Rock, Paper, Events: Paradigm Shift
April 9, 2013
Huge news today out of New York City about American Business Media (ABM) merging with the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). I mean HUGE news.
ABM is the venerable 107 year-old b-to-b media association, which states, in their own words, that their “… 200-plus member companies reach an audience of more than 100 million professionals and represent nearly 4,000 print and online titles and over 1,000 trade shows, with more than $20 billion in annual revenues.” By comparison SIIA has 750 member companies.
ABM was ‘the bomb.’ If you had anything to do with print media – and I mean anything – you had to be involved with ABM. They lobbied the US Postal Service to keep mailing rates down, provided excellent education and networking and were the go-to research resource for all things b-to-b media related. It was – and is – heavily print-centric. In fact, ABM started out as ABP: American Business Press.
At ABM meetings, many of which I was privileged to speak at, one could rub elbows with true giants of media … folks with names like McGraw and Crain – and even a Hearst.
Now, it finds itself having to merge with SIIA, because it is no longer viable as a standalone organization. ABM is becoming part of SIIA’s Content Division. I certainly do not fault ABM for this, as the industry they serve has changed dramatically and dynamically. They did have a flawed revenue model, based on member income that saw their largest members paying $800,000 a year in dues – members that are no longer publishing. SIIA’s top dues are $125,000.
ABM also moved into the event space about 10 years ago by creating an Events Council that did a good job of teaching smaller publishers how to launch events. But the move to digital got the best of ABM and its members.
It is telling that this news comes today, as SISO closes out in Kiawah Island with record overall and member attendance. The meetings and events industry is thriving. IAEE, PCMA, MPI and others are reporting record attendance at their events.
Many had predicted that events were doomed. I had always said that if people stopped meeting in person, we would have much bigger issues on the planet. Thankfully, people still want to get together and meet. At the same time, these same people are receiving and consuming information in a much different fashion.
Digital swallows print, an association founded in 1984 swallows up one founded in 1906, heck – last year Google even swallowed up Frommer’s. In contrast, the first recorded tradeshow in Frankfurt, Germany, was held in 1294 A.D.
With all this debris floating about, it is good to remember that a great thing about meetings and events is that the fundamental paradigm has not changed. After all, we are human … thankfully.
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
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