HSMAI Extends Its MEET Format to All 2012 Events

February 27, 2012

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International has decided to extend its MEET brand to all of its 2012 events and will kick the series off with HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America April 3-4 at Navy Pier in Chicago.

The keynote speaker for the event also was announced - body language expert Janine Driver.

HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America brings a new name and offerings to attendees:

HSMAI’s TEEM UP: HSMAI's reverse trade show buyer appointment expo, which adds to the opportunities to learn about new meeting facilities and suppliers during the traditional HSMAI's MEET expo

HSMAI’s MEET On: Year-long access to a virtual extension of the two-day conference with networking and regularly updated educational content

HSMAI’s MEET Concierge: The opportunity to maximize time through HSMAI's MEET Concierge, who will preschedule one-to-one appointments for planning professionals with supplier partners during the traditional trade show hours

HSMAI’s MEET University: Educational experiences through HSMAI’s MEET University, an updated, interactive educational program led by industry experts with sessions.

Driver’s keynote will focus on gaining an edge with body language. New York Times bestselling author and CEO of the Body Language Institute, Driver is an expert at helping people better understand themselves, the impact of their non-verbal communication and how to read others’ body language in order to build impactful relationships.

“I’m thrilled to be able to speak to and engage with some of the brightest minds in the meetings industry at each of HSMAI’s MEET shows this year,” Driver said.

She added, “I believe my sessions will help equip attendees with the edge they need to be more successful in their businesses and their daily lives.”

HSMAI's MEET Mid-America provides benefits for meeting and event planners, including garnering more than eight hours of acclaimed continuing education on topics they are facing, connecting with and learning from peers and partners alikeand the ability to preschedule face-to-face meetings with exhibitors.


For exhibitors, HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America offers the opportunity to connect with experienced planners from the corporate, association, government, and independent sectors and learn about the issues they are facing.

Add new comment

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