New Tech Tools Help Planners Along Each Stage of an Event

November 25, 2020

With virtual elements taking an increasingly prominent role in the events industry, new digital technologies continue to emerge to aid planners with the various components involved in a meeting or exhibition.

Here are four recently launched tools that help organizers in everything from site selection and exhibit booth design to networking and awards.

IFEMA Virtual Site Tour

Madrid-based IFEMA launched a new digital tool that offers a 360-degree virtual tour of the indoor and outdoor spaces, rooms and halls at its Feria de Madrid and IFEMA Palacio Municipal meeting venues. The new technology, created with Recorrido Virtual and available on any device, also allows meeting planners to book and reserve space and receive comprehensive advice throughout the process from IFEMA staff without having to travel to the site.

Convey Services Cloud Exhibit

Convey Services expanded its Cloud Conventions platform with the launch of Cloud Exhibit, the digital version of a custom trade show booth. “Large corporations and big sponsors asked us to develop a way for them to have a custom exhibit inside any virtual event space,” said Bruce Ahern, founder of Convey Services. “They didn't like the flat environment many virtual environments provide.”

The new universal, portable, virtual Cloud Exhibit environment was designed to improve branding and enhance the attendee experience for companies sponsoring or exhibiting at any virtual event, regardless of the platform used. Cloud Exhibit also can showcase products and services by selectively displaying from a collection of formats and assets to match every audience.

Glue Up Speed Networking Tool

Glue Up (which recently changed its name from EventBank) debuted a new Speed Networking Tool designed to help businesses and professionals connect in a virtual environment. The new platform boasts a fully immersive virtual networking experience that allows clients to host meet-ups, exchange business cards and socialize with one another all online and all in one place.

“This feature is like speed dating for professionals,”  said Olivia Ji, president and co-founder of Glue Up. “Instead of looking for a date, you are looking for a person that will help expand your business, professional goals, increase revenue, etc.”

Evessio Awards Room

Recently launched by Evessio, the Awards Room was designed to provide an ideal hybrid experience by combining physical and digital award ceremonies. “Our aim was to create a product for organizers that has it all in one place,” said Thomas Howie, COO of Evessio. “We believe it really does offer a truly global extension to their event brand.”

The Awards Room allows organizers to invite audiences from anywhere in the world and provides sponsors with exposure throughout the ceremony regardless of whether they are in the room or on the screen. The platform also allows networking opportunities and sponsor package ideas, among other tools.

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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