Experts & Opinions
Jul 05, 2015
More than ever, employees and customers want to work for and with a company with a strong social conscience. Developing a social conscience for your company not only impacts the greater good of society but it has a positive effect on employee morale and customer loyalty.
Corporate Social Responsibility: “The continuing commitment by business to contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the community and society at large." (Source: World Business Council for Sustainable Development)
Do companies have a… more
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Jun 20, 2015
A robust virtual workforce and rising travel costs are making online meetings the norm rather than the exception. But as easy as they are to arrange, a virtual meeting comes with its own idiosyncrasies and can be a counterproductive sinkhole if not planned properly. Here are a few tips to make sure your time is well spent.
1.) Watch the clock: Before the meeting starts, alert people to exactly how much time they have to talk. Everyone should prepare what they need to say ahead of time, and even email the meeting members a concise agenda of the points they plan to cover. Also build in… more
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Jun 20, 2015
Until teleportation becomes the norm, frequent travel is simply a fact of life for leaders in the modern business world.
As companies continue to grow more reliant on foreign markets, face-to-face meetings remain essential, especially when managing a global team. Tools like Skype have helped bridge global communication gaps, but no technology can supplant in-person interactions — with your team or with your family.
In the meantime, you’ll have to find ways to maintain a healthy family-travel balance, which is no simple task.
The Hardships of the Road
Travel inflicts a number of stresses on… more
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Jun 14, 2015
Whether you are running a small business or are part of a Fortune 500 company, trade shows can be extremely beneficial to the success of your business. Through this marketing medium, small businesses will be at an equal playing field with their more established, larger competitors; and in this game, it isn’t always about who spent the most money, but rather who was more prepared.
If you are looking to get the name of your business into the minds of your potential customers, then here are 5 tips that will allow you to do so effectively, without spending a fortune.
1. Stay Local
Traveling… more
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Jun 09, 2015
There is an important behavioral shift underway, one that has huge implications for businesses, organizations and local communities. That change? The growing preference of experience.
While digital marketing continues to grow, in parallel, there is an increased desire for experiences, seen across the board but particularly with Millennials and GenZ. Researchers at Ad Age identified this trend in a recent report, noting that overall promotion, events and experiential agency revenue is growing at a greater rate than advertising, PR, and media.
Certainly, event… more
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Jun 07, 2015
We all have considered having meeting and events in art and museum galleries, both of which provide a unique atmosphere and exposure to art and culture.
What has been most notable in recent years is the addition of art into the convention center. This investment, which is rather substantial, is focused around the attendee experience of the destination while in the venue.
And there are a few convention centers that have done this remarkably well.
Phoenix Convention Center: With approximately $3 million in art installed, the Phoenix Convention Center uses art to help… more
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Jun 07, 2015
Trade shows are in many ways unique to other conferences and events. The goals of attendees and exhibitors alike often revolve around lead generation, research and the sale of a product and service, while industry education and other event favorites are less a priority.
Understanding the benefits of a mobile app from the unique viewpoint of a trade show helps everyone involved maximize an event’s potential.
Lead Generation
Trade shows represent a prime resource for generating qualified leads from attendees who are willing to justify registration and travel costs for a chance to… more
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May 31, 2015
Ever feel that reading a show service manual is like trying to find your way across the Atlantic Ocean without GPS? Trade shows can be overwhelming to say the least.
Managing a trade show display is like hosting a party that lasts several days for a thousand of your closest friends in the space of a small boat.
Although it may seem cliché, planning is the key to success. This guide helps you decipher the secrets behind understanding and following your trade show service manual. It really is possible to successfully manage your booth setup by adhering to the rules and being… more
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May 30, 2015
Disney is one of the most effective brands of all time. Through its parks, films, and stores, every brand touchpoint induces the same magical feeling and inspires loyal brand advocates.
In a program called the Disney Difference, the company offers employees and their families free admission to the parks and access to employee-only areas, on-site daycare facilities, special employee events and more. Disney invests in benefits like these to give employees incentives and invite them into the brand experience.
The company clearly understands that happy, engaged employees work more… more
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May 24, 2015
Sponsorships have a direct and long-lasting positive effect on a company’s brand awareness and strategy. By offering the advantage of a sponsorship opportunity within the life cycle of your event, you are offering your exhibitors the ability to boost their company’s name recognition and exposure to their target audience: their current and future customers. An exhibitor’s sponsorship also broadens awareness of your event within new communities, such as the customer base of the sponsoring company.
Your event’s website and communication materials emailed to attendees provide multiple… 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