ExpoPlatform Survey Reveals Key Challenges in Return to Live and the Role Event Tech Plays

July 15, 2022

ExpoPlatform, an international event technology company supporting leading global exhibition organizers with digital innovations for more valuable in-person events, released the findings of its recent “Event Tech Returns to Live” survey. The results pointed to the main obstacles event professionals face in the new era of events and the ways digital tools can help overcome them.

Exhibitor ROI is the most important challenge facing event organizers as the in-person comeback continues, according to the research, with 66% of respondents ranking it as a high priority. A seamless experience across platforms came in second with 50% of respondents putting it in the top tier.

With the rush back to in-person events in 2022, savvy organizers applying new models and technologies to create more valuable experiences, according to Conor Riordan, content director of ExpoPlatform.

“Our survey found that exhibitor ROI is the most important challenge eventprofs face in this comeback, highlighting the crucial role digital tools must play in delivering higher quality leads,” Riordan said. "They want lead-retrieval tech, on-demand content and a mobile app, and to deliver this seamlessly across platforms.”

The full breakdown of the main challenges event professionals face, according to survey respondents, is as follows:

  • Good ROI for exhibitors (66%)
  • Seamless experience across platforms (50%)
  • Pre-pandemic audience levels (44%)
  • Lack of skilled resource (42%)
  • Integration between suppliers (38%)
  • Smooth exhibitor onboarding (33%)

The “Event Tech Returns to Live” survey highlights how the needs of event professionals have changed in 2022 and how new tools are supporting their in-person comeback.

It includes expert insights from industry leaders—representing companies such as Questex, IMEX and Easyfairs—to shed light on the findings and help organizers be successful of the new events landscape.

Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX, is among those who contributed to the analysis of the research results.

“There is all manner of ways exhibitors measure ROI,” Bauer said. “Lead times and the sales pipeline for big events in particular can be very long in our industry—often several years for the big association events.”

She added, “As an organizer, it’s our rebooking rate that tells the biggest story. Exhibitors are mindful, particularly when budgets are tight—they don’t tend to participate in shows that don’t offer a proven return on time and investment.”

The report also focuses on the most useful types of content, the most important technology features and digital revenue expectations.

Click here to download the full report.

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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