Charles Olentine
Charlie Olentine, CEO of Consult NC Inc, has over 25 years experience in B2B publishing and from 2004 to 2016 managed the Top 50 show - International Production & Processing Expo. colentine@consult-nc.com
Are Paradigms Worth 20 Cents?
May 7, 2016
"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. " - John F. Kennedy
Many of us have as much joyful anticipation of going to a business retreat or planning meeting as having a root canal. However, as I look back on my career, one particular meeting stands out in a very positive way.
The focus of the meeting was to take a look at ourselves and business model and relate it to change. We were shown a video by Joel Barker on paradigms and how they structure our behavior. A paradigm centers on a theory or a group of ideas about how something should be done, made, or approached. The problem is that when we get into a comfort zone we tend to completely overlook new concepts that will completely disrupt how we do business.
Many notable paradigms have had dramatic impacts on businesses. Consider the following:
1. Swiss watch makers were well-known for their high quality products that revolved around mechanical workings. They actually invented the digital technology for watches but basically gave it to the Japanese who saw a different way of keeping time.
2. Kodak was instrumental in developing digital photography but could not make the transition from film to data.
3. Xerox researchers developed one of the first truly desktop publishing system incorporating a mouse and What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) technology. Many of the features became incorporated in the early Apple computers.
4. IBM reluctantly got into the PC business and found that it did not fit its culture. Both the hardware sector and the software (leading to the rise of Microsoft) were eventually abandoned.
5. Print publishers went through a transition in the late 1900’s from a film-based printing process to one incorporating direct to plate. Literally hundreds of printing prep houses went out of business. Needless to say, a lot of publishers that could not make the transition to digital have gone out of business.
Paradigms, the way we see and react to our environment, must always be challenged. The rate of change in the technological world in which we live is so disruptive that unless we are constantly challenging the way we position our shows, the products will become obsolete. Reflect back to some of the shows that seemed to be unstoppable with Comdex being one of the classics.
Every aspect of trade show management is subject to rapid change. Is the traditional model applicable or do we transition to a hosted buyer model? How will domestic and/or international travel and geopolitical events affect our shows and how can we use the changes to our advantage? What technologies make sense as opposed to what looks “cool”?
As we approach change, are we pioneers or adopters? Pioneers are risk takers and the returns are great. Adopters take a what-and-see approach to let the ideas sort themselves out, but the key is not to wait too long or your competitors will leave you in the dust.
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
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