Is Our Exhibition Workforce Ready for the Future? Join #Expochat Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. ET!

September 27, 2019

Technology, diversity, the economy and customer expectations (among other factors) are pushing members of the trade show industry to be more proficient, creative and open-minded than in the past.

Join our next #Expochat on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. ET, when moderator Michelle Bruno will help us explore what workers in the exhibition industry need to know and how the industry can build a future-proof workforce.

Here are some questions we’ll be addressing:

1.     What are the biggest issues impacting exhibition industry workers today?

2.     What do exhibition workers need to know today that they didn’t need to know yesterday?

3.     Where are workers getting the training, education and mentorship they need to do their jobs now?

4.     What additional training, education or non-traditional knowledge-gathering opportunities do workers need? 

5.     How do freelancers, consultants and contract workers fit into the preparedness gap?

6.     What should an apprenticeship program for exhibition organizers look like?

7.     How are organizations incentivizing and motivating workers to future-proof themselves?

8.     How are exhibition workers preparing themselves for the future?

9.     How can diversity (of any kind) help exhibition-industry workers?

10.  What should be the role of industry associations in building a future-proof workforce?

What is #Expochat?

Expochat is a Twitter-based conversation on topics related to the trade show industry. It takes place most Wednesdays at 1 p.m. ET and tackles a single topic each week – a recurring pain point, innovative ideas, evolution of the industry, best practices and more.

Expochat is alternately moderated by industry thought leaders: Stephanie Selesnick (International Trade Information, Inc.), Michael Doane (CadmiumCD), Elizabeth Johnson (Glee Content Marketing) and Marlys K. Arnold (ImageSpecialist).

The discussion is a fast-paced 60 minutes, during which participants may ask questions of the group on any topic. To participate, sign up on Twitter and follow the #Expochat hashtag at the appointed time. Questions will be identified as Q1, Q2, etc. Responses from participants should be written as A1, A2, etc. Tools such as TweetDeck, Hootsuite and others can make it easier to participate. Ideas are welcome on Expochat (but commercialism is not).

Why attend this free Twitter chat? 

·      It’s free education – and doesn’t everyone need a little schooling?

·      It will help you will expand your network while learning from your peers.

·     It’s a fun, engaging and insightful conversation with your community.  

Come to the chat with questions about anything trade show related. We will use our community to address your issues or maybe even hook you up with some help!

Trade Show News Network, the leading online exhibition industry news resource, sponsors the chat, and topics are listed in advance on TSNN. Reminders will be tweeted out prior to each week’s discussion, but if you miss a chat, archived transcripts are available on TSNN. We gladly accept requests for topics, too: Simply reach out to Arlene Shows, marketing director, by emailing her at ashows@tarsusus.com.

#Expochat works because the community supports it. Join us for the best live conversations about the industry that signs your paycheck. Rants welcome!

Missed #Expochat? No problem! View past chats and stay informed here!

 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

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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