Did you know that 71% of IAVM’s convention centers polled in the 2010 VenueDataSource Convention Center Operating Expense Report were at least 10 years old or more? And, over 49% of the surveyed venues said they planned to update lighting systems and 82% needed to update fixtures and furnishings.
So how does a venue manager keep up an aging building and still stay current with the industry’s next hot trends that attendees expect to see during their annual conference or business meeting? How will you integrate renovation expenses into your wish list of cool gadgets? Your best bet is to not spend blindly on products and technologies that may become obsolete and waste those precious dollars.
Convention Center managers attending this year’s International Convention Center Conference, Oct 3-5 in Charlotte, North Carolina, will have the opportunity to hear industry leaders in a 2-day/2-part session provide a “glimpse of tomorrow” that might help guide decisions on where to invest to stay ahead of the curve.
“Industry Outlook Part I” taking place Oct. 3, will be moderated by Kevin Molloy, Executive Director at the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority when he speaks with panelists Adam Jones, Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and John Kaatz, Principal, CSL International.
“Industry Outlook Part II: Glimpse of Tomorrow – Are we ready to get off the circuit and head for the future?” will take place on Friday, Oct. 4, and will provide attendees a glimpse of convention center of the future with moderator, Jan Addison, CFE, General Manager at the Orange County Convention Center and feature presenter, Douglas Ducate, CEM, CMP, President & CEO at the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR).
We spoke with Jan Addison, CFE, the moderator for Part II, and she is truly excited to have such visionary thought leaders sharing their perspective on the next generation of meetings. “During the Industry Outlook Part II session, one of our industry’s icons, Doug Ducate, CEM, CMP, President and Chief Executive Officer for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), will provide us with a “Glimpse of Tomorrow”. What does the future hold for the exhibition business itself, as well as those destinations and facilities that host major events and the suppliers that serve them? Doug’s sense of humor combined with his vast knowledge of our industry and uncanny ability to see what lies ahead will make this a memorable session.” said Addison.
“Also, hear from a panel of experts who will relay the latest trends impacting our industry. Listen, learn and interact with Cathy Breden, COO of IAEE, Katie Callahan Giobbi, EVP, Minding your Business, our own Vicki Hawarden, President and CEO of IAVM, and Deborah Sexton, President and CEO of PCMA. Wow! What a Powerhouse of Energy and Expertise!” added Jan.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this must-attend conference for convention center managers.
The hotel registration discount cut-off is Wednesday, Sept 11. Register Today!!
