New Business Contracts: SMG, Convention Data Services and Hargrove All Boast New Deals

April 15, 2014
New Business Contracts: SMG, Convention Data Services and Hargrove All Boast New Deals alt

SMG snagged yet another venue management contract, Convention Data Services expanded into Mexico and caught the eye of a major new trade show launching next year and Hargrove continued to win new business this year.

Venue Management Company SMG scored another contract for its ever-expanding portfolio with the Branson (Mo.) Convention Center.

SMG was selected over two other firms in a recent request for proposals by the City of Branson.  SMG also named Marc Mulherin as the center’s new general manager.

“We are pleased to welcome the Branson Convention Center to our family of SMG-managed properties and are confident the facility will thrive under Marc’s leadership, combined with SMG’s booking network, client base and other resources and generate a greater economic impact for the city of Branson,” said Gregg Caren, SMG executive vice president for convention and exhibition centers.

SMG assumed managerial responsibility for the facility from Hilton Worldwide Corporation on April 1 and retained the majority of the existing venue staff.

The Branson Convention Center, located in the Branson Landing development in a lakeside setting, offers 113,725 square feet of event space, including a 47,172 sq. ft. exhibit hall attached to a 22,703 sq. ft. ballroom on the first floor and a dozen meeting room ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 sq. ft. on the second floor.

SMG provides management services to more than 230 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theatres, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues.

Registration and lead management company Convention Data Services has formed a strategic partnership with Mexico-based Infoexpo.

Together, the two companies will provide show managers who produce events in Latin America with the same registration and lead retrieval products they use for their domestic events.

The first event the partners will work together on is FABTECH Mexico in Mexico City 2014. Show management for FABTECH Mexico is a current CDS client and is very supportive of this new partnership.

“Our strategy at CDS is to expand into international markets. This new partnership with Infoexpo will give us the opportunity to service our clients more efficiently and effectively by leveraging Infoexpo’s vast experience and relationships in the growing Latin American market,” said John Kimball, president and CEO, Convention Data Services.

Humberto Villarino Arenas, president, Infoexpo, added, “The collaboration between Infoexpo and CDS will expand the services that CDS' clients have access to and will provide additional marketing toolsanywhere in Mexico and Latin America.The expertise of both CDS and Infoexpo positions them as the best partners for organizations looking for new opportunities in The Americas.”

CDS also scored he registration services contract for the 2015 launch of PACK EXPO East. CDS will provide registration and lead retrieval for this new event in the PACK EXPO family of tradeshows that expects to draw attendees from a range of critical market segments.

“We chose CDS because of their proactive approach and look forward to working with them. Our new event is already exceeding our expectations, and we believe CDS will provide the technology and personalized customer service that is critical for our exhibitors and attendees,” said Jim Pittas, vice president of Tradeshows, PMMI.

General services contractor Hargrove has had a great start to 2014, winning several new pieces of business.

The company was hired to produce the Rivel exhibit at the 2014 National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI) Annual Conference and Exhibitor Showcase at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev, the Harris Waste Management Group exhibits to be used at the 2014 Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) Convention and Exposition at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and the Waste Expo 2014 at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta.

In addition, Esri, a supplier of Geographic Information System software, has awarded Hargrove the opportunity to provide exhibit management services for its booth at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) National Conference in Boston.

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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