ORLANDO, Fla. – (Oct. 21, 2020) VenuesNow, the premier live entertainment trade publication, has recognized Mark Tester, Executive Director of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) as an All-Star in its second annual listing of top executives across the live events industry.
Traditionally acknowledged on a criterion of innovation, commitment to excellence, financial success and industry leadership, the esteemed accolade honors leaders for their impact on the industry. However, with the extraordinary circumstances of the Coronavirus pandemic continuing to reshape the landscape of live events, this year’s list recognizes honorees for their strength and courageous decision-making in helping to revive business and drive the industry’s recovery forward.
Tester joined the OCCC in February 2020 following a lifetime of knowledge in the convention and trade show industry. Prior to his role at The Center of Hospitality, Tester assumed leadership positions at the Austin Convention Center and Chicago’s McCormick Place.
“Joining the OCCC at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge to say the least,” said Tester. “However, I am fortunate to lead a team of passionate, driven and proactive decision-makers, and remain thankful for the tremendous support from our elected officials.”
Leading with resilience, Tester spearheaded the Center’s data-driven plan for recovery. Amongst the first in the industry, Tester’s optimistic and decisive leadership style has been a source of hope for not only the Center, but also the surrounding Orlando community and event industry.
“We have been consistent and proactive in portraying our optimism for the future of our venue, region and industry,” stated Tester. “Now, more than ever, our industry and community is coming together to support one another, so we can continue meeting safely today for a stronger tomorrow.”
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About the VenuesNow
VenuesNow (founded in 2002 as Venues Today) is the leading trade publication covering live entertainment venues across the globe, serving managers, owners, operators and bookers of arenas, amphitheaters, stadiums, performing arts centers, clubs, theaters, and convention centers. VenuesNow delivers industry-leading analysis and data-driven content geared to helping venues and their industry partners operate more effectively and profitably VenuesNow’s box office charts, powered by Pollstar’s unsurpassed data, offer timely intel — truly unique and unparalleled in entertainment trade media. The annual VenuesNow Conference is the premiere event in the venue industry. Subscribe to VenuesNow at venuesnow.com/subscribe/.
About the Orange County Convention Center
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center provides approximately $3 billion in economic impact to Central Florida annually. In recent years, the Convention Center has averaged nearly 200 events, including 115 conventions and trade shows that attract more than 1.5 million attendees to the region each year. For more information about the Orange County Convention Center, visit www.occc.net.