Submitted by OVG360
OVG360, the provider of Venue Management to the Owensboro Convention Center, is honored to announce the distinction of being named one of EXHIBITOR Magazine’s 2024 Centers of Excellence, recognizing North America’s Top 25 convention centers for trade shows and events.
“I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition, and I want to express my gratitude to the entire team at the Owensboro Convention Center. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and the incredible dedication of our staff and partners. We will continue to raise the bar in delivering exceptional experiences for our clients and visitors,” says Jeff Esposito, General Manager of the Owensboro Convention Center.
Exhibitor Group, which produces both EXHIBITOR magazine and Find It on EXHIBITORXchange, the buyer’s guide to trade show products and services, launched this initiative in 2019 to identify and recognize North America’s best convention centers for trade shows and events. Applicants were evaluated using an objective algorithm and rigorous grading scale based on five primary categories: Facility & Functionality, Location & Accommodations, Service & Execution, Expansions & Upgrades, and Awards & Industry Participation.
The evaluation process also includes a survey of event planners, show organizers, and exhibit managers who have recently hosted (or exhibited at) events within each facility, as well as a review of entrants’ event spaces, selling points, and innovations, conducted by a panel of corporate exhibit managers.
“Exhibit managers rarely have a say in where trade shows are held, but they are often the ones most impacted by that decision. The Centers of Excellence Awards allows them to recognize the exhibitor-friendly venues that make their experiences at trade shows and events smooth and successful,” says Emily Olson, Editor of EXHIBITOR magazine, noting that everything from health and safety protocols to the cost and quality of Wi-Fi access can have a significant impact on exhibiting companies’ experiences at events. “The facilities on this list have proven their ability to host trade shows and events of all sizes while providing world-class service and state-of-the-art accommodations.”
The 25 highest-scoring venues were named among EXHIBITOR Magazine’s 2024 Centers of Excellence, and they will be featured in the October/November issue of EXHIBITOR, as well as via an online portal where readers can learn more about each of the facilities that qualified for this honor. The portal, housed within the Find It on EXHIBITORXchange website, enables face-to-face marketers to quickly and easily research potential event venues and learn more about the convention centers that are hosting the trade shows and exhibitions on their annual calendars.
In addition to being named one of North America’s 25 best venues for trade shows and events, the Owensboro Convention Center is also in consideration for the Best Convention Center (100,000 sq. ft. of Exhibit Space) Special Award. Winners will be announced on November 15 at 1 p.m. CDT during a special EXHIBITORInsight session.
The Owensboro Convention Center proudly joins fellow OVG360 venues Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas, and Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida on the list of 2024 Centers of Excellence.
About the Owensboro Convention Center
Western Kentucky’s premier meeting space – the Owensboro Convention Center – is a full-service meeting facility overlooking the scenic Ohio River in revitalized downtown Owensboro, KY. The multi-purpose center boasts just under 102,000 sq. ft. of available space, including a 44,000+ sq. ft. exhibition hall, 8,900+ sq. ft. Kentucky Legend Pier outside over the scenic Ohio River, and additional ballroom, meeting, and pre-function space. Website OwensboroCenter.com
About OVG360
OVG360, a division of Oak View Group, is a full-service venue management and hospitality company with a portfolio of more than 200 client-partners spanning arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and state fairs around the globe. Website OVG360
