Tech News

Oct 24, 2016
In recent years, smart technology has enabled event organizers to automate transactions, scale processes, and simplify interactions with participants. With significant reduction in manual effort, as well as in duplication of work, they can now centralize and analyze data more efficiently. In fact, technology has become an indispensable part of an event management team’s operations. A larger range organizations are looking to replicate the same success for their nascent events as well. However, picking the best possible options while remaining cost effective can seem like a daunting… more
Oct 21, 2016
Las Vegas unveiled its trade show booth, Vegas Interactive, at IMEX America, which ran Oct. 18-20 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. The trade show booth featured an interactive video wall that allows users to access detailed information about hotel, convention and event spaces through the power of touch-screen technology. "Our new trade show booth creates a unique and memorable brand connection to Vegas," said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing, LVCVA. She added, "The technology allows travel professionals who plan or sell leisure… more
Oct 16, 2016
The High Point Market Authority (HPMA) has made several enhancements and updates to the MyMarket app for Fall Market, on tap Oct. 22-26 in High Point, N.C. Originally released in April 2016 in advance of Spring Market, the app features innovative indoor and outdoor mapping technology. Utilizing GPS technology, the app offers building to building blue dot navigation, allowing users to easily select an exhibitor and quickly map a route from their current location to the showroom’s address. Additionally, the app features indoor mapping technology within specific buildings, allowing… more
Oct 09, 2016
Sixty-one point three percent of meeting professionals agreed that currently available event technology makes event management much easier and that it will develop and change dramatically in the next 10 years, but 92 percent admit that meeting planners are not making the most of such technology solutions.   These were among the key findings of new research carried out for IMEX America by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) providing fascinating insight into the views of meeting professionals on event technology.   It also revealed that when buying event technology products and… more
Oct 09, 2016
Digital continues to expand its presence today in every facet of our personal and business lives. The same is true for business-to-business exhibitions. For organizers and brand marketers alike, it is very hard to know which solutions are worth testing and which are ideas that will disappear as fast as a Snapchat message. Digital leaves many in our industry wondering … •         How can technology support and enhance the attendee experience? •         How does technology make all the logistics of… more
Sep 25, 2016
CompuSystems and Panvista have teamed up to bring event analytics to trade show organizers. Utilizing low-cost, wearable beacons, called Smart Badges, organizers are able to gather a full behavioral understanding of every aspect of their event in real time. This gives organizers a wealth of intelligence for their event such as: ·  The most popular areas at the expo ·  Which sessions were the busiest ·  Traffic flow and patterns on the event floor ·  How long people stayed at each booth, presentation, or room “If you are looking for… more
Sep 25, 2016
The holiday season is just around the corner, and many of us have started making plans and getting together all the lists that we’ll need to make the most of the time with our friends and families! If you haven’t begun yet, then start the action today by registering for the upcoming Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition, 6 - 8 December 2016, in Anaheim, CA. If you register for the event before October 31st, you have a chance to walk away with one of ten complimentary digital devices a2z is giving away in a random raffle as a part of its event sponsorship. Last year, ten… more
Sep 16, 2016
Peach Assist, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s new mobile alert program, provides exhibitors the option of requesting assistance or services via text without having to leave their booths. Peach Assist utilizes a text message number - 69050 – that allows anyone on the show floor to text their needs to the dispatch center. Exhibitors at returning major trades shows – the Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show on Aug. 20-22 and the International Woodworking Fair on Aug. 24-27 – got their first tastes of Peach Assist and staff responded to more than 300… more
Sep 15, 2016
Bartizan Connects, a provider of lead retrieval and session tracking technology, and Core-apps, technology platform in the events industry, recently formed a strategic partnership to offer comprehensive functionality to their customers, and as reflection of their shared commitment to innovation. The partnership launched with Bartizan and Core-apps offering each other’s products and services, with plans for future technical integration. This alliance brings together the companies’ strengths in providing lead retrieval, session tracking and event apps to each of their respective… more
Aug 27, 2016
The Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched its first 360-degree virtual reality video featuring one-of-a-kind augmented reality graphics and a unique take on the 360-degree viewing experience. The video highlights the destination’s award-winning culinary scene and is the first of three virtual reality projects to be released in the coming months. Viewers are immersed in a culinary journey from farm to fork as they are guided through 10 local establishments including 8UP, Crescent Hill Craft House, Harvest, Jack Fry’s, Mike Linnigs, Monnik, Proof on Main, The… more
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