XTI-360 Aims to Shield Events from Germs and Viruses
January 11, 2021
Imagine an event in which attendees are not skittish to touch a surface. While many never gave such a simple movement a second thought before, it will be a point of interest in a post-COVID world.
But a new technology, XTI-360, could put the fear factor back in Pandora’s box. Through nano-coating, seeping into the pores of surfaces, the product kills germs essentially on contact. The company pledges that any product sprayed is safe for up to one year.
“The general idea of this is to substitute technology with human behavior,” explained Joel Hartstone, CEO and chairman of XTI-360. “This lets you take your hands out of your pockets.”
The coating is 99% water, 1% Titanium Dioxide and a drop of silver—a formula that is considered green-friendly.
Bridging the gap from science to trade shows and conferences is Hartstone’s daughter, Emily Hartstone, vice president at Magellan Management, an events management company based in Boca Raton, Florida.
Emily Hartstone handles XTI-360’s public relations and is co-owner of an offshoot company, PromoGuard LLC, which concentrates on applying the anti-microbial coating to promotional items.
A meeting planner by trade, Emily Hartstone is now serving a dual role as a supplier representing XTI-360 at industry gatherings. She facilitated an arrangement in which XTI-360 provided anti-microbial masks to attendees of the Connect conferences last year. As an extension, she took appointments with hotels, convention centers and other venues to use the product—an ongoing effort.
“Our end goal is to coat every touchable surface,” Emily said. “It will take years, but we will get there.”
Furthering the cause, XTI-360 recently forged a partnership with the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, the division of ISSA that is responsible for the now coveted GBAC Star accreditation. In theory, this should pave the way toward the coating being utilized at sports arenas, airports and other high-priority sites, perhaps including subway systems, cruise lines, hospitals and government buildings.
Just as silver is known to have healing properties, the technology behind XTI-360 is not new. An engineer in Taiwan developed the formula about a decade ago and the new company is bringing it to North America, Hartstone explained. Her 75-year-old father came on board because of his experience with entrepreneurial efforts.
A new production center in Pennsylvania is bringing the manufacturing to the United States, with other centers in the pipeline. Once a client signs on, staff is trained to properly administer the coating or XTI-360 can apply it themselves. GBAC will also work to employ the product.
So far, the response to the potentially revolutionary product is one of two extremes: Vendors either love it or think it’s too good to be true. “This is the real deal,” Emily Hartstone said.
Emily Hartstone, who faces a continual battle with Leukemia, swears by XTI-360. She has coated all her clothes, devices and surfaces.
COVID-19 vaccines will not make the technology out of date—meeting planners will appreciate its ability to nullify perennial problem child norovirus and other viruses that plague events.
“This is an opportunity to change the world,” Hartstone said.
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!
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
Add new comment