Tech News

Jul 10, 2016
Detroit’s Cobo Center, which is managed by SMG, recently launched a new Technology Services Department. Thanks to the venue’s recent $279 million renovation, a new broadcast studio, digital signage, Internet and Wi-Fi upgrades, and an extensive fiber network represent meaningful change in the business model for providing Internet services to attendees, exhibitors and show management. The new Technology Services department at Cobo Center now in place to provide customers with state-of-the-art technology supported by a dedicated in-house team. "The creation of Cobo Center… more
Jul 10, 2016
Emphasizing the growing role that technology plays in the meetings world, key findings of new research carried out for IMEX America by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) show that more than 40 percent of the MPI Research Panel members surveyed use laptops or mobile devices to capture content real-time. Of that group, 10.5 percent of these professionals always use them for note taking and 31.6 percent use them sometimes. Handwritten notes continue to be the choice of the majority (57.1 percent), while just 0.8 percent record their observations. “In an era when capturing live… more
Jul 10, 2016
Detroit’s Cobo Center, which is managed by SMG, recently launched a new Technology Services Department. Thanks to the venue’s recent $279 million renovation, a new broadcast studio, digital signage, Internet and Wi-Fi upgrades, and an extensive fiber network represent meaningful change in the business model for providing Internet services to attendees, exhibitors and show management. The new Technology Services department at Cobo Center now in place to provide customers with state-of-the-art technology supported by a dedicated in-house team. "The creation of Cobo Center… more
Jun 26, 2016
The ibtm america “Innovation in Motion Award” which was presented for the first time as part of a new initiative titled the TECHCollective, was jointly won this year by InitLive and EventCollab.   InitLive is an online tool and mobile app for managing staff and volunteers at events. It equips event planners, event staff and volunteers with a real-time communication system and a comprehensive scheduling service. This reduces set up time, keeps event planners organized and increases staff communication, creating smoother and safer events.   Alyssa Lancefield,… more
Jun 26, 2016
Is your event website failing to generate enough repeat visits and continued engagement from your website visitors? If the answer is yes, chances are that the website is not providing them with the compelling interactive content and engaging experience that would give them a reason to stick around and keep coming back periodically to check what’s new. As a trade show organizer, your primary focus is on managing the innumerable logistics for the actual event, and rightly so. You probably don’t have the resources to keep generating and posting new content on the event website. Well… more
Jun 26, 2016
The ibtm america “Innovation in Motion Award” which was presented for the first time as part of a new initiative titled the TECHCollective, was jointly won this year by InitLive and EventCollab.   InitLive is an online tool and mobile app for managing staff and volunteers at events. It equips event planners, event staff and volunteers with a real-time communication system and a comprehensive scheduling service. This reduces set up time, keeps event planners organized and increases staff communication, creating smoother and safer events.   Alyssa Lancefield,… more
Jun 26, 2016
Is your event website failing to generate enough repeat visits and continued engagement from your website visitors? If the answer is yes, chances are that the website is not providing them with the compelling interactive content and engaging experience that would give them a reason to stick around and keep coming back periodically to check what’s new. As a trade show organizer, your primary focus is on managing the innumerable logistics for the actual event, and rightly so. You probably don’t have the resources to keep generating and posting new content on the event website. Well… more
Jun 19, 2016
Eventbase Technology, an app platform for events, deployed 1,200 Aruba proximity beacons to deliver indoor wayfinding and self-guided tours within the HPE Discover 2016 app in Las Vegas this past week.  Leveraging Aruba’s Meridian SDK, interactive maps feature and one of the largest deployments of beacons ever at an event, the app allowed attendees to view their location on mobile devices, while indoors and receive turn-by-turn directions throughout the Sands Expo and Convention Center.  Whether attendees were trying to find the location of their next session or a… more
Jun 19, 2016
Eventbase Technology, an app platform for events, deployed 1,200 Aruba proximity beacons to deliver indoor wayfinding and self-guided tours within the HPE Discover 2016 app in Las Vegas this past week.  Leveraging Aruba’s Meridian SDK, interactive maps feature and one of the largest deployments of beacons ever at an event, the app allowed attendees to view their location on mobile devices, while indoors and receive turn-by-turn directions throughout the Sands Expo and Convention Center.  Whether attendees were trying to find the location of their next session or a… more
Jun 12, 2016
There is a lot of technology in the trade show industry today and more on the way. While technology creates opportunities, it also poses challenges. One challenge is how to transform and integrate data from multiple technologies. Another is the complexity of managing numerous apps and platforms (vs. a single system that does it all), an obstacle that prevents many event organizers from employing new technology. There are ways to pull it all together and it’s not as difficult as you think. Avoid Single-Platform Thinking Today, there is no single, universal software that does everything.… 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