Experts & Opinions
Mar 09, 2021
Before the pandemic, brands were investing in the consumer experience more than ever. Pop-up shops, interactive ads and more helped brands deepen their connections with customers, which is critical because nearly three out of four consumers believe real-life connection is essential to companies’ success. But it all came to a halt with the pandemic’s limitations on in-person gatherings.
When quarantine and social distancing restrictions became the new normal, the events industry faced two choices: adapt or sink. Industry professionals quickly traded in-person events for digital experiences,… more
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Mar 04, 2021
The travel world has been rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing destination marketing organizations to pivot the way they operate in lieu of steady in-person leisure and business travel. While there is certainly hope in 2021, with approved vaccines making the rounds, the tourism industry will no doubt be in recovery mode for some time.
That being said, there are trends that will dictate the way destinations navigate – and react to – a new phase of the pandemic. Here are some hot-button issues that all industry professionals should consider as their destinations eye recovery:
Technology… more
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Mar 02, 2021
Dating back to local artisanal trading in medieval Europe and evolving through the Industrial Revolution to the 20th century, trade shows have survived war, disease, economic disaster and travel restrictions. So, why did the COVID-19 pandemic have such a devastating impact on a deep-rooted business practice?
Some may blame political direction or public disenchantment, while others claim the delay in preventative science or sensational media reports. Regardless, the virus has led to an undeniable amount of deaths, ultimately propelling the temporary, but prolonged elimination of face-to-face… more
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Feb 25, 2021
What would happen if we reset the events industry to zero? There are no shows booked years in advance and no opportunities to meet customers and prospects face-to-face. This is the unimaginable experiment we all found ourselves in 2020.
While on the treadmill of a typical event cycle, it can be hard to make a strategic assessment of which shows are working and which are not. But these are atypical times. Now is when you should decide which events should remain a core part of your marketing strategy. Here are four key components to help you decide which trade shows will help you achieve your… more
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Feb 23, 2021
Anticipation is palpable in our industry as we put the second month of the new year behind us. Everyone is speculating and chomping at the bit to get back to the show floor. The big question is, are you ready?
What kind of question is that? Of course, you’re ready. There’s nothing you’ve ever been more ready for. Maybe a better question is, are you prepared?
Have you put strategies in place to handle challenges in cash flow, overhead and growth? What could be worse than finally getting back to business and having to turn down work because you lack the capabilities or capacity to deliver?… more
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Feb 16, 2021
Right now, health is on everyone’s mind, personally and professionally. While we don’t know how long this disruption will last, we do know this: the healthiest way to deliver successful events (and strong ROI) is to adapt to our changing industry and find new ways to enhance the virtual experience.
Healthcare association event leaders like the American Heart Association, the American Society of Hematology and the Radiological Society of North America have done just that, demonstrating incredible ingenuity to make their virtual events successful and engaging (note that these findings can… more
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Feb 16, 2021
I recently paid a visit to my PO Box for the first time in about seven weeks, an activity I used to relish. About twice weekly, I would turn the key and have the mailbox door spring open with warm notes from vendors, new promotions, industry publications and, of course, a deluge of commission checks to commemorate how busy I’d been. Last week, as I could tell from the hollow sound turning the key, the mailbox was anything but full.
That said, there were tax forms, a handful of vendor gifts and two checks. These were the last two checks on which I’d been waiting. When these two commissions… more
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Feb 11, 2021
What does being a “change agent” mean to you? Odds are, you already are one even if you don’t realize it! With 2020 being a pivotal year for us all, shift happened in a big way. I am certain that almost all of us received a big lesson on not only how to be an agent of change in our professional lives, but our personal ones, as well.
What is an agent of change?
An agent of change is anyone from inside or outside an organization who helps an organization to transform how it operates. A change agent will promote, champion, enable and support change. Does this sound like you? If this isn’t… more
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Feb 09, 2021
Pressure building up, short turnaround times, last-minute decisions, a million balls to juggle—this is how an event organizer’s life looks like before his or her mega event. And what can make things worse are the small mistakes and mishaps that may occur because of the tension in the air.
While errors are part of the process, not acting on or learning from them is what makes the difference between a spectacular and an average event professional. If you want your event to be bulletproof, take a look at this list of the most common mistakes to avoid before going live with your next hybrid… more
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Feb 04, 2021
For months, I have been listening to my colleagues and friends in the event industry and everyone has had the same question rolling around in our minds: when can large-scale events come back? At the beginning of the pandemic, we thought it would be Fall 2020 but clearly that didn’t happen. With the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine underway, many are seeing it as a sign of hope that we could be back in convention centers and ballrooms later this year.
However, I have another thought on the timeline and here it is:
If planned and delivered following the federal and state recommended COVID… more
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Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact