Thinking Outside the Convention Center

January 25, 2015

Lisa Apolinski

Lisa Apolinski is a professional speaker, blogger, and digital strategist. With her company, 3DogWrite.com, she works with event managers to get their message to attendees, particularly through digital channels, on and off the show floor.

I am excited to be both a media partner and keynote speaker for the Digimarcon Cruise this coming April.  I was asked to assist with running the conference as well, and it really got me thinking about how a cruise as a venue has some things even the most seasoned event manager can miss.

1.       Helping your exhibitor:  When it comes to your exhibitor, they have to think a bit differently when it comes to show preparation.  Exhibit graphics and materials have to be on the ship and last minute changes need to take place while you are still in port. If extra materials need to be printed, you probably won’t find a Kinko’s on board.

2.       Helping your attendee:  Schedules need to be carefully considered on a cruise.  Your attendee will want to balance education and networking with, well, having fun.  But you can do both. Time at sea is a great time to have lectures, exhibits, and networking activities.

3.       Helping your volunteers:  If you think a conference center will have you sprinting, you better believe a ship will put some miles on your tennis shoes too.  You will also have to work around people who are on the ship for vacation only, and have all the time in the world. But being professional and courteous, both on and off the ship, are key, regardless of whether the ship-goer is also an attendee.

4.       Helping your lecturer:  Be sure to wear comfortable shoes during your lecture, as your stage can easily start rocking.  Also, stay hydrated on the ship, wash your hands often, and get plenty of rest.  The last thing you want is to get sick before your talk (or before going into a port you were excited to visit).

5.       Helping yourself:  Whatever group you may fall under (or multiple, in my case), take advantage of having attendees, lecturers and exhibitors in the same space for 7 days to really network, converse, and learn.  If you see a fellow attendee at breakfast, for example, be sure to introduce yourself, and maybe even sit down and chat for a bit.

When it comes to unique venues, you may need to think outside the convention center.  And if you are considering attending the Digimarcon Cruise, be sure to register soon before cabins run out.

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Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started. Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind. “Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for." What’s New – AT&T Discovery District Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall. Hotels Coming Soon Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond. JW Marriott This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar. InterContinental Dallas  Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.   Hotel Swexan Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.