and wrote up a business plan outlining a goal of setting up a company that was literally a ‘trade show incubator’ in which he would look for ideas or actual shows that his company would acquire and grow until it was time for them to be sold.
That plan has been successfully realized many times over, with Davis’ company that he is founder and CEO of, JD Events, shepherding several events from their nascent stages to profitable enterprises.
“The entire premise of the business was to be a trade show incubator,” Davis said.… more
Feb 24, 2014
Tim Cobbold was named the new CEO of U.K.-based UBM, taking his new position and a seat on the board May 6.
Cobbold will replace David Levin, UBM’s current CEO, who announced he intended to step down in September last year, with his departure effective March 1.
"I am very pleased to welcome Tim to UBM as CEO. He was an outstanding candidate from a very strong field,” said Dame Helen Alexander, chairman of UBM.
She added, “Tim has successfully led highly international, operationally complex businesses; the Board is confident that his track record ideally qualifies him… more
Feb 04, 2014
The past month has been a flurry of activity with companies either beefing up their ranks or promoting from within.
AMC, Inc.’s President and CEO Jeffrey L. Portman has gained another post as the company board’s vice chairperson, effective immediately.
Portman has led AMC, Inc. and AmericasMart Atlanta through a period of growth unprecedented in the companies’ 54-year history, commencing with the rebranding of the former Atlanta Market Center as AmericasMart Atlanta in 1996, and continuing with expansion of its U.S. market share and global business base.
FreemanXP, an… more
Jan 27, 2014
Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s President and CEO Jim Wood resigned from the top post, effective immediately, and Karen Williams will take his place in the interim, beginning Jan. 29.
Woods has been at the bureau for 11 years, and his resignation was accepted by the Commission of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau at a board meeting.
Williams previously held the post as executive vice president at the Louisville CVB, but had retired in 2012 after 23 years at the bureau.
“Jim Wood has brought Louisville unparalleled success when it comes to… more
Jan 06, 2014
It may be the slowest time of year on the trade show calendar, but that didn’t stop companies from continuing to fill their ranks, as well as promote people from within.
Cleveland-based International Exposition Center (I-X Center) added two new members to its sales staff - Travis Poppell, as director of sales, and Lisa Shields, as associate director of sales.
Poppell will be responsible for developing and leading the I-X Center sales team to identify and cultivate new major trade shows, conventions, large consumer events and other new business opportunities for the venue
“… more
Nov 20, 2013
Trade show industry veteran, Tracy Garcia, was named the new show director for two of Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ mainstay shows - International Roofing Expo and International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo.
Garcia is taking over for Lindsay Roberts, who now is show director of the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, which Hanley Wood purchased earlier this year.
"Tracy Garcia has a great deal of expertise and an outstanding track record," said Donna Bellantone, the company’s vice president of operations.
She added, "Her considerable knowledge and skills will… more
Oct 27, 2013
A few months shy of the two-year anniversary of John Gallagher stepping into the dual roles of president and CEO for Germany-based Messe Frankfurt's Atlanta-based U.S. subsidiary, he is leaving and will be replaced by Kathryn Fitts and Dennis Smith.
Fitts has been serving as vice president of finance and administration, and Smith has been serving as vice president of sales in the Atlanta office.
The changes will be made effective immediately, though their new titles have not been revealed yet.
"Kathryn Fitts and Dennis Smith are the new leadership team at Messe… 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