Experts & Opinions
Nov 16, 2013
Ah, Google, our benevolent overlords. I say that tongue in cheek, but Google has a good handle on how we are working, and connecting in our digital space. Your event attendees will first connect with you online, and Google has some great tools that can help with your online content management.
Google +: If you have not done so, get on Google + and set up an account. This allows you, when you post content to Google+, access to the largest search engine on the planet. You also want to add your colleagues and friends to your ‘circle’, so they will see… more
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Nov 16, 2013
Tradeshows have undergone more changes during the past five years than in the preceding 100. The changes are due mainly to a fast-growing array of new technologies and tools, but also to changes in expectations and how people find information.
As John Seely Brown and Paul Duguid tell us, “The way forward is paradoxically to look not ahead, but to look around.”
Event planners have the daunting task of staying current on new and emerging trends and
always-shifting strategies to meet customer preferences. Looking into our crystal ball, here are some thoughts from Tim… more
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Nov 09, 2013
There is a lot going on in Boston as one would expect. Lots of cool and innovative development, great restaurants everywhere, an amazing civic pride and spirit, that baseball team of theirs that just won the World Series … All good.
There also is Jim Rooney, executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, who is kind of a force unto himself when it comes to tradeshows. Jim is one passionate guy. A native and proud Bostonian, and former chief-of-staff to the mayor, Jim has been running MCCA since 2003 and doing an excellent job.
Jim has a whole… more
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Nov 02, 2013
You may be surprised at the Booth Staffers Behaving Badly that goes on at trade shows. Or, maybe not, since you’ve had to endure it yourself; staffers so bad they were actually dragging down your corporate image, losing more business than they brought in.
Unfortunately, there always have been, and always will be bad booth staffers. Here’s a rogue’s gallery of unprofessional perpetrators:
1. The Networker: The Networker spends most of his booth staff shift talking, but instead of having concise conversations with clients and prospects, he whiles away the… more
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Oct 25, 2013
Like many in our industry, I spend more time on the road than in the office, and I know the importance of working seamlessly regardless of my physical location. Recently, I read an article in Forbes that gave some really great advice on what every business traveler should carry. The writer shares that business travelers are bringing their own gear to be self-sufficient wherever they go. To stay on top of this technology, here are five things that business travelers should never be without according to Forbes:
1. Personal Wifi- Hotels and airports are famous for gouging visitors on internet… more
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Oct 25, 2013
Nervous that perhaps your trade show program suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder? Well, it’s certainly possible.
Usually it’s sales and marketing people like us who manage our companies’ trade shows, and we’re notorious for having more than a touch of A.D.D. Marketing people need that endless curiosity that sparks creative marketing ideas, and sales people are known for doing whatever it takes to get the sale – and then going on to the next sale before all the details are nailed down on the first one.
However, A.D.D creates a distinct downside to your trade… more
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Oct 19, 2013
To: Event Manager
From: The Boss
Subject: Need Your Support.
I need you to support company wide inventory audit in (city) the week of (worst possible week for you – you’re preparing for your biggest show). Our group has to send someone to help staff it, and even though it has nothing to do with marketing, I picked you because you’re so good with numbers. Not sure who your roommate will be, but someone will contact you. Please read and adhere to attached list of Dos and Don’ts.
Thanks,
The Boss
P.S. Have a great audit!
If you received this email how would you respond? How do people… more
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Oct 12, 2013
Tradeshow organizers are generally an easy-going group of folks. They are jovial, fun and even occasionally well-mannered. The massive exception here is when you are talking to them about things like attendance, labor rules, revenue and … I am whispering here … keeping rooms in the block. Yes, that latter topic will typically unleash a diatribe on human behavior theory and the decline of Western civilization. It’s like herding cats, they will tell you.
The good news is that attendee behavior can be influenced when it comes to keeping rooms in the block. I have found that… more
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Oct 12, 2013
I am so excited about my lecture on augmented reality (AR) at EventTech in Las Vegas. While preparing, I found some data on AR, which provided some great info, but I wanted to take that a bit further, and analyze the ‘so what’.
Smartphone and tablet sales will increase to 1.2 billion this year, with a prediction of over 2 billion by 2015. Analysis: AR uses smartphones and tablets as the device medium. With more smartphones and tablets showing up on your show floor, you have a much larger pool of attendees who can tap into AR. And if they can tap into that… more
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Oct 05, 2013
Attention all exhibitors, I feel your frustration and completely get it now. Working at GES has really opened my eyes to how much time, effort, blood, sweat and tears go into exhibiting at a show or in some cases, (for most of you reading this), multiple shows a year. Do you ever feel like our efforts go unrecognized?
Welp, I must say that as anyone in marketing, event planning and in our industry in general knows, this is our reality. When the “A” leads are coming in, lots of praise is going out, but other than that, zilch, zero and a big ol’ nada. What if I told you there… 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