Experts & Opinions
Oct 05, 2013
Attention all exhibitors, I feel your frustration and completely get it now. Working at GES has really opened my eyes to how much time, effort, blood, sweat and tears go into exhibiting at a show or in some cases, (for most of you reading this), multiple shows a year. Do you ever feel like our efforts go unrecognized?
Welp, I must say that as anyone in marketing, event planning and in our industry in general knows, this is our reality. When the “A” leads are coming in, lots of praise is going out, but other than that, zilch, zero and a big ol’ nada. What if I told you there… more
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Sep 27, 2013
One of the most important things you can do for your exhibitors is to add value, right? Adding value for your exhibitors can also mean a better bottom line and a healthier environment at the same time. I have written before about how tradeshows are second only to the construction industry in producing waste, but there is always room for improvement. The good news is that we can all take steps to create greener tradeshows for our attendees and they will thank you for it and even pay a little extra for the privilege of doing so.
Say It with Eco-Signage
Offer to create signage with eco-… more
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Sep 27, 2013
In the fast-paced environment of planning and executing an event, any number of crises can arise, from a natural disaster to equipment failure or an interruption in internet connectivity.
With B2B exhibitions representing 39.2 percent of B2B marketing budgets in 2011,* the largest amount of any other marketing channel, the need to secure an event and the event’s data for your attendees is crucial. (*Source: CEIR: The Spend Decision: Analyzing How Exhibits Fit Into The Overall Marketing Budget.)
Here are 6 steps you can take to minimize the risk at your next event:
1. … more
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Sep 21, 2013
As you are going into the final stages of your trade show preparation, are you thinking about your presentation of timelines and major milestones? I had the opportunity to talk to Tim Stumbles of Office Timeline, and this new technology can help you with that internal reporting.
Stumbles developed this product to assist anyone looking to have a visual chart of a project and to be able to update that chart with minimal obstacles (thus removing some of the barriers to keeping project timelines updated). I was interested in learning more about this product, since I am in the event… more
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Sep 21, 2013
Sales are the lifeblood of our industry. Whether it’s selling booths and sponsorships, or selling the value of the show to attendees, we are always selling or being sold to. I started my career in sales, have hired and managed many salespeople and, always with deep regret, have had to let a few go on to other opportunities. Today, I am still selling -- and loving it. Most of you are doing the same in some form or another.
I have a dear friend in the business who I realized is simply the best salesperson I know. Here's why...
She… more
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Sep 14, 2013
If you’re an invested business owner, then you are constantly looking for every edge possible to help differentiate your products and services from the competition.
Well, trade show management companies are no different. With you folks in mind, we’ve developed some creative ideas for helping exhibitors to enhance their bottom line and show some personality – and some SWAG, too.
Ready for that? Good. The first idea is to develop unique, never-been-seen-before event materials and the second is giveaways, for both the show and its exhibitors.
The benefits of this… more
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Sep 14, 2013
To be honest, Content Marketing World didn’t simply impress me; it knocked my socks off. It was an event to which every trade show and conference organizer should aspire to produce.
From the moment I walked into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to attend the opening night festivities, I knew I had stumbled on an experience like no other.
The venue was humming with excitement, and everywhere you turned there were people wearing orange, the signature color of Joe Pulizzi, founder of Content Marketing Institute and Content Marketing World.
Participants of Content Marketing World aren… more
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Sep 06, 2013
As an event organizer, retaining exhibitors is an important goal. What keeps exhibitors happy and keeps them coming back? Attendees.
Let’s consider how we can get attendees and exhibitors engaged with one another in a meaningful way. “Stamp my card” so I can qualify for a prize drawing is not a meaningful way. “Give me a pen” is not a meaningful way. “Hi, I see you are from Sheboygan”, is not a meaningful way.
When you are exhibiting at an event, it’s important to cut through the clutter and stand out. If you are going to exhibit at a… more
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Sep 06, 2013
I was fortunate enough to lecture at MPI SEC a few weeks ago in Florida. My allergies did not like the weather and started acting up. On my way to Seattle right after the lecture the unthinkable happened: I lost my voice. I have not had laryngitis since college, so you can imagine my dismay.
Now anyone who has attended my lectures or knows me understands two things. First, my voice is loud, and I have no problem using it. Second, my company is based on using words (both oral and written). What I did not realize is how powerful my voice actually is.… more
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Aug 31, 2013
Let me start by saying personal wireless mobile hotspots from the major cellular carriers like Verizon, AT&T and Sprint are an incredible resource. Whether as a stand-alone product like a MiFi or as a feature of a smartphone, setting up a mobile hotspot can be an easy, convenient, and cost-effective way of creating your own WiFi network to get all of your devices online just about anywhere. That said, be forewarned if you plan to use this strategy at a trade show.
To understand why personal hotspots are often unreliable at trade shows, it is important to know a little bit about how WiFi… 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