American Bus Association Picks St. Louis, Louisville for 2015, 2016 Events
October 1, 2012
The American Bus Association has selected Louisville, Ky., to host the ABA’s 2016 Marketplace Jan. 9-12 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville.
The ABA’s Marketplace in 2016 is the organization’s 38th annual gathering, but it marks the first time Louisville has hosted this prestigious event, according to the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau officials.
One year earlier, the ABA’s 2015 Marketplace will be held in St. Louis Jan. 10-13 at the America's Center Convention Complex.
"The American Bus Association is always thrilled when we can bring new cities into the ABA family,” said ABA President and CEO Peter J. Pantuso.
He added, “Louisville was selected after an exhaustive bid process where several cities submitted proposals to host the ABA's Marketplace. Louisville has so many great places to see, including the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, the Kentucky Science Center, the Muhammad Ali Center and of course the Kentucky Derby Museum and historic Churchill Downs Racetrack.”
More than 3,000 attendees are estimated to attend the 2016 Marketplace. Nearly $80 million dollars for the delegates, suppliers and host city was generated from the 2012 event.
Officials estimate the ABA’s Marketplace will bring an immediate, direct economic impact of $4.4 million dollars by hosting the conference, but as has been the case with other Marketplace cities, there is the potential for much more future business after showcasing the city to tour operators, according to ABA officials.
“Louisville already has a lot of options for tour operators and we continue to see tremendous growth,” said Jim Wood, president and CEO of the Louisville CVB.
He added, “By 2016, the ABA can expect to see an expanded bourbon experience with new distilleries along Main Street in addition to the attractions and restaurants that draw visitors to Louisville every year.“
There are more than 3,800 first-class hotel rooms within a short distance of the Kentucky International Convention Center and 2,300 of those are connected to the facility by an enclosed walking bridge.
Next year’s ABA 2013 Marketplace is scheduled Jan. 5-9 in Charlotte, N.C. In 2014, Nashville, Tenn., will host ABA’s Marketplace Jan. 17-21 in downtown Nashville at the new Music City Center.
The ABA’s 2015 Marketplace will be held in St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 10-13, 2015, at the America's Center Convention Complex.
“ABA’s Marketplace is the premier business event for the group travel industry,” said Kathleen “Kitty” Ratcliffe, president of the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission.
She added, “We look forward to hosting Marketplace 2015 and showcasing the destination to key motorcoach and tour operators, plus other key representatives in the tourism industry.”
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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