People News: Tracy Garcia Takes Over Two Hanley Wood Shows as Show Director, More New Hires

November 20, 2013

Trade show industry veteran, Tracy Garcia, was named the new show director for two of Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ mainstay shows - International Roofing Expo and International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo.

Garcia is taking over for Lindsay Roberts, who now is show director of the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, which Hanley Wood purchased earlier this year.

"Tracy Garcia has a great deal of expertise and an outstanding track record," said Donna Bellantone, the company’s vice president of operations.

She added, "Her considerable knowledge and skills will play a vital role in developing initiatives to grow the show."

Garcia has more than 25 years of trade show management experience. Most recently, Garcia was director of exhibits at Institute of Food Technologists. She also held positions with SmithBucklin and several associations, where she managed and produced their trade events.

In other people news, there continues to be a steady stream of new hires heading into the end of the year.

Shana Lee was brought on as chief marketing officer at Choose Chicago, where she will be charged with defining a sales and marketing strategy to further elevate Chicago’s brand globally.

Lee joins Choose Chicago with an extensive global business and marketing background, including technology, mobile innovation and new media across the travel and media/entertainment industries.  Most recently, she served as Vice President, Commercial Director Hospitality with UK-based Travelport, the Blackstone-owned travel industry distribution company. 

Shepard Exposition Services announced that Tara Wolff joined the Las Vegas branch as its newest national sales manager.

"Tara's strong industry experience and knowledge of the Las Vegas market will be invaluable in serving the growing list of clients in our market and throughout the country," said Ricardo Ortiz, Shepard's Las Vegas branch general manager.

Mike Hatch, a veteran of the meetings and event industry, has signed on as the business development director at Digitell, effective Nov. 1.

Hatch will be working out of the D.C. office and will be responsible for generating new business and new relationships with the thousands of associations that are in the D.C. Metro area, as well as help expand into government and international markets.

Francesca Sparacino has joined the SmithBucklin as senior manager of Marketing & Communication Services (MCS).

Sparacino brings more than 20 years of strategy experience, as well as in-depth account-, brand- and project-management expertise. In her new role, Sparacino will serve client organizations in both the Technology and Business Trade Industry Practices.

"We are thrilled to welcome Francesca to SmithBucklin and our marketing team," said Stephanie Yanecek, vice president of MCS. "Her strengths in developing and implementing integrated marketing campaigns will serve as a great resource for our client organizations."

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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