SISO, Web Summit Collaborate to Provide Events Industry Thought Leadership
December 10, 2020
The Society of Independent Show Organizer recently collaborated not once, but twice, for its members in two valuable ways with Web Summit and its Founder and CEO Paddy Cosgrave.
In October, SISO Chair and Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie interviewed Cosgrave as part of SISO’s high-value webinar series.
The talk - "Is Virtual the new Emperor's clothes? - Lessons from taking a major event virtual” - focused on the transition of Web Summit – the mega-event for the tech industry that runs annually in Lisbon, Portugal – to a virtual event that ran Dec. 2-4.
As part of the virtual event, several SISO members spoke on panels specific to the events industry, as well as Web Summit gave complimentary passes to SISO members and other events industry professionals, totaling more than 800.
“Following up on the excellent interview between Douglas Emslie and Paddy Cosgrave, discussing the online expansion of the Web Summit and their other events, Douglas was invited to participate in an online session during this month’s Web Summit, and SISO Members were offered complimentary registrations to attend the online event,” said David Audrain, SISO executive director.
He added, “So Doug’s initial idea of interviewing Paddy for the SISO Webinar series expanded into a number of added-value benefits to SISO members and the industry!”
The Web Summit panels focused on "How We'll Meet in 2021" and "Getting Past the Crisis of Gatherings", which Emslie spoke on, as well as IMEX CEO Carina Bauer and JWC Partner Jochen Witt.
“SISO has been very excited to have been working with Paddy Cosgrave and the Web Summit,” Emslie said.
He added, “We have had exceptional feedback from our members on Paddy’s SISO webinar last month. The event talks and roundtables at the Web Summit last week have given our members unique insight as to how technology will continue to change our industry. The Web Summit is clearly the place where event professionals should go to see the future technology trends.”
Roundtables focused on getting 'back to normal', hybrid events, lessons from virtual and re-shaping the events industry.
The roundtables included trade show industry professionals from around the world in engaging chat sessions directly with the panelists.
Here are a few key takeaways from the panels and roundtables:
- What people want to see in the live world does not fit in the virtual world. It’s important to deliver business opportunities to clients online.
- Virtual attendees were forgiving with any hurdles with the online experience when the pandemic first hit, they won’t be as much now.
- Trade shows are back in Asia, but not in the U.S.
- Digital revenue streams have helped some shows bridge the gap to bring in something before live starts up again.
- Live events should consider having a ‘code of conduct’ for attendees around health and safety measures onsite.
To see the SISO Interview by Douglas Emslie with Paddy Cosgrave, click HERE.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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