IAEE’s Expo! Expo! 2020 In Louisville Will Be a Hybrid Event
August 26, 2020
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is moving forward with a different event model for this year’s Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition. Set for Dec. 8-10 at Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, the annual show for exhibition and event industry professionals will be produced as a hybrid event that will include a virtual and a live, face-to-face experience.
According to Scott Craighead, IAEE vice president of exhibitions and events, the virtual component will still allow attendees who are unable to participate in person the opportunity to access an interactive online experience and conduct business.
“The journeys for physical and virtual attendees will be considerably different for content delivery and, of course, networking,” Craighead said. “The offerings in both environments will be highly customized. It’s also important to note that the physical attendees and exhibitors will have access to the virtual platform and all of its capabilities.”
He added, “IAEE sees the opportunity that a hybrid event provides, by extending the reach and life of content and connections.”
The online portion of Expo! Expo! will be powered by virtual trade show provider Swapcard, which came out on top following a rigorous RFP process that began in April.
Powered by artificial intelligence, Swapcard works with exhibition and event organizers including Informa, Clarion, Emerald, Oracle and Samsung.
“We are proud to have been selected as [IAEE’s] exclusive virtual conference and exhibition platform,” said Matthew Donegan-Ryan, general manager of Swapcard. “It’s a testament to our product and support teams who have rapidly expanded our ability to power thousands of complex virtual meetings during this challenging time for our industry.”
For the in-person portion of the event, IAEE is working closely with Louisville Tourism, KICC and other show partners on implementing initiatives to keep participants safe and healthy. This collaboration comes as Louisville Tourism recently announced its support of the GBAC STAR facility accreditation program.
An all-access pass for virtual Expo! Expo!, including all live and on-demand content, is available to IAEE members for $299. The association will also offer options for member organizers to attend the marketplace portion of the platform at no charge. Registration for the in-person event will be announced soon.
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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
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