Tech News

Nov 10, 2013
A couple of weeks ago, Twitter announced a new feature which allows all users to schedule a tweet. Though not an unprecedented feature - a number of third-party applications already provided this option - the announcement from Twitter sparked an intense online debate on the pros and cons of pre-scheduled messaging. For a busy show manager who has an ever-growing list of operational details and issues to take care of, the ability to post appropriate messages on a pre-determined schedule can be a heaven-sent option. Not sure which messages can be easily scheduled ahead of your event? We have… more
Nov 10, 2013
A couple of weeks ago, Twitter announced a new feature which allows all users to schedule a tweet. Though not an unprecedented feature - a number of third-party applications already provided this option - the announcement from Twitter sparked an intense online debate on the pros and cons of pre-scheduled messaging. For a busy show manager who has an ever-growing list of operational details and issues to take care of, the ability to post appropriate messages on a pre-determined schedule can be a heaven-sent option. Not sure which messages can be easily scheduled ahead of your event? We have… more
Oct 26, 2013
The IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS) Exhibition - the show covering radio frequency, microwave, millimeter wave, and THz frequency technologies - hosts approximately 600 exhibitors and 10,000 engineers annually. At the 2013 event in Seattle, planners used a secret weapon to turn the normally introverted attendees into social media mavens. Implementing a two-fold strategy Louisville, Colo.-based MP Associates, the firm charged with managing the IMS exhibition, developed a social media strategy for the event. The cornerstone of the plan involved getting the visiting engineers… more
Oct 26, 2013
The IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS) Exhibition - the show covering radio frequency, microwave, millimeter wave, and THz frequency technologies - hosts approximately 600 exhibitors and 10,000 engineers annually. At the 2013 event in Seattle, planners used a secret weapon to turn the normally introverted attendees into social media mavens. Implementing a two-fold strategy Louisville, Colo.-based MP Associates, the firm charged with managing the IMS exhibition, developed a social media strategy for the event. The cornerstone of the plan involved getting the visiting engineers… more
Oct 13, 2013
With Google serving more and more secure searches and not displaying the keywords that bring traffic to their websites, it is becoming difficult for webmasters to determine which keywords and phrases are delivering maximum results. While there are a number of options available for figuring this out in a roundabout way, e.g. by building powerful custom reports, one section that many webmasters may be neglecting to explore is the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) reports section in Google Analytics. These reports provide information about Google Web Search queries returning URL results from your… more
Oct 13, 2013
Where is the best place to network with trade show industry veterans and newbies alike? Where can you find out what’s trending in the expo world? Where can you debate the hottest topics in our industry? For the past two years, every Wednesday at 12:00 PM ET show organizers, exhibitors, suppliers and media all gather together for an hour on Twitter to talk trade shows in 140 characters or fewer. In the spring of 2011 Dana Freker Doody, Stephanie Selesnick and I began talking about starting a weekly, moderated Twitter chat focused specifically on trade shows. After receiving… more
Oct 13, 2013
Where is the best place to network with trade show industry veterans and newbies alike? Where can you find out what’s trending in the expo world? Where can you debate the hottest topics in our industry? For the past two years, every Wednesday at 12:00 PM ET show organizers, exhibitors, suppliers and media all gather together for an hour on Twitter to talk trade shows in 140 characters or fewer. In the spring of 2011 Dana Freker Doody, Stephanie Selesnick and I began talking about starting a weekly, moderated Twitter chat focused specifically on trade shows. After receiving… more
Oct 13, 2013
With Google serving more and more secure searches and not displaying the keywords that bring traffic to their websites, it is becoming difficult for webmasters to determine which keywords and phrases are delivering maximum results. While there are a number of options available for figuring this out in a roundabout way, e.g. by building powerful custom reports, one section that many webmasters may be neglecting to explore is the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) reports section in Google Analytics. These reports provide information about Google Web Search queries returning URL results from your… more
Oct 06, 2013
Bizzabo has set the bar a bit higher with their easy to set up, cost-effective event app with a focus on social sharing and networking. The basic app, which is free to event organizers and their attendees, has all the features organizers are looking for such as schedule, speaker bios, event information and maps. But its social engagement features and networking function are what keeps the attendees engaged. The app is integrated with LinkedIn, so attendees need only connect to their LinkedIn account to create their networking profile. Bizzabo then makes recommendations on people to meet… more
Oct 06, 2013
Digital marketers need to keep tuned into digital advertising trends to stay ahead of the game. However, with a tremendous amount of data being collected and reported upon, it’s not always easy to keep track of the key trends. We reviewed the most important studies released recently to create this list of the top five digital advertising trends all savvy marketers should stay focused on: Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, often referred to as earned advertising, are still the most influential. 84% of global respondents across 58 countries to the Nielsen Trust In… more
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