Incorporating On-Site Social Media Into Your Trade Show Exhibit

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Sun, 11/09/2014 - 20:43

Are you looking for ways to improve your on-site strategy at your next trade show? Even if you have an outstanding trade show exhibit, with innovative displays that make your product almost jump off the shelf, compelling literature, and giveaways that everyone wants, your company will not get the most out of the show unless booth staffers are prepared to do a good job of selling for your company.

Preparing Your Booth Staffers

Life is Beautiful 2014: 3 Ways Sponsors Got Creative for Attendees

Submitted by rwimberly@tsnn.com on Sun, 11/09/2014 - 20:38

Music festivals are an interesting niche of the event world … They don’t quite fit into the mold of how we traditionally plan events. From the rigging and audio visual that goes into the multiple stages to the food and beverage components; each festival is unique and has its own style when it comes to engaging their attendees. Life is Beautiful is an inspirational social platform dedicated to helping people conquer their fears and chase their dreams; it doesn’t scream music festival to you, does it?

Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center Becomes World’s Largest LEED-certified Convention Center

The Georgia World Congress Center recently was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The GWCC is now the world’s largest LEED-certified convention center. With 3.9 million square feet, the GWCC is also the 14th largest LEED-certified building in the world.

Longtime Outdoor Retailer Show Director Kenji Haroutunian Stepping Down; Marisa Nicholson Takes New Role

Kenji Haroutunian, who has led Emerald Expositions’ biannual Outdoor Retailer shows for eight years, is leaving his post at the end of November.

Marisa Nicholson will step into the show director role. She most recently was Emerald’s group sales director for the Sports Group and has worked with the company for 11 years.

“I really learned a lot working with the company and from its leadership, David Loechner and Darrell Denny,” Haroutunian said.

He added, “Eight years as a show director and 15 with the company, I have no regrets.”

PMMI Ups Bergmann, Pittas to Senior Vice Presidents

A few days before PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies’ PACK EXPO International opened Nov. 2-5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, two staff members, Katie Bergmann and Jim Pittas, were upped to senior vice presidents.

The recent acquisition of Summit Media Group’s digital platform and the expansion of the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows can both be attributed to Bergmann and Pittas, according to PMMI officials.

SISO, Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) Forge Alliance to Bring Members Closer Together

IEIA, the Indian Exhibition Industry Association, and SISO, the Society of Independent Show Organizers, have agreed to share knowledge and information among their respective exhibition industry members.

"This agreement will offer our members an unprecedented opportunity to grow their respective brands outside of the USA with the knowledge and assistance of our international partners, making their expansions efficient and cost effective,” said Rick McConnell, Chairman of SISO.

Center for Exhibition Industry Research Foundation Announces 2014 Helen Brett Scholars

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Foundation recently named the recipients of the 2014 Helen Brett™ Scholarship awards: Taylor Dudley, Hope Mckendry, Abigail Rubin and Kathleen Sands.

The Helen Brett™ Scholarship was established by Robert Kolinek, CEM, CMP, and named for his grandmother, Helen Brett, who was a pioneer in the trade show industry.

Breakbulk Americas Attracts 5,000 Attendees, 300 Exhibitors to Houstons George R. Brown CC

Just more than a month ago, 5,000 attendees and 300 exhibitors gathered at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center to take part in the 25th anniversary of Breakbulk Americas 2014, which serves the breakbulk cargo logistics industry.

At the show, held Sept. 29-Oct. 1, project cargo and traditional breakbulk cargo owners had the opportunity to learn about the latest industry trends and to meet with specialized carriers, freight forwarders, ports/ terminals, packers and equipment companies that handle oversized cargoes requiring unique handling techniques. 

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