New Event Tech Companies: Entries Open for SISO Event Innovation Battlefield
April 27, 2014
The Society of Independent Show Organizers now is accepting entries for its acclaimed SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, in which the overall winner will be named at the association’s Executive Leadership Conference Aug. 13 at the Revel Hotel in Atlantic City.
At this year’s SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, companies will present their breakthrough event technologies or new business models before an audience of SISO attendees.
“The Event Innovation Battlefield is an important motivational hub for innovation, ideas, talent and products,” said Lew Shomer, executive director of SISO.
He added, “It gives our members the ability to see what’s on the drawing boards now that will drive our industry in the future. And, not only does it give SISO the chance to attract the right companies interested in investing in our industry, we can also help incubate, develop and assist in the delivery of products and services to the market. It’s a win-win-win which will advance the event industry.”
SISO is using the GUST Platform (https://gust.com/organizations/siso/apply) to collect ideas and presenters, as well as reaching out into their industry database to attract candidates to present at this unique program.
SISO attendees will be introduced to the new innovations during a session where four vetted presenters will unveil their concept, creativity and the benefits of their products.
After a brief critique by a panel of experts, the audience will cast their vote for the product and presentation they found most impactful. Winners will be announced immediately.
The 2013 winner was Picatic - a company that developed a program that helps existing events with more revenue generation by creating opportunities to spawn new 'tracks' or 'side' events off the original event.
The Event Innovation Battlefield now is a permanent feature of the Leadership Conference, which features presentations, hard-hitting discussions, voting and an awards ceremony.
Only companies that are NEW TO MARKET or in LAST STAGE DEVELOPMENT and have completed the application process and have been nominated to present will showcase their innovations.
The Battlefield is the brainchild of David Adler, SISO board member and CEO of BizBash, and Marco Giberti, past-president of Reed Latin America, and is designed to keep SISO members ahead of the curve when it comes to developing creative, business-enhancing ideas, according to SISO officials.
“This is a way we can get forward thinking ideas in front of the people who can make things happen in a very short period of time,” Adler said. “I feel this annual competition will add value to the Leadership Conference as well as widen the appeal of the entire qualified SISO membership.”
The company that claims the coveted Event Innovation Battlefield title will have the opportunity to be mentored by SISO leaders and gain access to some of the largest companies in the event industry.
Likewise, the winning presenters will enjoy a complete program of recognition through the SISO website and the event industry press.
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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