Experts & Opinions
Apr 16, 2020
In case you missed it, start here with an introduction to B2B digital event amplification strategies and read part two here. This is the final part of this series.
8. Impress Your Attendees with Digital Assets
Have you ever left a corporate event or conference with a bag filled with… nothing? Pens, keychains, stacks of flyers — at worst, all they do is clutter your life until you eventually throw them away; at best, your pen collection grows.
Luckily, there are alternatives out there through virtual event bags. These bags are more environmentally friendly — not to mention easier to manage… more
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Apr 14, 2020
COVID-19 has had an enormous effect on business, with the live events industry one of the first to be hit. While some predict the pandemic will reduce or even eliminate the number of live events in the future, I disagree. The general consensus among our clients and event organizers is that trade shows will fiercely reemerge this fall and into next year. It could get frantic as the current events calendar will need to accommodate all those events that have been postponed, so get ready!
While no one would wish for our current climate, there are three positive effects that the pandemic has had… more
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Apr 09, 2020
In case you missed it, start here with an introduction to B2B digital event amplification strategies. This is part 2 of three in a series.
5. Leverage Your Social Ambassadors
Every event needs an arsenal of knowledgeable speakers — and the bigger the name, the better. If you’ve invited notable figures to speak at your event, this is your chance to tap into a new audience. Not only do well-known industry leaders attract more attendees simply by having their name on the poster, but you can also borrow their reach to promote your event. When you book your speakers, make sure you ask them to… more
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Apr 07, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has been like a Class-5 hurricane through our industry. Mass event cancelations are creating a devastating wave through the event industry that is cascading out to vendors and service providers in all related fields.
Event producers need solutions today for their events that are scheduled for tomorrow, next week and next month that can’t be held in person. Virtual events platforms, which can deliver a live broadcast of education sessions and online networking opportunities, can be a critical lifeboat for event producers who need to deliver something to their delegates… more
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Apr 03, 2020
Brands sponsor face-to-face events because they want to connect with key audiences. They want to increase brand awareness and improve brand perception. They want to generate leads and drive sales. And every single one of these goals remains relevant and achievable, even now that coronavirus has driven face-to-face events into the virtual sphere.
Consider these best practices to seamlessly integrate sponsors into your virtual experience and maximize the value you deliver.
Put attendees’ priorities first.
Concentrating on the wants, needs and emotions of your audience is always a wise thing… more
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Apr 01, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has shifted the nation, disrupting work and home life on an unprecedented scale. Among the dramatic changes has been the cancellation of nearly all types of events and business conferences that were scheduled to take place over the next several months.
While it may be hard to imagine creative ways to still get your conference insights to the marketplace, it can be done. Moreover, if done the right way, you can make a lasting impression for attendees; presenters can share their expertise; and even vendors can reach their target audience – all in a manner that… more
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Mar 27, 2020
Working from home is quickly becoming “the new normal.” The COVID-19 pandemic kicked the WFH movement into high gear, and many experts believe it will continue long after the crisis has passed (this article makes a solid case). But before we can optimize this new way of working, we’re going to have to get proficient at one of the biggest work-from-home fundamentals: the virtual meeting.
Remote meetings are inherently different from in-person meetings. If you’re not used to running them, you’re going to make tons of mistakes, and those mistakes can have major ramifications in terms of how… more
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Mar 24, 2020
Sometimes the unexpected happens and event planners have to decide to downsize or cancel their events. But before you cancel, consider an alternative. We believe in the power of meetings. They’re where people bring together ideas and insights to inspire others.
Here’s a quick list of how you can turn a live event into an online meeting of minds using tools you might already have on hand.
1. Take Your Sessions Online
Use a webinar tool to set up virtual sessions in place of your meeting rooms. Have attendees log into the same session they would’ve attended on-site and watch the session in… more
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Mar 19, 2020
When you are planning for the conference or trade show of your dreams, the last thing you want is to be facing down the logistical nightmare of cancellation. But that’s precisely what’s been happening to event organizers around the world — and that’s why event cancellation insurance needs to be on every planner’s checklist.
Whether it is because of a spreading pandemic, an incoming hurricane or an air traffic controller strike that grounds all your members, having to call off your event because of something out of your control leaves you feeling powerless, frustrated and exasperated. … more
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Mar 17, 2020
Event organizers have been facing unbelievable pressure to decide how to handle the events they’ve planned for this year. Cancel? Postpone? Go virtual? Move to a hybrid model? Each option provides its own benefits and challenges.
This post focuses on what event organizers need to do when they make the decision to postpone to a future date. Once you have made the decision to postpone, and your facility and hotel partners have found dates to accommodate your meetin,g you’ve got a lot to do. It will be tough to reduce what is usually a 14-month process to six months, but possible.
Here’s a… 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