May 22, 2018
Audio-visual and event services company, Staging Connections, has launched Cumulus, its latest mobile event app that allows clients to create a tailored solution with a range of features to streamline their management process and maximize event ROI.
With Cumulus, event organizers can manage their own event-specific content via a user-friendly interface so that they can make changes instantly, while event attendees have easy access to important event information from their smartphone or tablet.
Event information accessible on Cumulus includes venue details, floor plans, maps, event program,… more
May 17, 2018
Meet Betty. She fields attendee questions, answers them with accuracy, oh, and she works all day, every day, even holidays. What kind of superhuman is this? She’s not a person at all – Betty is a chatbot, which uses artificial intelligence to simulate human conversation.
Event organizers are adopting the cutting-edge technology known as artificial intelligence (AI) Chat to streamline customer service while improving attendees’ event experiences. Whether it’s Betty, Alexa, TIFFBot or Piobot, chatbots are increasing in numbers in the event industry.
“Chatbots are a new way of communicating… more
May 15, 2018
Fiscal year 2018 has been a successful one for Cobo Center’s technology services, which experienced a 58 percent jump in revenue compared to 2017.
According to Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center, this positive uptick comes alongside the fact that the facility’s WiFi remains free to visitors and events as a sales incentive.
“Facility-wide free WiFi in Cobo Center differentiates us in the market and has been free of charge since the installation of the original network in 1997,” Molinari explained. “The current 4G WiFi network and can handle 30,000 simultaneous users,… more
May 11, 2018
SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals, providers of computer, audio-visual (AV) and technology solutions for businesses and events, has added two new products to its event technology line-up for associations, trade shows, exhibit builders, conference planners and marketers.
Combining a full-HD image quality, LED-backlit LCD and a stylish, thin profile, the Sharp PN-LE601 Commercial Display LED Monitor has a built-in digital tuner and leading-edge picture technology that helps deliver amazing detail and consistent color (i.e., display colors of 1.07 billion).
The 60” monitor… more
May 08, 2018
A new event registration service specifically designed for small to mid-tier events is now available from Core-apps.
The new Core-apps Badger Registration Service was built for events ranging in size from 25-2500 attendees and is tailored to meetings, educational conferences and smaller shows that do not have a large expo presence.
The service offers dozens of potential registration options and rounds out the company’s existing offerings. Existing Core-apps clients can use it to provide a complete attendee engagement experience and the service will also appeal to new clients who do not… more
May 03, 2018
Transform USA has lined up an impressive array of event industry leaders to lead panel discussions and break-out sessions at its upcoming event, set for July 18 at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
Senior leaders of association, for-profit and corporate exhibitions and venues who are in attendance will have a chance to hear and engage with thought leaders from Clarion/UX, ReedPOP, National Kitchen & Bath Association, Reed Exhibitions and North American Veterinary Conference who will be focusing on how show organizers will be using data, analytics and digital to shape their events,… more
May 03, 2018
Enterprise event management company Cvent has announced that it will acquire mobile event app provider QuickMobile. The acquisition is expected to close before the end of May 2018.
The addition of QuickMobile's technology will help Cvent expand its Event Cloud Platform's mobile capabilities, providing mobile apps for events of all sizes.
Together, the organizations will:
Serve more than 25,500 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 100
Deliver 16.7 million app downloads
Offer over 950 product support professionals to ensure customer success
Reggie Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Cvent,… more
May 01, 2018
May 25 is the day that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) goes into effect. The GDPR provides EU citizens specific privacy rights regarding the collection, storage, transfer and use of their personally identifiable information. Non-compliance with the GDPR may result in significant fines and penalties of “up to €20 million, or 4% of the worldwide annual revenue of the prior financial year, whichever is higher,” according to the GDPR’s regulation 2016/679.
In March, I attended a roundtable event co-hosted by Key Events and Lenos Software on GDPR compliance and how it will affect… more
Apr 26, 2018
B2B eCommerce company, NuORDER, has launched Online Trade Show, a digital B2B marketplace where wholesale buyers can discover new brands, browse digital brand catalogs and place orders on demand anywhere and anytime from any mobile web browser.
Designed to be a digital continuation of the expo floor that compliments the physical trade show experience, the new platform offers buyers the discovery element experienced at live shows while enabling them to connect and conduct business with brands online both during and after the event.
Officially unveiled in December, Online Trade Show… more
Apr 24, 2018
Workforce management technology solutions provider, LASSO, has launched LASSO Signature, a new e-signature product that enables customers to electronically complete, review and sign documents from the same system they use to schedule, communicate and manage their workforces.
Designed to help streamline the on-boarding process and simplify on-going policy management, the new solution operates seamlessly with LASSO’s workforce management platform, dedicated to helping companies manage and automate their labor workflows and simplify processes for their crew and staff, according to Angela Alea,… 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