Meetings Mean Business Launches New Initiatives in 2017 to Prove Value of Industry

January 19, 2017

The Meetings Mean Business Coalition had a busy 2016 advocating to prove the value of the meetings industry, and 2017 looks to be even busier, as MMB continues to push existing initiatives forward and launch new ones.

“Meetings Mean Business continues to grow as a coalition, attracting new supporters and elevating the industry,” said Richard Harper, MMB co-chair and HelmsBriscoe executive vice president.

He added, “In 2017, we are excited to build on this momentum and expand our reach through the newly launched Meeting Planner Taskforce aimed at engaging this important audience, a global licensing agreement that provides a framework for other countries to create their own MMB and the second annual Global Meetings Industry Day on April 6.”

Last year, MMB continued to advance their mission of bringing together the broader industry to promote the value of face-to-face meetings in fostering relationships, driving positive business outcomes and building strong communities.  Here are a few highlights in this 2016 “Year in Review” video.

The Worth Meeting About campaign in 2016 also highlighted the critical role that in-person meetings played during the election and connected the work we do to major current events.

Leveraging paid media, digital tactics and storytelling, the coalition targeted elected officials and policymakers with the message that when it’s important, it’s Worth Meeting About.

To demonstrate the important role that meetings play for business leaders across a wide variety of industries, MMB also launched last year the Business Leader Video series that showcases real life testimonies.

Videos to date include: Mike Gallagher, CEO at the Entertainment Software Association; Cynthia Fenneman, president and CEO at American Public Television; James Curleigh, president of Levi’s Brand®; and Brian Connolly, CEO of AdvoCare among others.

Small businesses are a critical contributor to the American economy and MMB wanted to look specifically at this important stakeholder group to explore how face-to-face meetings help them make the most out of their investments.

MMB released a survey that found small business owners agree that face-to-face meetings are a worthwhile investment and 91 percent of small business owners plan to spend as much or more on travel for meetings and conferences as they did this year.

In 2017, MMB plans to expand the scope of Worth Meeting About to highlight current events and issues other than the election.

They also plan to work with their newly created Meeting Planner Task Force to directly involve meeting planners with MMB’s advocacy and engagement efforts.

On April 6, MMB will hold its second annual Global Meetings Industry Day and will look to keep rallying industry advocates across the globe to champion the value of the meetings industry, in particular to elected officials.

To go global in another way - MMB has created a licensing agreement that allows international partners to build their own MMB coalitions in a way that is authentic to their country.

The licensing agreement will allow partners in countries and regions outside of the United States to use MMB branding, messaging and research to form one strong, cohesive voice for the industry.

“We’ll also continue to look beyond our industry, making sure the new Administration and other policymakers understand how meetings and exhibitions foster stronger relationships, drive positive business outcomes and support strong communities,” Harper added.

He said, “We’re looking forward to working with our exhibitions partners as we spread the industry’s value story far and wide.

Meetings Mean Business is an industry-wide coalition to showcase the value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions bring to people, businesses and communities.

For more info, please visit: http://www.meetingsmeanbusiness.com/

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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