Experts & Opinions
Jan 23, 2018
In this age of big data, it’s valuable to remember that reaching customers can be an art as well as a science. Which means we should use science to support our exhibit experiences.
That’s why it’s helpful to read our report from 2014, The Generational Marketing Balancing Art: Now We Are Six. Even as the age groups in the report have grown older, a close read will provide insights for reaching today’s attendees at trade shows. From discussing the multiple generations, preferred media channels, generation-specific profiles and each one’s comfort with digital devices, you can find out how they… more
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Jan 18, 2018
Want to get people’s attention? Stop relying on just one of their senses when planning your event. It makes…well, sense. Visual presentations alone are functional and can communicate your point, but only if the audience is receptive and willing to pay attention – a rarity indeed.
A better strategy? Keep them riveted.
London & Partners, coupled with CWT Meetings & Events, released a survey that included interviews with 600 event organizers. To really capture an attendee’s attention and make the event as memorable as possible, 78 percent of event planners recommended putting on… more
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Jan 16, 2018
CES is the world’s largest technology show, if not the largest trade show across the globe. More than 170,000 industry professionals attended this year’s CES in Las Vegas for the annual unveiling of all the latest tech products, from voice-controlled smart homes to transparent trucks. They toss around fancy words like “futurism” and “pioneering thinkers” to describe world-changing innovations. Did we mention the Sony robot dog?
While the show always impresses the average consumer, there is incredible new technology that can change the landscape of how you exhibit at your next show or how you… more
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Jan 11, 2018
No. 5: Ask for a discount. If you don’t ask, you won’t get.
Discounts are everywhere in the trade show industry. But they aren’t always stamped with the word, “DISCOUNT!” in big red letters.
When you’re working with your show vendors, always ask them how to obtain cost savings and the best value. They may offer discounts to new clients to incent you to try their services or have package deals, volume discounts for multiple shows or be willing to meet or beat other quotes you have solicited.
Many exhibitors don’t bother to ask about vendor discounts and leave a lot of cash on the table just… more
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Jan 09, 2018
Tech helps the brand experience world go around, from audio-visual solutions to the latest innovations in digital marketing. Tech is precise, mathematical and useful. It can be eye-catching and fun, too. But ultimately, tech is just part of the show organizer machine that powers event marketing and sponsorship.
Stop the engines for one second.
What if I told you event tech, at its best, can make shows more personal and create deeper connections between you or your sponsors and audiences? It seems counterintuitive but it’s true.
Good tech makes events more human.
Ready to put some octane… more
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Jan 04, 2018
Social media isn’t just for sharing selfies or tweeting 140 characters anymore. We use it every day to stay connected to family and friends, read about current events, and feel included in events and stories from across the globe. Facebook has found a way to encourage user involvement with its new feature, Collaborative Stories.
This recently launched feature is in addition to its already popular Stories function. Users of Facebook groups and Facebook events will be able to contribute to a story that will be visible only to other members of that group or event.
Collaborative Stories shared… more
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Jan 02, 2018
You’re either with the robots or you’re not with the robots – choose wisely. The robot revolution is coming and it will impact the event space. Well...maybe not in 2018, but there are certainly technology trends that event professionals should be aware of in their strategic planning for 2018 and beyond.
To help organizers prepare for the future, we put together a blog series that will cover the top trends we’re seeing and insight on how to make the most of new technologies for your events.
One of the top overall event tech trends we’re seeing for 2018 is engagement. But what does that mean… more
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Dec 21, 2017
No. 4: Add 10% “slush” to your exhibit budget.
I’ve found that there are two kinds of corporate budgets:
The “it-would-be-nice-if-you-hit-this-number” kind and
The “if-you-go-over-this-amount-your-job’s-in-jeopardy” kind (Well, maybe not your job, but maybe no bonus or promotion?)
If you don’t know which budget method your company subscribes to, this is a good time to have a heart-to-heart talk with your boss about your exhibit budget and company policy on managing it.
Since the only figure we know for sure when we sign up for a show is the cost of booth space (usually on a square foot or… more
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Dec 19, 2017
With all the detailed planning that goes into major trade shows, conferences and other large events, often overlooked is one segment of attendees that does need some special attention: individuals with disabilities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 53 million adults in the U.S. have a disability. Their disabilities, however, don’t stop many of them from attending events. Event planners know this and are much more focused today on creating accessible events. Still, there’s more that can be done.
From the venue selection and preparation to the use of certain… more
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Dec 15, 2017
There are several benefits associated with investing your time and energy in expanding the marketability of your product via a trade show. Trade fairs are powerful marketing systems that can bring new customers to your roster while maintaining your current relationships with your brand loyalists. It’s one of the only times where there will be a concentrated presence of international buyers, sellers and investors in one place in such a short period of time.
In addition, trade shows provide an insight of the market and industry, introduce you to the latest innovations and trends of your… 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