Elisa Garghentino
Elisa Garghentino is a London, U.K.-based event manager with expertise in trade shows and corporate events.
How Communication Is Playing a Key Role In the Events Industry Amidst COVID-19
September 2, 2020
COVID-19 has made a devastating impact on all the aspects of our lives, but it is also prompting an outpouring of creativity in the events industry. The way we communicate and interact with colleagues, professionals and members of the public in trade shows is, in fact, playing a more and more relevant role. It’s key to streamline the way we present ourselves to others, making sure that without even interacting with them, they are already aware of where we are standing. This is why the launch of the new social bands in the industry has been received with success.
Social brands was created as an affordable and easy-to-understand system that is based on the red, yellow and green-light color system, with red indicating “no contact,” yellow “elbows only” and green “high-fives and handshakes OK.” That gives the opportunity to whoever wears them to simply state their position without the need of having awkward conversations.
Communication is also extremely important in the networking process that has inevitably moved from a handshake over a coffee at lunch to a new digital era where you can succeed in creating new significant connections by using your laptop and attending webinars or conducting Zoom calls.
Research has already shown how this new process is considered easier to adopt, especially for introverts — who see in the screen a way to feel less stressed compared to a face-to-face meeting.
Technology and its changes have also revolutionized events and become one of the real protagonists of a new era: One that not only sees the introduction of the latest way of capturing data and of using social media channels to interact with users, but also the creation of physical objects that will make the communication process seamless and more efficient.
Smart tech-solutions such as hygiene-friendly door hooks and hands-free door openers that can be operated by using the forearm are in the pipeline and will be soon presented as the latest solutions that will revolutionize the way we operate. Among them, it’s worth mentioning a combination of wearable tech available in different formats such as a lanyard, a wristband or a hit-vis vest with technology that alerts the wearer when they get too close to another wearer.
Important additions are also the new monitors with thermal imaging cameras positioned at the venue entrance that are able to detect anyone who may be experiencing a higher than normal temperature, and new remotely operated devices that decontaminate both the air and the surfaces in a room, killing 99.9 percent of pathogens and preventing the spread of the virus.
Solutions that are aimed to monitor and protect those in attendance and represent a real game-changer that will not only allow us to deliver events again but also do it in a safe manner for all parties involved, offer a huge contribution to the industry.
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