Make a Resolution to Improve Your Trade Show Experience

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Mon, 12/21/2015 - 21:27

The time of year is upon us to make New Year’s resolutions. I have a few that will impact your 2016 trade show season, and they are very easy to put into practice.

Resolution One:  Know your booth number, and share it with others. In all your pre-show communications, share your booth number, and share it often.  Every communication should list your booth number. If your attendees have to try and find it, there is a possibility they simply won’t.

David M. Gibbons Named New Executive Director for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority

Longtime hospitality executive, David M. Gibbons of Rockport, Mass., was named by board of directors for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority as its executive director.

Gibbons becomes the third leader in the history of the MCCA, taking over most recently for James Rooney, who left to run the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

How to Tackle Your First International Meeting Like a Pro

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Sun, 12/13/2015 - 09:55

My first international meeting is etched in my memory — and not in a good way.

I was a young expat in Budapest, Hungary. For the first time, I had the responsibility of organizing an international press conference to introduce a new product to the market. My mind swarmed with everything I’d learned about event planning. I was sure I had done it all. I made a Gantt chart, thought through every moment of the conference schedule and made enough contingency plans to paper the walls.

People News: New Hires, Promotions Are Full Speed Ahead Closing Out 2015

Whoever said December was a slow month, might have been wrong when it comes to end of this year’s new hires and promotions, with several companies bringing people on before kicking off a fresh start in 2016.

Global Experience Specialists recently named Wendy Gibson as executive vice president of global marketing.

Gibson is an accomplished B-to-B marketing leader with a high-tech background and brings 25 years of managing all aspects of marketing, including branding, lead generation, product marketing, corporate marketing, digital, social and business development.

Trade Show Industry Sees 3.1-percent Q3 Uptick, 21st Straight Quarter of Growth

The trade show industry continued its growth streak into the third quarter of this year, with a 3.1-percent uptick, compared with the same quarter last year, marking the 21st straight quarter of growth, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Index Report.

"We are very encouraged to see three very strong quarters of growth for the year," said CEIR President and CEO Brian Casey.

He added, "We will be watching with great interest how the year ends based on fourth quarter results, and anticipate growth to continue into 2016 and 2017."

The Secret to Making Live Events Worth Every Penny

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Sun, 12/06/2015 - 20:52

Have you all but given up on attending live events?

If you have, you’re certainly not alone. Many companies see live events as budget sinkholes that don’t provide any viable ROI. But these companies are actually missing out on a wonderful opportunity that industry leaders like Red Bull and Delta Air Lines are currently cashing in on.

Where have the live event naysayers gone astray? It’s their cost-focused mentality.

Seven Apps to Make You a Webinar Rock Star

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Sun, 12/06/2015 - 20:42

If you oversee your company’s webinars—from promoting and execution to follow-up—have you ever wondered how you could do your job faster, generate more buzz and do it all more efficiently without spending a fortune? Thousands of business applications are now available to help you with these tasks. In a short, they can transform you into a webinar rock star. 

Here are few of my favorites:

IAEE Welcomes Incoming Chairperson Julia Smith, 2015 Board Election Results Unveiled

This year’s International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) Chairperson Megan Tanel, CEM, passed the gavel to 2016 IAEE Chairperson Julia Smith, CEM, CTA, at the Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Presentation held during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2015 in Baltimore, Md.

"I look forward to building on IAEE's successful advocacy initiatives, and to promoting program development to attract future generations to careers in the exhibitions and events industry," Smith said.

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