Meeting News - October 20, 2008 - (Page 27)

Destination Insider: Florida Coast to Coast Event Report A Sign of Faith and Trust Motorsports organization adds several more years to its Orlando contract The world’s largest motorsports trade show, the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show (PRITS) signed a deal this summer to remain in Orlando through 2016. The organization was previously on the books of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) until 2010. For Steve Lewis, president and owner of Performance Racing Industry, and the producer of the organization’s show, the decision to extend the contract for the annual December event came on the destination’s accessibility and affordability, as well as the OCCC facilities and staff. “The group of people that operates the building has a can-do attitude,” he said. Attended by 45,000 racing industry entrepreneurs from 50 countries, PRITS includes exhibits of motorsports technology by 1,450 companies. The trade show hosted its first event in Orlando in 2005, after outgrowing its previous venue, the Indianapolis Convention Center. As with others in the industry, Lewis is mindful of the slowing economy. Yet he is hopeful, given Orlando’s diverse and affordable offerings. “Like everybody else, I think we’re going to experience a small bit of attrition or some dilution,” said Lewis, of this year’s show.“But we’re watching the hotel room sales and we’re pretty close to where we were last year.” He expects to have the same number of exhibitors, but still, like any good trade show PRITS attendees experience kart racing. manager, he is keenly focused on marketing. “The important thing we are working on is making sure that we properly convey the scope, magnitude, and significance of our event and make it so important that people must come to the show,” said Lewis. —PH EXPERIENCE THE FINER POINTS OF ORLANDO. UNFORGETTABLE VENUES. UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES. UNFORGETTABLE HOSPITALITY. Planners have a hard time forgetting the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress after the years of exceptional service and solid relationships that have grown with our meeting specialists. Even more difficult to forget are the forty-five holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Golf, accredited equestrian center, boutique spa services, world-class tennis center and award-winning culinary team and seasoned banquet and catering staff that make a fine addition to ® anyone’s long-term memory. Feel the Hyatt Touch. For a meeting specialist, call 407 239 1234 or visit hyattgrandcypress.com. ONE GRAND CYPRESS BOULEVARD, ORLANDO, FLORIDA www.meetingnews.com October 20, 2008 MeetingNews 27 http://www.hyattgrandcypress.com http://www.hyattgrandcypress.com http://www.meetingnews.com

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Meeting News - October 20, 2008

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