Some Boston Events Proceeded as Scheduled, Despite Marathon Bombings
April 21, 2013
Two medical meetings - one of which was about to start moving in last week just a few blocks from the twin bombings that occurred during the marathon in Boston - went on as scheduled, despite the week-long search for the suspects that eventually ended April 19.
Another event that was meant to begin April 20-21, Boston Comic Con, was postponed at the John B. Hynes Convention Center.
James Rooney, executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, sent regular updates to the trade show industry keeping them apprised of the fluid situation that included a “shelter in place order” on April 19, after one suspect had been killed and the other one still was at large.
Rooney issued the following statement when the order was placed:
“We are grateful for your patience in these unusual circumstances and wish that we could offer more certain information and direction with regard to activities planned for later today and over the weekend. That is simply not possible at this time, so the best we can do is offer ongoing, frequent instructions and tactical information throughout this ‘shelter in place’ order. All of our decisions during this incident will be made in the interest of public safety, and we are aware that this may cause inconvenience and event disruption.”
At that time, the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association’s Annual Meeting at the Hynes was in full swing and the Experimental Biology 2013 Annual Meeting at the BCEC had started moving in.
The ASCA event opened its doors April 17, just two days after the bombings, with the Hynes assuring attendees and exhibitors it still was safe to hold the event at the facility.
"We would like to assure our ASCA attendees that the Hynes has been thoroughly swept and is secure. Building staff have worked - and continue to work - with Boston police to keep the building safe. Your participation in ASCA 2013 will not interfere with the ongoing investigation, but WILL help Boston get right back to life. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
ASCA organizers encouraged attendees to come to the event, but added “some of you may not be willing to make the trip because of the emotional toll of yesterday's events. We understand, and if that is your decision, we will forgo our cancellation policy and credit your registration forward to next year's meeting in Nashville.”
The Experimental Biology 2013 Annual Meeting went on as planned April 20-24 at the BCEC.
Boston Comic Con, however, was meant to move in April 19, but was unable to do so because of the “shelter in place” order.
As a result, organizers decided to postpone the event.
“Due to the tragic events that have transpired here in Boston regarding the Boston Marathon, the Hynes Convention Center was forced to suspend all events. As such, The 2013 Boston Comic Con has been postponed and will be rescheduled to a to be determined date.”
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
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