“Reinventing Live” Explores the Future of Events
May 4, 2021
It’s now a matter of when, and not if, events return. That’s all that is certain. Change is coming, but in what form is anyone’s guess.
Two industry veterans with as much of an educated opinion on the future of events are Denzil Rankine, founder of and executive chairman of consulting firm AMR International, and Marco Giberti, a tech whiz who is founder and CEO of Vesuvio Ventures. The pair have written the book on where events are headed, “Reinventing Live: The Always On Future of Events,” which they will discuss in-depth with TSNN Editorial Director Matt Swenson during a webinar on May 11 at 11 a.m. EST.
As the title suggests, the authors “already had ideas about how events needed to change,” Rankine writes in an introduction to the book. “The pandemic merely became the catalyst, triggering the biggest turning point in the history of the global events industry and causing organizers and suppliers to be collectively concerned about their survival.”
Anyone involved in events should have used the past 14 months to evaluate their way of doing business. Are companies putting on the right kind of shows? Are exhibitors engaging attendees properly? Are planners able to see the big picture rather than organizing a set of education sessions broken up by meals and functions?
How those answers play out will dictate whether an event maintains lasting power — an onus that falls largely on the planner. See this excerpt from the book:
“Today’s organizers need to adapt to being more than just organizers. Their challenge will be to translate trusted brands, market knowledge, attendee databases, industry- supplier databases, and content into meaningful platforms that emulate and improve what we do in the physical world online. This means hybrid online- offline- online platforms will prompt communities to interact in many new ways.”
Rankine and Giberti interview a who’s who of industry experts in analyzing technology, revenue generation and more in this comprehensive examination. Those interviewed are impressed with the final results.
“This book elegantly bridges the legacy live exhibition business to what the authors call 'community catalyst’,” said Charlie McCurdy, president and CEO of Informa Markets. “The challenge is now with us, the exhibitions organizers of the world, to engage."
Said Douglas Emslie, Group Chief Executive of Tarsus: “Denzil’s and Marco’s book is an essential read for executives working their way through the digital change and looking to make sure they cover all the angles. This book is a key read in establishing your strategy for the future of your business.”
To register for the upcoming webinar, click here.
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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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