AIPC, ICCA and UFI Announce Global Alliance for Meetings Industry
July 2, 2019
The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), and The International Congress and Convention Association will collaborate more closely in the future to generate better benefits for their respective members, as well as the international meetings industry.
“With our Global Alliance, the three of us choose value for our members [and] choose collaboration over competition,” said Craig Newman, president of UFI.
The global alliance effort among the three associations was announced last week.
“We are all organizations with a global membership and perspective, and already complement each other’s activities in various ways,” said Aloysius Arlando, president of AIPC. “However, as the business models of exhibitions, congresses, conferences and other types of business meetings evolve, the overlap of global associations servicing the industry is growing even further.”
A series of educational exchanges bringing together each organization’s content in their respective conferences will kick off the partnership. They will also begin to align their approaches to areas such as research and advocacy, and leadership teams will engage in regular dialogue to get on the same page on topics such as industry standards, terminology and best practices.
“Certainly the exchange of content and insights will provide better access for members to additional resources, but there is another factor here, which is the opportunity to increase consistency in the areas where we overlap” said Rod Cameron, executive director of AIPC. “This will not only enhance overall industry, performance but boost our collective credibility amongst other industry sectors.”
Dedicated to excellence in convention center management, AIPC represents 190 convention centers in 64 countries and has active involvement from more than 900 management-level professionals.
ICCA represents suppliers around the world for international meetings and events, comprising 1,100 member companies in close to 100 countries.
UFI is a global association of trade show organizers and exhibition center operators. Its main goal is to represent and support business interests of 50,000 exhibition industry employees globally in 90 countries.
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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
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