CEIR Releases New Real-World Case Studies on Global Virtual Event Trends
September 7, 2021
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) recently released two more case studies from its Global Virtual Event Trends series, which examines the insights of organizations that traditionally run or manage in-person B2B exhibitions but pivoted to producing virtual events due to COVID-19-related constraints and regulations.
As the latest case studies in the series, Case Study: Access Intelligence and Case Study: 1st Arabia Tradeshow & Conferences provide real-world examples of how each organization adapted its events to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the results of their strategies and the valuable lessons learned throughout the process.
“1st Arabia’s case study offers an inside look at running virtual events in the Middle East and North African region (MENA),” explained Nancy Drapeau, vice president of research at CEIR. “Approaches share some commonalities and uniqueness compared to the case studies of virtual events in the United States and Canada. Access Intelligence’s case study hones in on the approach and outcomes for one of their medical shows, Manager, which was virtual only in 2020.”
Previously released case studies include:
- Case Study: School Nutrition Association
- Case Study: Radiological Society of North America
- Case Study: Macgregor Communications
- Case Study: North American Veterinary Community (NAVC)
- Case Study: North Star Travel Group
- Case Study: Auto Care Association
Reports in the series include:
- Report One – Anatomy of Virtual Events and Financial Outcomes, which details extensive baseline data on elements that are typically included in a virtual event, as well as performance outcomes regarding participation and finance.
- Report Two – Lessons Learned To Date and Technologies Used synthesizes open-ended comments shared by executives on lessons learned and technology to run their virtual events.
Fielded in October 2020, the survey for the series was multilingual, giving respondents the choice of completing it in English, Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic.
The sample was generated via the participation of multiple global organizations, which invited qualified members and contacts to participate in this initiative. They include:
- American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
- Association of African Exhibition Organizers (AAXO)
- Canadian Association of Exposition Management (CAEM)
- Federación de Entidades Organizadoras de Congresos y Afines de América Latina (COCAL)
- Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA)
- International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
- IAEE MENA Chapter
- Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers Inc. (PACEOS)
- Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organizers & Suppliers (SACEOS)
- Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO)
- Trade Fair Times, India
- Informa Mexico
- União Brasileira dos Promotores Feiras (UBRAFE)
A total of 463 executives responded to the invitation to participate in the study, of which 346 were qualified to participate and completed the survey.
“These case studies provide powerful insights into the differing strategies used by exhibition organizers,” said CEIR CEO Cathy Breden. “CEIR appreciates the willingness of those who provided their stories on what has and has not worked with their digital event strategies.”
She continued, “This research was made possible through the collaboration and support from over a dozen organizations who produce B2B exhibitions and/or represent the global B2B exhibitions industry. CEIR is grateful to all who participated for enabling us to provide insights based on objective, unbiased research that will help members of our industry confidently move forward with their own strategies.”
Thanks to sponsorship from Swapcard, CEIR’s Global Virtual Event Trends series reports are available to the industry at no cost from CEIR’s website. To download, go here.
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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
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