Rachel Wimberly
Rachel Wimberly is Executive Vice President of Business Development at Tarsus Group, US. Follow her on Twitter @TSNN_Rachel.
Having a Growth Versus Fixed Mindset in Trade Shows and Events
September 2, 2022
Our 9-year-old just started her 4th grade year, and in the welcome folder from her teacher there were a few sheets of paper that encouraged parents to help their children develop a ‘Growth Mindset’ verus a ‘Fixed Mindset’.
I know these terms have been around for a while, but reading through everything again, it struck me that the two mindsets are exactly what we should be considering when leading teams in the events industry.
We all know the past few years have been beyond challenging. We didn’t even know for a while if we would have a business to come back to with events completely shut down in the worst of times in the pandemic.
There was, and still is, a lot of fear around how our industry is going to continue forward in the face of inflation, a possible recession and events not only still getting back to live, but also regaining lost ground with attendees, exhibitors and revenues.
That fear, combined with the hard day in and out work of the events industry itself, could easily drive someone into thinking with a Fixed Mindset when a Growth Mindset is needed now more than ever.
According to one of our daughter’s papers, a Fixed Mindset does the following:
- Avoids challenges
- Gives up easily
- Ignores feedback
- Becomes threatened by other people’s success
- Tries hard to appear as smart or as capable as possible
Any of the above could create dysfunction from a leader or within a team.
So, what does a Growth Mindset look like? A person with this mindset will:
- Embrace challenges
- Give their best effort
- Learn from feedback
- Become inspired by other people’s success
- Be willing to learn more
For a student, it’s clear that having a Growth Mindset allows them to open their minds more to learn and excel in school, but the same attributes also could help someone be a productive and inspiring team member.
With our industry really still in the trenches and fighting its way out of a few very tough years, it’s more important than ever for leaders to consider what mindset they are in right now, as well as where each of their team members might be.
If there are 'Fixed Mindsets' in the mix, it’s time to make a change and help foster a different way of thinking, so that the entire team can succeed more effectively.
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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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