Show Leftovers Help Needy Floridians
Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 10/25/2004
Hundreds of hurricane-stricken Orlando residents received extra beverages in their charity-donated food boxes, courtesy of Interbev, held Sept. 27–28 at the Orange County Convention Center.
Nearly 5,000 of the show's unused beverages were shipped to an Orange County Office of Emergency Management warehouse on Sept. 29 and distributed to the local Second Harvest Food Bank. Reed Exhibitions, Interbev's management company, informally organized the drive with the OCOEM.
"On behalf of our exhibitors who have so graciously agreed to donate their product, we wanted to ensure our contribution to our host county during what has been a most challenging time for all Floridians," said Eileen Baird, show vice president and manager.
Orlando residents were taken aback by contributions like this at the OCCC, said Kathie Canning, the facility's deputy general manager. "During times like these, the philanthropic support by companies who make the Orange County Convention Center their home for a few days each year is extremely valuable to the citizens who live here 365 days a year," said Canning. "It was just so benevolent and so appreciated."
The OCCC has seen its share of philanthropy from its tradeshows. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Annual Meeting attendees built a new playground for an area school in 2000, PITTCON organizers donated $25,000 to the Orlando Science Center in 2003 and the 2002 Coverings attendees decorated concrete benches for an area resort for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Imre Havasi, business development manager for Cargill Juice North America, said that, although his company donated only a few dozen products, he felt that his juice drinks were put to good use. "Most people would have shipped them back anyway," he said.
InterBev featured 275 exhibiting companies in nearly 60,000 square feet, which was substantially scaled back from 2002, when the show spanned 125,970 sq. ft. and drew more than 3,200 attendees with 493 exhibitors.
The show schedule was condensed from Sept. 26–28 dates due to Hurricane Jeanne.
