IAEE Teams Up with Epistemix to Make Its Data-Driven Decision Support Tool More Accessible for Event Organizers

September 2, 2021

As those in the meetings and exhibitions industries know all too well, changes in the COVID-19 pandemic are continuing to cause major challenges for event organizers, with any organization looking to host a trade show or conference tasked with taking changing information from public health officials into account. In such a complex environment, it can be understandably difficult for organizers to demonstrate their ability to run events in a safe and sustainable way. 

Enter Epistemix, a leading provider of analytical tools that simulate how diseases, ideas and behavior spread through populations. Designed to meet the needs of event organizers, venues and public health officials, its decision support solution generates actionable insights for decision-makers by simulating the impact of COVID-19 on event operations and attendance. 

To help event organizers plan their upcoming events with confidence, assure stakeholders with science-backed data and empower decision-makers to take informed action, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has teamed with Epistemix to provide organizers, destination marketing organizations and venues with a special rate to access Epistemix’s modeling software dashboard. 

“Decision-making around the pandemic has been a challenge for so many organizations,” said John Cordier, CEO of Epistemix, which leverages decades of epidemiological experience, diverse datasets, realistic population dynamics and scientific best practices to build computational models that forecast the impacts of policy interventions. 

He continued, “Having the right tools to solve a problem is the first step a decision-maker must get right. With the help of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance, IAEE and other partners, show organizers can now leverage a data-driven tool to support decision-making and communications on event safety for their specific events.” 

Created with the help of city and state leaders in public health, Epistemix’s solution simulates the impact of mask-wearing, social distancing and different levels of vaccination coverage at an event, while taking into account the changes in the pandemic and vaccination coverage in the locations from which attendees are traveling.

Epistemix’s simulations have been used by groups including the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization, and it is currently working with companies, event organizers, schools and state and local governments across the U.S. to evaluate opening strategies and gauge COVID-19 response. 

“With the Delta variant adding a layer of complexity to planning events, the Epistemix modeling software allows organizers to provide event stakeholders with assurance that their event is safe to attend,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois. “We are thrilled to announce this agreement and get this vital software into organizers’ hands as we continue down the road to recovery. Epistemix adds a powerful tool to the organizer’s toolbox when planning shows and gives them confidence in uncertain times.” 

For more information about Epistemix’s solution and to receive IAEE’s special rate, go here.

  

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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