Networking Events are Key Socially and Professionally

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Thu, 07/07/2016 - 22:30

I am a serial networker, and I am guessing you have heard this before from many others, but in my case, it is absolutely true.  

Networking has been a staple of business development since the dawn of time, and it has been covered extensively in a good number of articles, blog posts and talk shows.

Many of us have different approaches when it comes to expanding our web – be it for business or personal use. There’s a myriad of choices on how to approach networking; no wonder there’s a new blog post or web article published about it in what seems like a daily basis!

Patrick Carlson

Patrick Carlson has been with Core-apps since 2015, having previously worked in event planning and marketing for the Council of the Great Lakes Region, Great River Creative and in government

National Plastics Exposition: Seven Decades of Audience Fascination

The plastics industry was still in its infancy when the first National Plastics Exposition (NPE) opened its doors in April 1946 at the Grand Central Palace in New York.

The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) was founded in 1937. Organizers realized industry professionals needed a place to meet face-to-face and discover the latest technology in real-life machinery, materials, and processed goods all in one place at one time. So once World War II ended, the opportunity to demonstrate equipment operating in front of an audience of thousands became a reality.

How to Save Money at Trade Shows

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Thu, 07/07/2016 - 21:57

When done properly, trade shows usually justify the cost and help to generate qualified leads that turn into new sales.  However, as with any marketing activities, you don’t want to pay more than you should.  These strategies can help save significant amounts of money every time you exhibit.

Rent your exhibit.  In addition to providing more flexibility at every show, renting lowers upfront costs versus owning your exhibit.  You don’t pay for storage, maintenance, pull and prep or refurbishment when you rent.

International Association of Venue Managers Names Brad Mayne President, CEO

The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) has selected Brad Mayne as its new president and CEO, effective July 19. Mayne also will serve as the president and CEO of the IAVM Foundation.

“Throughout his career, Brad has garnered respect from every facet of our industry,” said Karen Totaro, CFE, IAVM chair. “He has worked across sectors in various leadership roles, including within IAVM, which have earned him awards and praise. We are excited to have him take over the helm of IAVM.”

The Value Proposition in Event Management Software for Attendance and CEU Tracking

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Sat, 07/02/2016 - 21:14

As experienced trade show and conference planners know, the bar has been set higher for the marketing return on investment (ROI) their events deliver. A great venue in a great city no longer suffices. Now, the expectation is that event sponsors and exhibitors will be able to measure performance and improve attendee engagement in order to gain a measurable ROI on generated leads to justify show spends. One way they are achieving this outcome is through the application of sophisticated attendance tracking solutions, such as self-monitored scanners and now beacon technology.

Trade show Leader: IAEE’s Cathy Breden

With 20-plus years in the trade show industry, Cathy Breden, CMP, CAE, currently is executive vice president and COO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE).

At IAEE, she has responsibility for managing the day-to-day operations of the association, including overseeing marketing and communications, membership, education, conventions and events, and administration.

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