How LTE Direct Will Change Your Event Marketing

April 10, 2015

Lisa Apolinski

Lisa Apolinski is a professional speaker, blogger, and digital strategist. With her company, 3DogWrite.com, she works with event managers to get their message to attendees, particularly through digital channels, on and off the show floor.

I attended SXSW in Austin last month, and one of the most interesting sessions was the panel discussion around proximity marketing and the use of LTE Direct.

This is a new mobile technology that will be launched in the next couple of years. It allows ‘passive discovery’ as you can be constantly searching for new interests, information or activities/deals. And there are several unique features that are key to how you market your event.

Mobile phone as the beacon, and WI-FI agnostic: This technology is unique in you do not need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect. This not only allows engagement anywhere you are in proximity with other devices, it also saves on the battery life. And not having to rely on WI-FI is great when you are in a convention center, and service can be dodgy. You will still be able to reach your attendees, and that is impressive.

User controlled engagement: Each mobile user controls what s/he is searching, and the mobile user actually initiates the engagement because of it. As an example, think of someone coming into a trade show who is looking for a certain type of item or product. That individual can send out a communication, and receive information, brochures, or other communication from booths that have that specific product. Appointments could then be made, demonstrations set up in the booth tailored to that person, and customized engagement could be started.

Thousands of devices connected in seconds: One other great feature is that the technology allows thousands of devices to send information in seconds, and the range is about 500 meters. The technology also allows for the information to be always ‘on’ and transmitting, so as your attendee moves around the convention center, s/he can still engage with a variety of companies.

Keep your eye out for this technology being introduced in new devices, and how you can incorporate proximity marketing in an exciting new way.

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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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