Blogs
Jul 02, 2016
As experienced trade show and conference planners know, the bar has been set higher for the marketing return on investment (ROI) their events deliver. A great venue in a great city no longer suffices. Now, the expectation is that event sponsors and exhibitors will be able to measure performance and improve attendee engagement in order to gain a measurable ROI on generated leads to justify show spends. One way they are achieving this outcome is through the application of sophisticated attendance tracking solutions, such as self-monitored scanners and now beacon technology.
Capturing Actionable… more
Comments (0)
Jun 25, 2016
So much business is based on the belief that we should do whatever we can within legal limits to make as much money as we can. Ben & Jerry's was based on values, and we try to operate a business that not just sells ice cream but partners with all our stakeholders - whether that's suppliers or customers - to bring about a more sustainable world. -- Jerry Greenfield
When I took over management responsibilities for the International Poultry Expo (now the International Production & Processing Expo), my association president who had previously been the show manager told me that managing… more
Comments (0)
Jun 25, 2016
I’ve seen many changes in the tradeshow industry in the last 30+ years. With the advent and accelerated use of technology, the way we register attendees for an event has changed dramatically. One thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of face-to-face events and the need to build attendance for an event, which is the key to selling booth space and signing exhibitors. Show managers are faced with this challenge for every event.
While attendees are enthused about their experience at your current event, now is the time to leverage that excitement and begin to build attendance for your next… more
Comments (0)
Jun 15, 2016
Eco-friendly reusable bags bring a lot to the table. Obviously, they’re eco-friendly, but they also deliver a great return on your investment, they are very effective at establishing and maintaining your branding message and when well thought out in their design, can increase leads.
Here are five reasons you should consider marketing at your next tradeshow with eco-friendly reusable bags.
1. Get Your Brand Noticed - When your customers and prospects have a reusable bag that displays your corporate colors, logo and any other relevant branding information, they… more
Comments (0)
Jun 15, 2016
Millennials have been the focus of research and event marketing (including ours) for years now, and there are new articles (either praising or criticizing the generation) on a daily basis. But if you’re looking to plan for the future, the Gen Z demographic should be a strong consideration; they are emerging as one of the most diverse and influential generations.
Millennials were predicted to be one of the largest disruptions to the economy, but Generation Z is shaping up to be just as significant. Growing up their entire lives with technology, social media, and in the aftermath of a… more
Comments (0)
Jun 10, 2016
A few weeks ago, TSNN’s blog featured a post by Jay Tokosch of Core-Apps. His overall message – print is a waste of time and money, so stop printing and go digital-only, right now.
I say, wait a second, Mr. Tokosch. Before you kick print into the recycling bin, perhaps it might be worthwhile to look at this from a different perspective.
Though I must first congratulate him on reaching one of his objectives – he got my blood boiling, for sure!
As publishers of show dailies and other conference-related materials, CustomNEWS’ primary focus has historically been print products. But we recognized… more
Comments (0)
Jun 10, 2016
Your old road is rapidly agin'; please get out of the new one if you can't lend your hand for the times they are a-changin'. Bob Dylan, The Times Are A-Changin’
One of my favorite sweathirts dates back to the early 1980’s. On the front it states “Insufficient memory at this time”. The phrase is one that old-timers in the computer evolution feared in the early days of personal computers. I can still remember plunking down two grand for the Osborne 1, the first commercially successful “portable” personal computer.
It weighed 23.5 lb and ran the CPM operating system. This state-of-the-art… more
Comments (0)
Jun 07, 2016
The first-ever Global Exhibitions Day is right around the corner.
This new event was inspired by Exhibitions Day, now in its third year, in which industry members meet with legislators in Washington, D.C., to advocate for events and exhibitions industry. The idea was so powerful that organizations representing the international trade show and exhibitions industry came together to take things a step further with a Global Exhibitions Day, slated for June 8.
On that day, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry will host an international meeting of the minds where achievements will be… more
Comments (0)
Jun 04, 2016
It’s challenging to keep customers engaged throughout the sales process, but well planned and targeted communication will keep even the busiest customer’s attention and attract new interest as well.
Through the years, I’ve found 7 Proven Strategies to Engage Customers Without a Diamond Ring. Here they are:
Make the Conversation Two-Way
Sure, you’re excited about the product or service you’re selling, but have you taken the time to get to know your client? Listen to what they’re saying and learn to read between the lines. (Hint: it’s an art). Be careful as well not to… more
Comments (0)
Jun 04, 2016
I recently attended the IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum (WLF) with two of my colleagues. We had the opportunity to network with several successful women who are truly change makers in the trade show and events industry, willing to serve as mentors and coaches to young professional women.
The sessions we attended were centered on 5 standards women should consider when evaluating our professional and personal development.
When the forum ended, we left feeling inspired to share our experiences and key takeaways from our 2-day think tank, so we compiled our notes and “aha” moments.
Here are 5… more
Comments (0)
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