Expo! Expo! Technology Roundup

December 17, 2012

Technology seemed to be the star attraction of the Expo! Expo! showfloor this year. Even exhibitors who were not technology companies were integrating tech into their product or service offerings. While there were no ground breaking new products launched at this event, what was new was the use of existing technology and the conversation around it.

Mobile event apps were back again this year, but whereas last year the conversation was all about usability and content, this year those vendors are focused on data and year-round communication.

GenieMobile’s Michael Douglas was talking about capturing valuable data and said, “It’s not as important to know how many people looked at something but who looked at it.”

CompuSystems has ventured into the event app world with their ConnectMe app that allows show organizers to tap into the data collected during the registration process. ConnectMe automatically matches attendees (based on indicated product interests during registration) with exhibitors that they would most likely want to visit while at the show. They can then schedule in-booth appointments with their matches.

CoreApps has a new twist on giving attendees the ability to schedule appointments with exhibitors. Instead of requesting an appointment with the exhibiting brand, attendees can view profiles of individual booth staffers, check their availability and request a meeting.

Experient also is getting into the event app market with their new Engage app. By integrating data from your event's registration system, your attendees can use the app to purchase session and special event tickets right from their mobile device.

Also interesting is Experient’s plans to incorporate wayfinding into the app. Attendees waiting for a shuttle bus to take them to the convention center can find out exactly where the shuttle bus is at any given moment. The app will use WiFi triangulation to guide attendees through the venue and track session attendance for CEU credits.

Using this type of technology, Engage also will allow show organizers to push messages to individual attendees at just the right moment. Imagine being able to send a greeting to the attendee the moment they land at the airport or arrive at the host hotel.

Companies who are putting a new tech twist on their existing services include Cadmium CD, whose focus is on the educational components of conferences and trade shows. This year, they’ve come out with a new app for the iPad, eventScribe. EventScribe, a very user-friendly app, allows conference attendees to circle, highlight, and add notes to a speakers slides or handout right on their iPad.

Freeman’s Technology Suite was announced earlier this year, and at the show, attendees got to see their newest addition, Passport.  Passport is a planning tool that brings together the former Champion's Client Command Center (C3) and Freeman's iPlanner+ to create a customer collaboration tool. With Passport, Freeman’s customers can stay up-to-date on each phase of the planning process in real time.

For attendees who love to pose for pictures in feather boas, crazy glasses - and who doesn’t - a2z Inc. was showing us how to have fun with social media in their booth using their ChirpE Photo Kiosk.

The more practical ChirpE Kiosk also was new. Attendees who can’t or don’t want to go mobile just yet can use the ChirpE Kiosk to print out their personal expo floor maps, handouts and get directions.

The elephant in the room remains reliable Internet access or general lack thereof at our venues. Is this connectivity issue a problem that will be solved in time to implement all this new technology?

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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