IAVM Unveils Host Locations for VenueConnect 2019 and 2020

April 23, 2018

The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) will hold the 2019 (July 21-24) VenueConnect Annual Conference & Trade Show in Chicago, Ill., at McCormick Place Convention Center and the 2020 (July 26-29) VenueConnect in Long Beach, Calif., at Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center.

IAVM’s VenueConnect is the industry conference that provides targeted education created specifically for more than 2,000 arena, stadium, convention center, performing arts center, amphitheater & fairgrounds, and college & university venue professionals.

VenueConnect 2019 will bring the conference and trade show back to Chicago for the first time since 1965. 

“Chicago has so much to offer the members of IAVM. We are excited to have the privilege to host VenueConnect 2019,” said David R. Causton, regional vice president SMG’s Convention Center Division and general manager for McCormick Place Convention Center.

McCormick Place Convention Center is anchored in Chicago’s McCormick Square, a community that was created to provide economic stability and growth to the area.  It is undergoing tremendous growth, including new hotels, restaurants, and retail spots.

Chicago will provide the perfect setting for attendees from all sectors, and McCormick Place Square provides quick access. 

From Motor Row, a historic district with great entertainment, shops, and restaurants, to Chinatown, considered one of the most vibrant ethnic communities in North America and provides diverse places to explore, to Soldier Field, Wintrust Arena, the Adler Planetarium, Field Museum of Natural History, and more, conference participants will have many historic and recently added venue options to explore. 

VenueConnect will move to the west coast and Long Beach, California in 2020.  Long Beach last hosted the annual conference and trade show in 1954.

“The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center is extremely excited to be selected as the 2020 International Association Venue Managers (IAVM) host,” said Charles Beirne, general manager. “We are looking forward to showcasing our unique turnkey spaces and sharing ideas among our IAVM colleagues.”

The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center is located in the center of the city’s downtown waterfront and entertainment district.

The convention center recently underwent a $60 million modernization and has prompted tremendous economic growth in the community, specifically in the local tourism and hospitality sectors. 

The “Pacific Ballroom at the Long Beach Arena, The Center’s first turn-key venue, features over 45,00 square free of floor space, built-in professional LEDs, stage lighting, and sound system to provide an intimate environment for dinners, concerts, and special events. 

The Terrace Plaza comes complete with programmable “dancing waters” fountains, and with its downtown skyline and waterfront views, is the ideal outdoor venue to experience Southern California’s near-perfect weather.

Long Beach, located in Los Angeles County, ranked one of the “Most ‘Walkable’ Cities in America,” will provide easy access for VenueConnect attendees to tour venues across all sectors, such as the new Inglewood Stadium and Staples Center, as well as enjoy the shopping and culinary experiences offered close by.

“IAVM is excited to be returning to Chicago in 2019 and Long Beach in 2020,” said Brad Mayne, IAVM CEO and president.  “Each location offers unique backdrops to the VenueConnect experience, but also access to the communities and venues that the Association serves for our attendees.  Both McCormick Place Convention Center and Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center will provide unique opportunities for our attendees to learn and network.”

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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