May 08, 2020
St. Louis-based event technology software company Ungerboeck is preparing to launch a new feature for managing virtual events. Customers will have their choice of using a virtual event provider, such as GoToWebinar or Zoom, and then be able to seamlessly manage online participants, event details and engagement statistics directly through the Ungerboeck platform.
“Our customers are facing very challenging times, and it is our responsibility to adapt our software to their evolving needs,” said Manish Chandak, Ungerboeck president and CEO. “This virtual event extension to our platform offers… more
Apr 30, 2020
Conference management service and software provider eventPower has launched new services and tools to help planners with live, virtual and hybrid events. Clients can choose from fully managed solutions (working with eventPower’s meeting planners) or software as a service tools.
“We wanted to improve the efficiency of the existing sales process and create a software that ultimately seeks to increase revenue for our existing and future clients,” said Laurie Powell, eventPower’s vice president of business development, regarding the new exhibit selection and management tool.
Frank Powell,… more
Apr 24, 2020
Naylor Association Solutions has released a reconfigured version of its Boxwood GO job board platform to help fill critical employment gaps caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Released on April 14 and offered to associations for free for 90 days, the platform – originally designed to be a job board for employers – now enables job searchers and volunteers to post their availability to work.
“While current unemployment levels are at record highs, the fact remains that many industries are desperate to find workers right now,” said Tom Aley, group vice president of software solutions for Naylor,… more
Apr 16, 2020
With so much uncertainty in the world, and with most of us isolating in our homes and feeling concerned about the future, there is no time like the present to establish a meditation and mindfulness practice. While the idea of sitting still and trying to quiet your mind while breathing deeply may seem challenging for many, there are incredible benefits to be had from a regular meditation practice. As many long-time meditators (including yours truly) can attest, a regular practice not only helps relieve stress, increase focus and improve sleep, but also enhances one’s self-awareness and overall… more
Apr 08, 2020
Networking and events platform Hio (which stands for “hit it off”) has launched two new offerings to facilitate virtual networking and socialization — and is offering free Hio Premium access from April 1 – June 30.
Event planners can create, host and manage virtual events free of charge on the Hio platform. The Host-Moderated Virtual Event option works for webinars, speakers and individual networking sessions during an event, while the new Virtual Lounge format provides a formal opportunity for attendees to engage in one-on-one networking sessions. Network Now, a new Hio Premium feature,… more
Apr 01, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic may be keeping exhibition professionals away from one another, but the desire to connect, discuss and learn has only accelerated. To fill this need and support its membership after postponing its global events slated for this spring, UFI has launched UFI Connects, a new online program offering free talks, panels and webinars to help event professionals stay connected and prepare for what comes next.
According to Kai Hattendorf, managing director and CEO of UFI, the online content presented on this program is designed to mirror the live content delivered at UFI’s… more
Mar 25, 2020
IBTM Events launched a new platform this week called IBTM Connect. The online resource hub is designed as a space for business events professionals to access and share knowledge and practical guidance, increasingly relevant in today’s uncertain world.
According to IBTM officials, the launch is part of a three-step plan to connect exhibitors, hosted buyers and the wider industry as we collectively navigate the impact of COVID-19.
“We recognize that this is an unprecedented period of challenge for our industry and we’re absolutely committed to continuing to provide support and education for… more
Mar 18, 2020
Event management solution company Aventri is partnering with three digital event providers — Digitell, Evia and Intrado Digital Media — to help customers who have had to rethink their events in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. These new offerings will provide all current Aventri customers and any event planners globally with the option to move their events to a virtual platform or to add a digital component to any event.
“Most people with events happening soon are thinking about what to do if they can’t hold events as planned,” says Jim Sharpe, CEO of Aventri. “They want to know they… more
Mar 12, 2020
With trade shows and conferences of all sizes being canceled or postponed due to travel restrictions and COVID-19 health concerns, event planners are scrambling to take their live events digital to meet the needs of their audiences. While nothing beats the power of face-to-face meetings, given the choice between hosting a virtual event or nothing at all, it makes sense event organizers are taking full advantage of digital tools like video conferencing and online marketplaces, and streaming keynote speakers and educational sessions.
But what if your event doesn’t have an established digital… more
Mar 05, 2020
Getting from one’s hotel to the Las Vegas Convention Center and back again has become a lot easier and cheaper for some trade show exhibitors and attendees. For the second time, the Las Vegas Monorail is offering unlimited rides for CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE show participants via 3-day attendee and 7-day exhibitor passes embedded into every trade show badge. The triennial event is set to take place March 10 – 14.
This value-add not only makes riding the rail system more convenient for busy conventioneers, who simply scan their badges and go without having to line up at ticket kiosks or… 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