Blogs

Jan 04, 2018
Social media isn’t just for sharing selfies or tweeting 140 characters anymore. We use it every day to stay connected to family and friends, read about current events, and feel included in events and stories from across the globe. Facebook has found a way to encourage user involvement with its new feature, Collaborative Stories. This recently launched feature is in addition to its already popular Stories function. Users of Facebook groups and Facebook events will be able to contribute to a story that will be visible only to other members of that group or event. Collaborative Stories shared… more
Jan 02, 2018
You’re either with the robots or you’re not with the robots – choose wisely. The robot revolution is coming and it will impact the event space. Well...maybe not in 2018, but there are certainly technology trends that event professionals should be aware of in their strategic planning for 2018 and beyond. To help organizers prepare for the future, we put together a blog series that will cover the top trends we’re seeing and insight on how to make the most of new technologies for your events. One of the top overall event tech trends we’re seeing for 2018 is engagement. But what does that mean… more
Dec 21, 2017
No. 4: Add 10% “slush” to your exhibit budget. I’ve found that there are two kinds of corporate budgets: The “it-would-be-nice-if-you-hit-this-number” kind and The “if-you-go-over-this-amount-your-job’s-in-jeopardy” kind (Well, maybe not your job, but maybe no bonus or promotion?) If you don’t know which budget method your company subscribes to, this is a good time to have a heart-to-heart talk with your boss about your exhibit budget and company policy on managing it. Since the only figure we know for sure when we sign up for a show is the cost of booth space (usually on a square foot or… more
Dec 19, 2017
With all the detailed planning that goes into major trade shows, conferences and other large events, often overlooked is one segment of attendees that does need some special attention: individuals with disabilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 53 million adults in the U.S. have a disability. Their disabilities, however, don’t stop many of them from attending events. Event planners know this and are much more focused today on creating accessible events. Still, there’s more that can be done. From the venue selection and preparation to the use of certain… more
Dec 15, 2017
There are several benefits associated with investing your time and energy in expanding the marketability of your product via a trade show. Trade fairs are powerful marketing systems that can bring new customers to your roster while maintaining your current relationships with your brand loyalists. It’s one of the only times where there will be a concentrated presence of international buyers, sellers and investors in one place in such a short period of time. In addition, trade shows provide an insight of the market and industry, introduce you to the latest innovations and trends of your… more
Dec 13, 2017
If you are anything like me, you barely carry cash anymore. Credit and debit cards have become the main method of payment these days so cash isn’t necessary. Other advances in technology, such as PayPal and Apple Pay, have proven this to be true, too. With cashless payments gaining momentum and technology being developed to cater to this trend, it’s time that the event industry catch-up. Attendees already have enough to remember and worry about at an event, so having a few bucks on them to purchase lunch is probably the last thing they are thinking about. Make It Easier for Attendees Our… more
Dec 11, 2017
Reducing landfill waste is a major challenge for any trade show, and very often event organizers and venues face the difficult question of where to even start. In our experience, one of the most impactful strategies to address is directing a greater focus towards donation and reuse within the exhibit hall itself. For some real-world inspiration on this front, the IMEX America exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events, held annually each October at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, features several innovative approaches towards exhibit hall donation and reuse which have… more
Dec 06, 2017
There is a perception by some Event Managers that the best booth staffer is always the outgoing sales person who is outspoken and fun. While sales reps can be great staffers, there are other personality types and expertise characteristics that can be just as important to round out your perfect team. Below I outline some key roles for booth staffers candidates you can use to fill those roles at your next trade show. Engager/Crowd Gatherer It does not matter how wonderful your message and service is if you can’t find someone to talk to about it. That is where those people my colleague called… more
Dec 01, 2017
One of the best things about our industry is that we’re not limited by geography or cultural boundaries. Because each country has its own exhibiting style, rules and practices, it’s important to acquaint yourself and your team with the differences so you don’t go into this process blindly. During my career, I’ve had the opportunity to manage global brand activations for many clients and I’ve developed practices that provide the best opportunity for success. Here are my top four that you need to know if you’re exhibiting internationally: Understand Terminology and Practices: In the U.S.,… more
Nov 28, 2017
Have you noticed how certain styles always come back? Retro trends eventually circle around and become a hot commodity once again – from vintage board games to mid-century architecture and even acid-wash jeans (yes, really). And while retro trends may start out in consumer spaces, sooner or later they translate to the business-to-business space as well. What does this mean for event planning? That it’s essential for event organizers to skillfully weave classic elements with modern technology as part of a comprehensive strategy to create unforgettable experiences for target audiences. But… 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