Jenn Waters
Jenn Waters is the assistant publisher and digital media manager at CustomNEWS, Inc. She can be reached at jwaters@showdailies.com.
Apps, Sure … But Where Are the Maps?
September 20, 2017
My mom and I were making our way through her favorite supermarket recently, when she said to me, “We should have picked up a directory.” Although my mom has been coming to this store for more than 20 years, the store’s ongoing remodel had left her feeling out of sorts. It took a few wrong turns before we finally came across the orange juice.
This experience reinforces what I’ve come across during trade shows: attendees want something to help them be more efficient when navigating an exhibit hall. Overhead signage and oversize directories at the hall entrance are helpful, but attendees still want something to which they can refer as they make their way across the aisles.
Mobile apps are now a must-have for conferences, with adoption rates continuing to rise as attendees see the value in having access to information that can be updated in real time. But when it comes to navigating an exhibit hall, mobile apps may fall short. Yes, apps can be used to access company descriptions, sort vendors by categories and create a list of vendors to visit. Maps, however, can be challenging to use on an app – having to zoom in and out can get old very quickly.
Earlier this year during ASAE’s MM&C Conference, I spoke about the American Physical Therapy Association’s experience. They found they had unknowingly eliminated something attendees counted on: a printed exhibitor list and floor plan. APTA had replaced their onsite print program with the mobile app but continued publishing a show daily. Their daily newspaper, because of its overnight printing schedule, came to the rescue by providing the printed exhibitor list and floor plan on which attendees depended.
Another client provided a letter-size map and floor plan for attendees, but some found this too small. I happened to be hearing their complaints as I stood near a show daily bin. I opened up that day’s issue to the centerspread, where we had included the exhibitor list and a large floor plan. I couldn’t hand out copies fast enough as attendees felt that was what they needed to make the most of their time on the show floor.
There are motivating factors that are food for thought when considering reducing or eliminating onsite print communication tools at your conference. But wouldn’t it be worth reconsidering ways to provide an updated exhibitor list and floor plan to your attendees?
Staying one step ahead of your attendees is a must. Whether you have an exhibitor list and floor plan in a condensed program book or exhibitor guide, or include it in your show daily, it will show attendees you recognize that they depend on certain tools to make the most of their conference experience.
After all, I can only imagine my mom’s reaction if her grocery store only made a map of their new layout available on their mobile app – they’d lose a customer for sure.
Do you want to take that risk?
Jenn Waters is the assistant publisher and digital media manager at CustomNEWS, Inc. She can be reached at jwaters@showdailies.com.
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