Let's Make Face-to-Face IN Your Face!
May 31, 2013
A lot of time, voice, energy, ink and virtual storage space are used elucidating the ‘Power of Events.’ The industry – and CEIR in particular – has done an excellent job in recent years of backing this up with hard data to get marketers to understand what we collectively have to offer. We all know that most marketing text books maybe contain a page of information about tradeshows and events – and we are then forced to educate, update, and even campaign for and about the arsenal of amazing marketing and sales tools our events provide.
I say it’s time to take a different approach … more aggressive, in your face, king of the mountain, full of attitude kind of approach. It’s face-to-face IN your face!
The good folks at Exhibit Surveys recently released a host of data, published at Exhibitor Online, which contains stunning information about the buying power of tradeshow attendees. This is annual research they produce, and the numbers are trending upward. Consider:
· 84 percent of tradeshow attendees have the power to recommend or make final purchase decisions
· 38 percent of attendees to ANY event are first-timers to that event, and 30 percent are classified as regulars (being at that same event for the prior four iterations)
· 49 percent of attendees have purchase INTENT at that show
· The average show attendee spent 2.3 days (9.1 hours) ON the floor visiting exhibits
Come on people. No other sales or marketing channel will yield these opportunities in such a cost effective manner. Take these data points and craft the new elevator pitch:
“Excuse me? You are not considering tradeshows because …? I’ve got the entire industry on the floor, HALF of whom are ready to BUY, a stunning MAJORITY of which can recommend or approve that buy, almost 40 percent are NEW to the show and don’t know who the heck you are, and they will spend over two days actively engaged with the showfloor. Have you HEARD of face-to-face? Where did you go to marketing school?”
Print, direct mail, electronic media and even a carrier pigeon can’t touch this. Friends, it’s time to be incredulous … a bit angry…. teed off!
Let’s get out in front the message. We don’t need to demonstrate the power of events, we OWN that. Let’s show our clients what they are missing when they don’t participate, how they will lose sales and market share, how no one will know they exist anymore. We dominate the industries we serve. Let’s act like it.
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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