CEIR Examines Generational Needs in Fifth Attendee ROI Playback Series

November 19, 2018

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced today the release of the fifth report in the Attendee ROI Playbook series, Generational Differences and Similarities.

“This document is more than a fact sheet,” said CEIR Senior Research Director, Nancy Drapeau, PRC. “It summarizes all aspects in this study, pinpointing how the value proposition for attending varies and is the same generationally. Career-stage needs, information source preferences and influence of the experiential aspect of attending from a generational perspective are discussed. Results signal the high importance of paying attention to these areas to ensure an event hits the value meter of attendees of all generations it serves."

This 18-page report provides an analysis of attendees by generation for the following:

  • Workforce profile
  • Attendee profile by job level and job function
  • Purchasing influence
  • Decision-making process for attending
  • Importance of objectives for attending
  • Extent of pre-planning activities
  • Extent of tracking activities while at an exhibition
  • Process followed to evaluate outcome of attending
  • Metrics used to determine value/ROI of attending
  • Net Promoter Score (NPS)
  • Attendee ROI/Value Scorecard – summary of the most popular metrics used, where metric users find their needs are met and where B2B exhibitions deliver the best value/ROI
  • Ranking of B2B exhibitions compared to other primary information sources relied upon for business information and purchasing decision needs
  • Average and median number of B2B exhibitions attended in the past two years
  • Anticipated volume of attendance in the next two years
  • Reasons for anticipated volume of attendance in the next two years
  • Suggestions on how to address gaps to enhance the value of attending a B2B exhibition
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“Segmenting target audiences by age or generation is a worthwhile strategic planning effort. This report provides readers with industry benchmarks that organizers and exhibitors can use to compare their offerings and decide where to make adjustments to align with what their target attendees value most. Engaging in these efforts benefits all stakeholders – organizers, exhibitors and attendees,” said CEIR CEO Cathy Breden, CMP, CAE. She further noted, “A very special thank you to the PCMA Education Foundation, whose financial support helped make this research possible.”

Through the generous sponsorship of this study by the PCMA Education Foundation and IAEE, all reports released in the Attendee ROI Playbook series are available at no charge on the CEIR website here.

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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