Tom Merrill
Tom Merrill, GES' VP Business Developmen,t has worked with GES for over 25 years and is responsible for building account teams for complex multi-divisional clients.
Travel Smarter, Not Harder: 5 Ways to Travel Better in 2013
March 9, 2013
I was reading an interesting article in the New York Times this week about resolutions falling by the wayside. A quote about what resolutions should do grabbed my attention, “They can inspire you and help you keep the bigger picture in mind.” 2013 will be a year of empowering my career and personal life and completing the goals that I set for myself. On the lighter side of New Year’s resolutions I’ve decided to take some of the hassle out of travel.
In our business, travel is a prerequisite and never seems to end. I always think about ways to lessen the stress and travel smarter, but never quite get around to doing it. Here are a few things that are on my 2013 “Travel” resolutions list:
1. Clean out my briefcase or backpack - You will be surprised how much junk you are carrying around; loose change, papers, outdated electronics, show badges, name tags, logo pins, to many business cards. It all adds up. I plan to check regularly to ensure I only have what I need.
2. Pack Smart - I pride myself in being able to take a single carry-on anywhere in the world, however, on every trip there are items that I never use. I’ll think smart about mix and match and won’t take something just to “have a choice.” I’ll also be realistic about working out. If I’m not likely to have time for a workout, I won’t pack my gear.
3. Get A Luggage Identifier - No, not the standard black Admirals Club tag. Every bag on the conveyor is black and most have the tag to match. I’m getting a red nylon band and wrapping it around the handle. You may want to check out some of these ideas. It just makes it easier to spot your bag and less to think about while juggling a rental car and conference call at the same time.
4. Make and Keep a Travel List - If you travel a lot, you should have an ingrained sense of what to bring on trips and you shouldn’t ever forget key items like socks, jewelry, collar stays or the tie. For me, I know this isn’t usually true. I always forget at least one important thing when I travel, and end up scrambling to make do. I resolve to create a list of things to bring on every trip, and post it in my closet. It takes the thinking out of the process and allows more time to mentally rehearse for my meeting.
5. Take Good Photos - When I first started my career, travel was a novelty and I always made time to take photos, business and personal. I’ve been lax on both fronts, so I plan to get with the program. It couldn’t be easier these days with our smart phones. There is nothing better than photos when you are communicating to your design and production teams, not to mention great keepsakes of your travels.
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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