Niche EventFest: A Case Study in Creating a Fun, Memorable Experience

If you’re wondering how to make your event more fun, engaging, memorable and valuable to all of the stakeholders involved, look no further for a great example than Niche Media’s Niche EventFest.

Niche EventFest, held Nov. 16-18 in New Orleans, took the typical event experience and infused it with unique experiences throughout, from an icebreaker that really worked at its opening party to a police escorted second line parade to another party and a “Shark Tank”-style event pitch on the final day.

The Art of Giving: 5 Tips for Effective Gift Giving at Your Trade Show

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Fri, 11/27/2015 - 22:16

What’s your first reaction after receiving a gift? I doubt it’s “That was nice, but I still don’t like them.” Most likely, it’s “That was so nice! How can I return the favor?” 

If so, then you’re hardly alone. Social psychologists like to call it the Law of Reciprocity — we innately want to reciprocate when we’re given gifts. And while psychologists take an academic interest in the principle, marketers love it for brand strategy.

Dave Sarro

Dave Sarro is the president and founder of Promo Direct, which was founded in 1991 in Henderson, Nevada, and offers customized promotional products to business professionals across many industries.

New Business Contracts: Experient and Convention Data Services Sign Big Renewals, Among Other Deals

Leading into the end of 2015, there still are plenty of deals taking place, with companies such as Experient, Convention Data Services and SmithBucklin signing contracts recently.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers and Experient have renewed their partnership for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017, the largest show in North America for the construction industries.

20 Steps to a Greener Event from Detroit’s COBO Center

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Fri, 11/27/2015 - 16:16

Cobo Center has been awarded the Keep Michigan Beautiful (KMB) President’s plaque, their highest annual award. KMB was founded in 1965 by then Michigan Governor George Romney as a response to Lady Bird Johnson’s White House Conference on Beautification.

The President’s Plaque is awarded for environmental improvement, beautification, site restoration and sustainability.

Patrick Bero, CEO/CFO of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority, the governing body of Cobo Center, was on hand to receive the award October 16, 2015, in Frankenmuth Michigan.

Mary Klida

Mary Klida is Marketing and Communications Manager at Cobo Center in Detroit.  She is an award winning writer with more than 30 years communications experience.

Reed Exhibitions Acquires U.K.-based Legend Exhibitions

Reed Exhibitions, part of RELX Group, has acquired Legend Exhibitions, the organization behind two of Europe’s leading retail technology and retail design events.

Legend Exhibitions’ portfolio includes RBTE (Retail Business Technology Expo), Retail Design Expo, Retail Digital Signage Expo, as well as three online content platforms (Essential Retail, Retail Design World and Essential Ecommerce).

The company also runs summits and forums for the retail sector that address the dynamic developments taking place in-store, online and in the multichannel environment.

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