Christina Hernandez
Christina Hernandez is new media coordinator at GES, where she manages GES’ corporate blog and their social media community.
2013 International CES – Three Insights from the Man Who Runs It
January 12, 2013
There’s no doubt in my mind that it takes a strong, outspoken and extremely intelligent leader to command an organization like the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The International Consumer Electronics Show is the largest showcase in the technology industry, and when it comes to consumer electronics, they ARE the leader. Last year’s show boasted more than 153,000 attendees who interacted with 3,100 exhibitors covering more than 1.8 million square feet.
Who does it take to lead an organization of such size and caliber?
Adweekdescribes Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA, as a policy guy who speaks out on issues that could impact future technology growth and development. What’s his outlook on next week’s show?
Here are my top three takeaways from his recent interview with Adweek.
1. Advertising- Madison Avenue says CES is the most important show for them. It’s important to see trends and where your customers are. This also goes for our industry and how we advertise on the show floor. CES is THE show and it is a great showcase of how advertisers reach non-traditional consumers in a creative way.
2. What’s Hot-Ultra HD will be hot this year with four times the resolution of current HD. Also, car technology never goes out of style. CES will be home to seven of the 10 largest car manufacturers in the world. Mobile remains a red hot trend. Finally, keep your eyes open for new healthcare products because there’s almost a 25-percent increase in companies showcasing them at this year’s show.
3. Washington Policy-According to Shapiro, 95 percent of attendees find this topic irrelevant because they are there to do business, but they have policy sessions because it’s an important part of the big picture that’s, “technology.” He wants the technology industry’s voice to be heard and in 2012 these sessions did just that. The Stop Online Privacy Act and Protect IP Act had major spotlights in last year’s discussions. Three weeks after these sessions, both bills were dead. CES’ policy panel with Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Darrell Issa made all the difference. This year’s sessions will include more lawmakers than ever (about a dozen).
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
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