Lippman Connects Industry Peers With New Virtual Information-Sharing Experiences

June 18, 2020

Lippman Connects recently sold out the first of its new Digital Summits, which were created to facilitate the peer-to-peer exchange of information among event professionals in a virtual setting. Sam Lippman, president of Lippman Connects, organized and facilitated the event, which was capped at 15 exhibition and convention professionals.

At the first Digital Summit on May 29, participants looked at the topic of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected meetings and events, and highlighted what some of the next steps might be for the industry. According to Lippman, the event professionals taking part said that the short-term situation is the worst the events industry has ever seen. 

Advice that came out of the discussion included the fact that planners shouldn’t focus on when venues and facilities will reopen as much as when customers are ready to meet again. Participants reported that while some customers are waiting for a safer event experience, others are waiting for improved economic conditions. 

Participants also discussed how the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Star Certification program is gaining strong support from the industry. Early adopters of the certification program have included hotel chains and convention centers.

Also coming out of the discussion was the fact that while a hub-and-spoke event strategy (creating smaller events in multiple cities that are then connected to an organization’s main event in real time via technology) might work for some industries, it was not practical for others. Additionally, planners were advised to exercise caution in using language that implies safety guarantees to avoid incurring liability for any pandemic-related issues.

More virtual information-sharing experiences are on deck from Lippman Connects. “Organizers have been telling us that the exchange of information has never been more important,” said Lippman.

Upcoming 90-minute Digital Summits, which are all scheduled for 2:00-3:30 p.m. EDT, will cover the following topics, which were determined based on a survey of previous attendees of Lippman Connects’ Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum and Large Show Roundtables:

  • June 12: Safety is Job One
  • June 26: Format and Platform Decisions
  • July 10: Pricing and Profit Models
  • July 24: Bringing Back Exhibitors and Sponsors
  • Aug. 7: Re-inventing Attendee Acquisition

Two additional events will be the repositioning of events originally scheduled to be face to face: the Exhibition Sales Roundtable and the Attendee Acquisition Roundtable, which will be held on June 25 and June 30, respectively. 

“Pivoting our events to virtual allows executives, managers, marketers and sales professionals to share up-to-the-minute information in real time from the safety of a home or office,” said Lippman.

For more information or to register for any of these events by Lippman Connects, go here.

Add new comment

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