Orlando, FL - Orange County Convention Center Executive Director, Kathie Canning was inducted into the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 at The Pineapple Ball held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, FL.
In 2007, The Hall of Fame was established by the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida to honor distinguished hospitality and tourism industry leaders who make a significant impact on the Central Florida community.
Each year, there is a selection of two new members based on consultation with advisory boards and faculty members. The inductees will then be presented with a Steuben crystal pineapple award, the hospitality industry symbol, and will have a pictured plaque in the hall of fame at the Rosen campus.
Canning has been providing outstanding service in managing all aspects and operations of the convention center for more than thirty years. Since starting out in the sales and marketing department, she has also been involved in the development and planning for all three expansion projects.
In 2002, Canning was promoted to Deputy General Manager where she assisted in the operations and management of the center. In 2012, she was appointed executive director by Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs where she continues to supervise all aspects of finance, marketing and operations of the facility.
“Running the second-largest convention center in the U.S., which supports thousands of good jobs and generates an economic impact of $1.9 billion, is a tremendous responsibility and achievement,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “We are so proud of Kathie Canning for her superb stewardship of this award-winning Center of Hospitality – truly one of the crown jewels of our legendary hospitality industry. Kathie has been tireless in her efforts to keep Orange County at the forefront of this key economic sector, and I am delighted to join in recognizing her accomplishments.”
While maintaining the convention center as “The Center of Hospitality”, Canning has been involved in several nonprofit organizations, such as The Orlando Chamber of Commerce, The United Way Leadership Club and Visit Orlando. She also is an adjunct instructor at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen School of Hospitality Management in Orlando, Florida.
About the Orange County Convention Center
The Orange County Convention Center is the second largest convention facility in America. Each year the OCCC attracts more than 200 events to the Central Florida area. As a result, roughly 1.4 million attendees contribute approximately $2.4 billion to the area's economy annually. For more information about the Orange County Convention Center visit our Web site at www.occc.net.
To request photos, press kits or information for publication; e-mail your request to info@occc.net or call (407) 685-9800 and ask for the public relations department.
Media contacts:
Gwen Wilson, OCCC Marketing & Communications Manager
407-685-5796, gwen.wilson@occc.net
Caitlin Dineen, OCCC Communications Administrator
407-685-5831, caitlin.dineen@occc.net