Tech News

Sep 08, 2017
Smart City Networks has been playing a different kind of role in Houston this past week. Instead of supporting the technology and data needs of trade shows at the convention facilities it serves, the company has been working overtime to help Hurricane Harvey survivors stay in touch with their loved ones and other resources at several emergency shelters throughout Texas, including the George R. Brown Convention Center and NRG Park in Houston. “Smart City began in Houston more than 30 years ago,” explained Mark Haley, president of Smart City Networks. “It was a top priority for us to keep… more
Sep 07, 2017
Social Tables has released a free version of its Event Planner Essential, a digital platform that helps organizers and planners bring events to life while allowing them to collaborate with event stakeholders, venues and each other in real-time. By giving event professionals access to this complimentary event planning package, Social Tables hopes to empower more planners to bring people together face-to-face, regardless of event technology budgets. “Whether you’re a professional planner who needs a powerful yet easy-to-use tool to design your event, a parent volunteering at the registration… more
Aug 31, 2017
Technology companies with new products or services relevant to the meetings, incentive, conference and events (MICE) industry have until Sept. 8 to enter the ibtm world Tech Watch Award. The Tech Watch Award 2017 winner will be announced at ibtm world 2017, taking place Nov. 28-30 at Fira Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain. Designed to recognize the achievements of up and coming technologies in the meetings and events space, the highly competitive Tech Watch Award gives technology companies the opportunity to showcase their products to thousands of global buyers, influencers and media in the… more
Aug 30, 2017
Mobile app technology can be an incredible tool for show organizers, especially those platforms that help event professionals streamline their events. As a result, you don’t have to look far these days to find a slew of mobile apps specifically designed to help improve all aspects of the event planning and execution ecosystem. Designed to simplify the attendance tracking process for educational sessions of all sizes, Expo Logic has created TrackPod, an interactive session-scanning mobile app that uses the camera on a mobile device to keep track of session attendees. “This app is expected… more
Aug 25, 2017
Messe Frankfurt’s websites are undergoing a widespread makeover designed to provide a fresh new look and improved functionality for a better user experience. The show organizers’ internet portal, messefrankfurt.com, already has undergone its transformation. Relaunched on Aug. 22, the revamped site sports large visual elements, a user-friendly approach and utilizes responsive web design to ensure page optimization for all devices. “The messefrankfurt.com portal is the digital gateway for creating business opportunities for our customers,” said Wolfgang Marzin, president and CEO of Messe… more
Aug 22, 2017
At the Corporate Event Marketing Association’s (CEMA) Summit 2017, attendees had a chance to witness a host of innovative ideas that could very well change the way events are created, marketed and produced in the future. Held July 30-Aug. 1 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in Rancho Bernardo, CA, the CEMA Summit is an annual gathering for event marketing professionals, association peers and partners that features the CEMA Innovation Shoot-out, a contest for event marketing and management firms showcasing their most innovative event technology and marketing solutions. “Each year, CEMA Innovation… more
Aug 18, 2017
Scholarship applications now are being accepted for the Digital Event Strategist (DES) course and certification exam. Sponsored by Meetings + Conventions Calgary and supported by the PCMA Education Foundation’s Digital Experience Institute (DEI), the scholarships support meeting professionals seeking to further their digital and hybrid event education. As the exclusive sponsor of these scholarships, Meetings + Conventions Calgary supports the application, online course and exam fees, a more than $1,000 USD value. “It’s been exciting to see the digital event space evolve into a strategic… more
Aug 16, 2017
According to a 'State of Sales' report published by Salesforce in November 2016, growing the number of leads/new customers tops the leading sales objectives for sales professionals worldwide. Fifty-six percent of the more than 3,100 sales professionals from a variety of industries who responded to the survey cited this as their number one priority. At the same time, many B2B companies are finding it difficult to achieve their sales goals. A January 2016 study of B2B marketing and sales executives worldwide from Seismic showed over 60 percent of respondents named the lengthening sales cycle… more
Aug 08, 2017
In response to growing customer demand, SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals has expanded its Las Vegas operations center.  Designed to maximize productivity, efficiency and safety, the company’s new 39,000 square foot space features a new production center with advanced information technologies to support upgraded internal networking and equipment configuration. “SmartSource’s Las Vegas location is doubling the size of its operation in response to steady growth in the local market, enabling the company to be more responsive in supporting our larger trade shows and events, as… more
Aug 02, 2017
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) knew it needed to do something to streamline and expedite its sponsorships sales methods for its Annual Meeting. The association’s annual event, which attracts more than 10,000 physicians, business administrators and advanced practice providers, also draws in a host of big-name sponsors, including pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers and volunteer health organizations, all vying to engage with attendees. But for many years, processing an AAN sponsorship sale involved an antiquated, multi-step process, starting with delivering a… 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