Expos, Meetings and Conventions Need New Resources

As event professionals and destinations adjust, adapt and evolve in these uncharted waters, it is imperative that substantial resources be put in place for all of the people responsible for planning and executing trade shows, expositions and conventions. An example is Mohegan Sun, which built an industry-leading, COVID-19 Resource Center with a combination of pictures from recently held successful events (the property reopened on May 1, 2020) along with several widely available and informative documents, such as an evolving operational framework:

https://mohegansun.com/content/dam/mohegansun/PDF/meetings/MoheganSun_Meetings-OperationsFramework.pdf

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Understanding  the Safety Resources You Need

The backbone of any trade show or meeting-specific safety protocol is the overall safety plan. https://mohegansun.com/content/dam/mohegansun/PDF/Misc/MSCT-safety-operational-plan.pdf

Convention centers, resorts and hotels are incredibly expansive; so, the logistics of closing and reopening effectively are a major undertaking with myriad considerations. In the case of a Tribal Nation, by being located on a reservation, the resort has access to the resources of the Tribal Government, which includes an established health department. Here, the knowledge and guidance of the health department, which has worked in conjunction with state and federal health organizations throughout its history, are the foundation in establishing safety guidelines and protocols.

The Power of Partnerships

Mohegan Sun’s 10,000-seat Arena regularly hosts global acts, from Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z to Bruce Springsteen and Dave Matthews Band, not to mention various professional and college sporting events. This high-profile venue pivoted at the height of the pandemic to leverage existing relationships with sports partners in order to operate bubble residencies for both Bellator MMA and SHOWTIME Boxing for each promoter’s string of nationally televised fights. The original time frame of the residency was mid-July through late September 2020.

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The ViacomCBS team was so pleased with the facility’s safety protocols that they extended the residency into 2021. The successful execution of these residencies allowed Mohegan Sun to attract incredible opportunities in both entertainment and meetings and conventions capacities, and it has also allowed the resort a platform in which to boost its public relations and marketing messaging by informing audiences of these successes.

The key is to be flexible and to adapt when forces largely out of our control are presented.

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