Dec 17, 2021
As part of its evolving lineup of innovative technology solutions, Maritz Global Events gave attendees at the recent IAEE Expo! Expo! show in Philadelphia a sneak peek of its new First Person Experiences initiative. The new technology is designed to increase return on investment for event organizers through a digital replica of a trade show, product launch or other event experience.
First Person Experiences extends the value of a live event, increases audience reach and creates incremental revenue, according to Aaron Dorsey, vice president of product management for Maritz Global Events.
“… more
Dec 10, 2021
Event experience leader Bizzabo recently acquired two new companies, Klik and TeeVid, and debuted the Ultimate Video Production Suite to further invest in innovative, experiential technology for virtual, hybrid and in-person events.
Klik is a pioneer of smart wearables technology to power onsite experiences at live events. Its technology helps event professionals elevate and measure attendee engagement, participation, and networking.
Bizzabo believes event organizers have established appetites for the rich behavioral and intent data that virtual events have captured for the past 18… more
Dec 03, 2021
New tech solutions for events of all types continue to rapidly take shape in the industry, from platform upgrades and additions to mobile apps and measurement tools. Check out some of the latest new developments.
Bizzabo
Bizzabo recently launched its Event Experience category and Event Experience Operating System (OS) to help companies “future-proof” events for a hybrid world.
The Experience OS, built from the ground up to lead the new category of Event experience was designed to give event organizers the tools they need to deliver personalized experiences, create magical moments that… more
Nov 26, 2021
Members of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) released a white paper underscoring the importance of event organizers posing key questions to suppliers and vendors when processing their customers’ data.
The creation of the white paper became crucial since the pandemic has significantly accelerated the adoption of digital solutions by event organizers over the last 18 months, according to Douglas Emslie, group CEO of Tarsus Group.
“As a result, there has been a substantial increase in the data ‘we’ are collecting on our customers and their behaviors, as well as an… more
Nov 19, 2021
Tech Giants: Banzai’s Joe Davy on Event Marketers as Heroes, the Future of Events and How to Prepare
Raised in a small university town in North Carolina, where both of his parents were English professors, Joe Davy was self-taught when it came to tech smarts, which have been top of mind for him since childhood.
“I learned to program on our 386 PC desktop at home using a manual for a Tandy 2000 computer that I found in a box of free books at my parents’ office,” he said.
Davy’s early interest in technology and programming eventually turned into an interest in business and entrepreneurship.
“I was lucky to meet a few life-changing mentors and friends who shaped me into who I am today,” he… more
Nov 12, 2021
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has partnered with software company JUNO to offer an enhanced platform for its audiences to experience content and connect with each other year-round.
“This platform enables PCMA to extend our digital strategy beyond events and connect our global community to continue conversation and learning,” said Sherrif Karamat, PCMA’s president and CEO, during the announcement on Nov. 10 at IMEX America in Las Vegas. “We are excited to partner with JUNO to offer an enhanced experience for our audiences to connect and engage with one another.”… more
Nov 04, 2021
It's no secret that events deliver valuable content but maximizing the value of that content after the fact is often overlooked. Organizations often capture and archive video content from their live events and webinars, and based on a recent survey, 65.9% of event organizers also make their virtual event content available on-demand after the live broadcast.
The result is a massive treasure trove of valuable and underused education, motivation and customer insight. With strategic planning, there are numerous opportunities to turn event content into a marketing goldmine, resulting in increased… more
Oct 29, 2021
Creating community around events has become an increasingly important way to build awareness, boost engagement, drive attendance and deliver on ROI goals. 365 Media, a leading expert in virtual and hybrid events and online community consulting, recently debuted a completely free resource that helps industry professionals create, build and grow online communities year-round while continually advancing their careers: the Community Leaders Institute (CLI).
The platform was designed to unite a global network of community leaders, founders, managers and launchers in various industries (including… more
Oct 29, 2021
Leave it to the IMEX Group to always make you feel like you’re part of their great big family. Event professionals unable to attend IMEX America in person this year are in luck. The group announced plans to debut IMEX BuzzHub Live, offering a unique virtual window into the world of the show, which takes place Nov. 9-11 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
“'There’s always a seat at our table’—this is our mantra, and we’ve worked to ensure IMEX America remains inclusive and available to all,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group. “As part of this, we’re launching our first-… more
Oct 22, 2021
Event technology is continuing to evolve at record speed, with new tools and platforms significantly improving the experience for organizers and attendees. Here are some of the most recent developments.
Hubilo
Virtual event platform Hubilo has secured $125 million in Series B funding from Alkeon Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Balderton Capital, bringing the company’s total funding to $153 million. The new investment will allow Hubilo to expand its global footprint, build out new functionalities and deliver on its product vision for the future of events.
“The potential ahead of… more
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