TSNN Webinar: The Future of Trade Shows - Technology, Competition and the Customer Experience

May 10, 2016

The digitization of events, as well as the proliferation of platforms, applications, and devices designed to “retool” traditional trade shows, is proceeding much more quickly than many are prepared for.

In his forthcoming book, “Future of the Tradeshow Industry, the Modern Digital Tradeshow (MDT”), Francis Friedman dives deep into digital transformation, increasing competition from online marketing channels and private corporate events, and the need to redouble efforts on improving the customer experience.

In this TSNN Webinar, moderator Michelle Bruno will lead a discussion with Friedman and two experts, Andrea Bahr, vice president of exposition and events at the Texas Restaurant Association, and Dahlia El Gazzar, speaker, trainer, consultant, and event-technology thought leader at Dahlia +. The panel will address the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation and event technology.

Attendees will come away with insight on:

·         What’s happening to the traditional trade show model
·         Technologies that can and will radically change trade shows
·         A roadmap for managing change and addressing challenges
·         Business opportunities, revenue streams, and reset buttons

Registration page: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/10/14870

When:  Thursday, June 9, 2016 1:00-2:00 PM Eastern Time

Moderator:

Michelle Bruno is a writer, blogger, and technology journalist. She develops content and content strategies for event-industry technology companies at Bruno Group Signature Services (brunogroup.com). She writes about event innovation at Fork in the Road blog (forkintheroadblog.com) and publishes Event Tech Brief (eventtechbrief.com), a weekly newsletter and website on event technology.

Guest Panelists:  

Francis J. Friedman is a professional marketer, and branding and business-building expert. He is a recognized futurist in the tradeshow and events industry through his writings, speaking and chairing of a number of industry “future-focused” task forces and committees. He has been a senior tradeshow industry consultant for more than 25 years. His forthcoming book, Future of the Tradeshow Industry, the Modern Digital Tradeshow(MDT), discusses the ongoing digital transformation of the tradeshow model.

Dahlia El Gazzar is a speaker, educator, consultant, and marketer who is laser focused on event technology. As the Brand Visionnaire, Idea Ingiteur and Netweaver at Dahlia +, she develops marketing strategies for event-technology providers and startups, and speaks to audiences on how to integrate the latest technology tools into the event planning process. She has developed interactive training on iPads and mobile apps and provides assistance on a range of technologies at her very popular in-event TECH bars.

Andrea Bahr, CEM is vice president of exposition and events at the Texas Restaurant Association. She has extensive experience in social media, digital marketing, event-technology applications and systems, content management, project management and public speaking. She has held positions at dmg events USA, the Society of Petroleum Engineers and SPE’s Offshore Technology Conference, and the Texas Association of Appraisal Districts. She specializes in researching and recommending cutting-edge technology, including floor plan management, mobile apps, registration platforms, networking, and lead retrieval, to improve the event experience for attendees, staff, exhibitors, and sponsors. She is active in a number of industry organizations, where she leads efforts in education and mentorship.

Cost: None! Courtesy of Signature Boston/MCCA and Onstream Media.

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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