Convention Data Services Launches Contactless Event Tech Toolkit

June 17, 2020

As face-to-face trade shows and conferences begin to resume, it goes without saying that event organizers are going to be paying extra-special attention to health and safety practices. With social distancing among the top safety practices for the foreseeable future, event registration and lead management solutions provider Convention Data Services is offering a new Touchless Toolkit.

Launched in early June, the Toolkit includes DigiBadge, which allows event registrants to check in safely and securely using their own mobile devices. Event participants download the DigiBadge link provided by the organizer, add it to their device’s Apple Wallet or Google Pay, and can then use it for convention hall and session access instead of a physical badge. 

“Ultimately, we want to make the on-site planning process painless for show management while giving confidence to state agencies to reopen convention centers,” said John Kimball, president and CEO of Bourne, Mass-based CDS, a Freeman Company. 

In addition to DigiBadge, other components of the Touchless Toolkit include: 

Density Tracker: Allows on-site event teams to track event density and manage crowd control at various locations throughout an event. Besides scanning and reporting on warm body counts entering and exiting different locations via real-time metrics, it can also track multiple entrances and exits. Scanning teams are alerted when maximum density is reached and an entrance must be temporarily suspended. Additional features include dashboard access and entrance scanner leads that track density management trends. The density or capacity of each hall can also be reported to event participants to help them plan where to go next.  

Lead Retrieval: A contactless lead collection tool that exhibitors can use via the CDS Connect App on their personal mobile device, eliminating the sharing of devices and removing contact at equipment pick-up areas. Exhibitors can also take advantage of the self-scan feature, which allows attendees to scan their own badges and maintain social distancing.

Digital Backpack: This hands-free, self-serve content distribution and lead collection device distributes requested information to attendees. Attendees scan their DigiBadge or printed badge at a touchless mobile station to instantly have specific product information added to their personal portal, after which the attendee badge information is collected and provided to exhibitors.

All three of these features can be integrated into the DigiBadge, depending on what makes sense for each individual event, and hybrid registration solutions marrying DigiBadge with traditional printed badge options are also available. 

CDS also offers the following self-service offerings to support touchless registration at events:

Mobile Badge Print: Allows attendees to print their badges directly from their personal mobile device via an on-site Mobile Badge Print area with a printer code prominently displayed on nearby signage. Using a link provided in their check-in email, attendees enter the code to print their badge. Print stations can be set up in hotels, airports and throughout the show venue. 

Online On-site Registration: Enables show managers to remove registration counters for new registrations to ensure the safety of registrants while cutting equipment costs. Attendees can scan a QR code using their own mobile device displayed on signage and register via the live registration page. Once registered, they can check-in via their personal device using Mobile Badge Print and move directly to a badge pick-up station. 

CDS also offers touchless badge options including mobile check-in for hotel and transportation.  

 

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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