New ConnecTECH Showcase to Launch at Connect 2019

April 18, 2019

Twenty-five event technology exhibitors will showcase their products and solutions at the new ConnecTECH Showcase, launching at Connect 2019 in Louisville, Ky. Set for Aug. 26-28 at Kentucky International Convention Center, the annual event for meeting and event planners will draw more than 1,500 hosted buyers from six business events segments including association, corporate, expo, specialty, sports and tour.

Located on the trade show floor, ConnecTECH Showcase will provide event technology companies with guaranteed opportunities for networking, building relationships and discussing how to move events forward with relevant technology.

“We are thrilled to create new value and touch points for a select group of emerging tech providers by complementing their private, prescheduled appointments with a facilitated tech tour and demo time that will provide a new platform and engagement with our entire on-site hosted-buyer community,” said Matt Johnson, executive vice president of Connect.

Designed to increase planner foot traffic to each brand that answers their event tech challenges, ConnecTECH Showcase will give planners the opportunity to interact with and see firsthand how these featured products can impact their planning or event experience.

To help curate this experience, Connect has partnered with DAHLIA+ Agency, a brand marketing and experience agency.

“We are excited to expand upon the interactive experience with the newly designed area,” said Dahlia El Gazzar, tech evangelist at DAHLIA+ Agency. “We love to partner with industry shows such as Connect that seek to benefit planners by introducing them to new event tech solutions and sharing success stories.”

In addition to the new tech showcase, Connect 2019 will feature one-on-one appointments between planners and suppliers, myriad networking opportunities, relevant education, and general sessions with celebrity keynotes John Cena and Michael Phelps. To learn more and to register, go here.

 

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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