Blogs
Dec 24, 2016
We are observing an emerging trend with exhibitors. More and more are moving away from having the generic candy dish to serving “real” food and offering beverages to their visitors at the booth. From something as simple as offering a branded bottle of water, coffee or tea, higher end chocolate, sandwiches or even a full sit down meal at some shows in Europe. People get tired and hungry walking a show. Many people travel from distant places to attend, and there are few things that are better when you are jet lagged and tired than free food.
There are some things that… more
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Dec 17, 2016
Showcasing your company with a booth or display at a trade shows is an expensive affair. Don’t squander this potentially very valuable opportunity to meet new customers, gather leads and drive brand awareness with poor planning. Pulled off with flying colors, trade shows are an incredible opportunity to introduce relevant audiences to your product. How do you successfully achieve it? Well in short, you want to successfully deliver the message that your product will be the solution to a customer’s problem, or that they didn’t even know that they needed.
Here are the best practices for trade… more
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Dec 17, 2016
You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. Johnny Cash
IAEE does an excellent job bringing thought-provoking keynote speakers to its Expo Expo and this year’s line-up continued the tradition. The kick-off keynoter was Phil Hansen, an unconventional artist who challenges himself artistically combining traditional art, the electronic media, unconventional art media materials and interactive experiences connected to specific art projects.
As… more
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Dec 12, 2016
Brand experience plays an important role in the healthcare industry — it provides companies that play in the space with the chance to showcase their latest products while interacting with healthcare professionals face-to-face. At the same time, events open attendees’ eyes up to the latest and greatest in healthcare developments, which they can take away and use to inform their patient programs.
Below are five key things to know about this audience segment, which should be considered when creating events that are designed to cater to their needs.
An Educational Experience: Like most people,… more
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Dec 12, 2016
A few years ago, a veteran sales consultant, who has walked hundreds of trade shows over the years, shared this top 10 list of do’s and don’ts for sales representatives on the trade show floor.
1. Fishbowls that overflow are just a slow “no” waiting to happen.
2. You’ll never make a significant sale selling to “Seemore, the info gatherer.”
3. If your prospect can’t convince you that they have a problem and are committed to fixing it, don’t waste your time at the show or after.
4. … more
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Dec 03, 2016
In December 2014, I was invited to give a keynote talk at a digital marketing event in Europe. There were 15 speakers. All white men.
When I realized that all the education and training was being provided by only white men, I actually became physically ill. Simply put, it felt wrong to be part of an event like this.
Have you ever experienced something that made you look at the world in a different way?
Well, for me, that event was it.
Upon arriving back at the office, I was compelled to examine my personal behavior. At that time, I was in planning mode for Content Marketing World 2015 (I’m… more
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Nov 25, 2016
You can network in a politically charged world.
The 2016 election in the United States lasted a long time and was an emotionally charged experience for many people. The success of Donald Trump was viewed with surprise by people on both sides of the aisle and the reactions from American’s bridged feelings spanning from excitement to horror.
But the sun came up again and people have returned to work.
The deep divisions between Democrats, Republicans and Independents are real and yet most people interact in a professional capacity with countless others who do not share… more
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Nov 25, 2016
In a world where competitive lifestyles and social media are stressing people out, it’s no surprise that the Millennial generation is turning to live events to spend money and make memories.
AccAording to an Eventbrite survey, 78% of Millennials (Americans born between 1981 and 1997) would rather spend money on experiences than material purchases, and 55% reported they’re spending more on live events than they ever had.
These aren’t just empty words: More than 82% of Millennials surveyed attended or participated in more than one live experience in the past 12 months, and 72% said they would… more
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Nov 12, 2016
Steady on Superman, fatigue at events is real, and we’ve all had it!
Events and exhibitions can last all day or all night and your business or client requires you to be on your feet and on your best at all times. It’s true, this can be exhausting and dragging yourself through the day, with a constant smile on your face is a real challenge. Yet the best event organisers and coordinators somehow manage it, so what’s their secret?
Here’s some top tips for keeping those eyes open at your next event …
Get to know your venue
Yes, we know it sounds obvious but getting to know every nook and cranny… more
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Nov 11, 2016
"To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often." Winston Churchill
For several years, I have had the opportunity to serve on the Board of Advisors for WATT Global Media, a family-owned publisher/media company for which I worked from 1978 to 2004.
As with any company that had its roots in in print B2B publishing, it has had to expand its vision to include the digital realm and trade shows and events. For a person who has been Old School, hanging on the preferring the printed word, the experience has been enlightening and informative.
One of the major changes the company has… more
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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