Two Women Industry Veterans Launch International Exhibitor Representation Program
October 22, 2020
For exhibiting companies unable to participate in overseas trade shows due to travel restrictions, help is on the way. Launched in early October, the International Exhibitor Representation Program enables exhibitors to continue selling and/or break into targeted markets at trade shows all over the world, even if they can’t be there in person.
Depending on the show, IERP functions as a remote booth or pavilion, using its network of in-country exhibition professionals filling in for exhibitor teams that are unable to travel to show sites, said Diane Bjorklund, founder of Chicago-based Eventful Management Group. She’s the founder of IERP along with Stephanie Selesnick, president of Las Vegas-based International Trade Information, Inc.
“Although people can’t travel, products and equipment can,” Bjorklund said. IERP works with exhibitors to ensure their booths represent their company’s brand and products professionally, returning sales leads within one week of a show’s close. Additionally, the IERP saves show organizers’ revenue, so instead of cancelling, exhibitors are able to keep their booths and/or pavilions with a professional presence at the show.
The program offers four levels and price points ranging from simple staffing for show days to turn-key packages that include pre-show promotion and appointment setting, booth construction and professional staffing. Assigned booth staff are trained pre-show by company representatives to understand their products and goals for exhibiting in a particular show. Non-U.S. companies wanting to exhibit in shows overseas can also take advantage of the program.
The investment for participating in IERP is comparable with the cost of purchasing and furnishing a booth, air travel, ground transportation, hotel and per diem expenses, said Selesnick.
“As the pandemic went on, Diane and I discussed how we could help stem the tide of lost revenue to show organizers and help international exhibitors and pavilions unable to get here still have a presence at U.S. shows,” Selesnick said. “As shows began opening in China, then Germany, we thought about expanding the model to the whole world, using our global networks.”
After testing the idea out with some show organizers and making the recommended modifications, the IERP was born. So far, the new program has received a lot of interest and enthusiasm.
“We want show organizers to look upon us a resource for both their sales team and exhibitors – and ultimately attendees who want to buy from all over the world,” Selesnick said. “We look at it as a win-win-win for everyone involved: Organizers keep the revenue from their international clients; sellers unable to get to show sites can still connect with buyers at the physical show site; [and] our exhibition friends and colleagues who have lost jobs [are] able to work for a few days.”
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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.
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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
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