Tech News

Jun 13, 2017
The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau recently was honored with an American Marketing Association Cincinnati Pinnacle Award for its Cincinnati Virtual Reality Experience. The AMA’s “Best Use of Technology for SALES Enablement” award recognizes the innovative use of technology for driving sales initiatives, asset creation, relationship development, and conference and trade show participation. Launched in 2016, the Cincinnati USA Virtual Reality Experience provides a motion-focused, guided tour through Cincinnati that showcases some of the city’s top… more
Jun 10, 2017
A 2014 study published by Cornell University’s  Thomas Gilovich and Amit Kumar concluded that experiences are a better buy than things. People get more long-lasting satisfaction from vacations, concerts, and meals out than they do with say upgrading their car or buying a new gadget. Their research revealed that in an overwhelming material economy, experiences are valued by consumers as these foster social well-being and successful relationship building. At the same time, other studies by leading groups, such as Think with Google, reveal that consumers interact with their devices… more
Jun 09, 2017
Smart City Networks has rolled out a nationwide upgrade of its wireless networking services that will enhance the speed and flexibility of wireless offerings at 39 convention centers and other venues it manages throughout the U.S. The system-wide implementation of the MikroTik captive portal included installation of 234 new gateway devices at Smart City facilities designed to increase capacity and speed. The upgrade means convention attendees will be able to log in to the gateway at a convention –  much like they would at a coffee shop or airport – quicker than ever before,… more
Jun 02, 2017
Technology enjoyed an ample time in the spotlight at last month’s IMEX, held May 16-18 at Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany. One of the biggest tech highlights was the annual #IMEXpitch competition, which gives event professionals the chance to check out the rising stars of the event tech sector as new start-ups compete for audience attention and votes via live, five-minute presentations in front of an expert judging panel. The five finalists showcased innovative technologies dedicated to business networking, streamlining travel, audience interaction, crowdsourcing of content and… more
May 31, 2017
The Outdoor Advertising Association of America, the trade association for the out of home (OOH) advertising industry, joined forces with event technology solutions company ACCESS Event Solutions and digital experience engine Blue Bite to deliver interactive engagements to attendees at the 2017 OAAA\ Geopath National Convention + Expo, held May 15-17 at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans. In an effort to engage attendees throughout the annual event, each conference badge was enabled with dual-sensor technology. Attendees simply tapped their phones against their NFC-enabled badges to receive… more
May 25, 2017
Once upon a time, the American Quarter Horse Association relied on the antiquated method of using email to communicate with attendees and event staff during their world shows and events throughout the year. As a result, the largest equine breed registry and membership organization struggled to provide real-time updates and other important notifications that were crucial to the success of their events. Enter emergency notification system provider AlertMedia, which helped bring AQHA’s mass communications methods into the modern age via a user-friendly, two-way notification software… more
May 23, 2017
By their very nature, face-to-face events tend to draw and bring out the best in people with extrovert personalities. However, as Susan Cain mentions in this now very popular TED Talk “The Power of Introverts,” introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to this world, and we need to pay attention to what they think and do. Much of the focus in the industry lately has been on the younger generations. But introverts can belong to any generation, and if they are coming to your event for the first time, then you may need to figure out how to identify and draw out the… more
May 17, 2017
Event personalization specialist Feathr has launched “Da Vinci,” a major new update to its award-winning event platform that empowers event organizers to create personalized event experiences through data, insights and communication.  As the first step in realizing Feathr’s vision of shaping the future of the event experience, “Da Vinci” is Feathr’s most significant product update to date and official shift to the Event Personalization Platform, according to company officials. “Inspired by Da Vinci’s endless pursuit of flight and unique… more
May 16, 2017
The Orange County Convention Center has launched atlas3D’s MapSpacer technology for meeting space exploration, selection and event planning for complimentary use on its website. By being the first convention center in the world to offer this cutting-edge technology, the OCCC has opened the door for show organizers, attendees and exhibitors to harness a more convenient, dynamic and streamlined way to explore the Orlando-based convention center’s facilities, grounds, surroundings, and myriad meeting and break-out spaces. Think of it as an interactive virtual site visit, from any… more
May 09, 2017
The global event management platform, etouches, has been acquired by HGGC, a middle market private equity firm. HGGC’s investment will help the fast-growing event management software and sourcing solutions provider significantly expand its business in order to achieve a greater share of the $6 billion Event Management Software (EMS) and venue sourcing market, according to HGGC officials. “We are very excited to partner with HGGC as we continue to enhance our offering and capitalize on the large whitespace in the market” said Oni Chukwu, etouches CEO. He continued, “The… 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