Caesars Forum Welcomes First Event – 2020 ConferenceDirect Annual Partner Meeting

November 7, 2020

Eight months after Caesars Forum was scheduled to have its grand opening and start welcoming a packed schedule of groups before it was stopped in its tracks by COVID-19, the new venue hosted its first event – the 2020 ConferenceDirect Annual Partner Meeting.

“We have always admired the work that Brian Stevens and the team at ConferenceDirect do,” said Michael Massari, chief sales officer for Caesars Entertainment.

He added, “We enjoy a long-standing partnership and are pleased that we hosted this important event.”

Caesars Forum

During the closing general session, Massari was recognized by Jerry Horan, the president of ConferenceDirect, with the President’s Award for being a supportive partner for years.  

Horan also accepted an honorary key to Caesars Entertainment for hosting the first conference at Caesars Forum

With careful attention to observing health and safety protocols, among other activities during the 3-day event, participants enjoyed a seated face-to-face reception with restaurant quality catered small bites and libations under the illuminated High Roller Observation Wheel.

The customized menu was prepared by the talented CAESARS FORUM award-winning culinary team lead by Chef Eric Vaughn.

The event also featured a closing party on Caesars Forum’s 100,000 square foot plaza with entertainment that included the Sight ‘n Sound Disc Jockey, Planet Hollywood’s Tenors of Rock and various acts and talent from Caesars Entertainment’s resident show Extravaganza. State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment was provided by Encore Productions.

ConferenceDirect has held its Annual Partner Meeting since 1998 in an effort to connect our most valued Partners with our Associates in one convenient event.

Partners attending APM 2020 had the opportunity to meet and conduct business with more than 100 qualified ConferenceDirect Associates under one roof.

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The 550,000 sq. ft. CAESARS FORUM conference center is the newest addition to the CAESARS Entertainment family.

The 300,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and the two largest ballrooms in the world are conveniently located with direct access to more than 8,500 hotel rooms at Harrah’s Las Vegas, the LINQ and Flamingo Hotels.

HERE is a video recap of the 2020 ConferenceDirect APM event at Caesars Forum. 

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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