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
Limiting Limitations
December 17, 2016
You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. Johnny Cash
IAEE does an excellent job bringing thought-provoking keynote speakers to its Expo Expo and this year’s line-up continued the tradition. The kick-off keynoter was Phil Hansen, an unconventional artist who challenges himself artistically combining traditional art, the electronic media, unconventional art media materials and interactive experiences connected to specific art projects.
As self-described nerd, he fell in love with the artistic concept of pointillism as a teenager. This type of art technique, developed by Georges Seurat and Paul Signac in the late 19th Century, encompasses using small, distinct dots of color applied in patterns to form an image. Unfortunately, the young Hansen loved using the labor-intensive technique so much that he developed nerve damage in his hands preventing him from even drawing a straight line. Psychologically crushed by his shaking hand, he stopped his drawing and spent time away from art until he was told by the doctor who informed that his nerve damage was permanent to “Embrace the shake.” Hansen took the idea and did indeed embrace the shake, realizing that the limitation could drive creativity. He soon recognized that his physical limitation could be transformed creatively into using unconventional techniques and materials. His website http://www.philinthecircle.com says and shows it all. He embraced the limitations stating, “We tend to believe we need to look to the outside for help. Challenging times allow us to look internally.”
He stressed that dwelling on self-limitations blocks all paths. The power to succeed is to recognize our limitations and to combine resiliency, our ability to adapt and to use our imagination to look outside the box.
One doesn’t have to go far to recognize that in the trade show business we are faced with limitations both personally and through those we work with and also through obstacles thrown in our path such as weather, acts of God, physical restrictions and the logistical limitations of the venues in which we work. By recognizing these limitations, we can then look into ourselves and become creative in finding solutions; and in many cases, the lemons of our lives can become lemonade.
Creativity takes nerve. Not all the things we try will succeed, but we need to be willing to take chances. That is where a lot of us fail. We are afraid of failure and the ramifications therein, personally and with our management. The successful trade shows of the future will embrace the need for change and the need to make shows experiential. Perhaps our worst limitation is that many of us get satisfied with the status quo, especially if it has been working in the past. Like Hansen, we need to “shake” out of focusing on the limitations and see how we can embrace creativity.
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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