Use Technology to Personalize the Attendee Experience

August 25, 2013

All of us enjoy experiences that are customized to match our needs and requirements. Attendees are no different. They love to be recognized by event organizers as individuals and respond with enthusiasm when provided with technology features that help them achieve their objectives from attending the event.

Here are some tips on how your event management team can leverage technology to engage attendees by drastically reducing the time and effort they have to put in planning for the show.  Needless to say, a fully engaged attendee is bound to bring immense energy and collaborative spirit to your face-to-face event!

  • Collect detailed demographics data when attendees register for the event. Encourage them to use a unique email address so that all future communications reach their inbox directly.
  • Include secure login links in all subsequent email communications to give them instant access to their profile and personalized data.
  • Cut down on the time attendees spend in building their personalized expo and session schedules. Give them a head start by using their demographics data to provide them with personalized lists of matched exhibitors and educational sessions.
  • Enable attendees to reach out to exhibitors via email, and to schedule meetings before and during the event. The more information they get in advance to plan their time at the event, the more invested they will be in your brand.
  • Similarly, enable exhibitors to connect with attendees who add them to their personalized plans and/or contact them via email.
  • Provide an online chat and email support options so that attendees can reach out to you if they have any questions about their participation or if they need support with a technology they are using for the first time.
  • Ensure that each attendee can easily sync their personalized data seamlessly across multiple devices and operating systems using one single profile. Filling out multiple sign up forms and having to remember multiple passwords will not please any attendee in this day and age.
  • Encourage attendees to follow you on popular social media and also opt to receive text messages from your organization so that you can keep them updated on key deadlines and last minute changes to schedules.
  • Build a digital survey form to collect post-show feedback from attendees. Recognize your biggest fans by giving them a public shout out. Also reach out to the not-so-satisfied attendees to acknowledge their concerns, and work with them to see how your team can provide them better services in the future.
  • Extend the life of your event by keeping the online portal live post-show to enable attendees and exhibitors to carry on the conversation. If they build long-term, constructive business relationships, your event participants will be more than happy to invest time and money in your brand again.

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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