Tech News

Jan 09, 2015
In the past few weeks, our inboxes have been inundated with predictions and trends for 2015.  At a2z, we have tuned in to what the experts are saying, and a picture is emerging of the shape that content sharing and marketing will take in 2015. Previously Content was King, but if this was still the case, then we would have many, way too many, rulers. 2015 will require brand owners to not only share content with target audiences, but also present it in a way that breaks through the clutter. Four ways to make your content count that will be big this year: 1.Video Video is easier and faster… more
Jan 09, 2015
The Consumer Electronic Association’s partnered with Radius Networks at the 2015 CES show last week on a new navigation system for attendees, powered by Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons. The navigation system, which was accessible through the CES app, provided attendees with directions to exhibit locations within CES Tech West and Tech East.  In total, the navigation system covered an estimated four million square feet of space.    “CES is all about innovation and leveraging next-generation technologies,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president,… more
Jan 09, 2015
The Consumer Electronic Association’s partnered with Radius Networks at the 2015 CES show last week on a new navigation system for attendees, powered by Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons. The navigation system, which was accessible through the CES app, provided attendees with directions to exhibit locations within CES Tech West and Tech East.  In total, the navigation system covered an estimated four million square feet of space.    “CES is all about innovation and leveraging next-generation technologies,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president,… more
Jan 09, 2015
In the past few weeks, our inboxes have been inundated with predictions and trends for 2015.  At a2z, we have tuned in to what the experts are saying, and a picture is emerging of the shape that content sharing and marketing will take in 2015. Previously Content was King, but if this was still the case, then we would have many, way too many, rulers. 2015 will require brand owners to not only share content with target audiences, but also present it in a way that breaks through the clutter. Four ways to make your content count that will be big this year: 1.Video Video is easier and faster… more
Dec 21, 2014
An important high-tech industry exposition and conference is taking place in Dallas, Texas this week.  We have taken a snapshot of three busy attendees and their use of the event’s mobile app. Meet Bob: Sr. Purchasing Manager with a global organization, Running Enthusiast Bob is at the airport waiting to board his flight to Dallas, TX. He has been touring the company’s plants across the region and hasn’t been able to find the time to plan for his time at the event. He decides to download the event’s mobile app just before the boarding announcement is made. He… more
Dec 21, 2014
A good trade show organizer can probably rattle off the top of their head 10 to 20 influencers in the industry they serve. These are often people who serve as keynote speakers, contribute content and are well connected. But every industry has more than just 10 or 20 influencers. What about the people you don’t yet know, but are the most connected to your desired audience? People who others rely on for the most relevant news. How do you go about finding these people? A company out of Portland, Ore., Little Bird is helping organizations find and connect with the right people and discover… more
Dec 21, 2014
A good trade show organizer can probably rattle off the top of their head 10 to 20 influencers in the industry they serve. These are often people who serve as keynote speakers, contribute content and are well connected. But every industry has more than just 10 or 20 influencers. What about the people you don’t yet know, but are the most connected to your desired audience? People who others rely on for the most relevant news. How do you go about finding these people? A company out of Portland, Ore., Little Bird is helping organizations find and connect with the right people and discover… more
Dec 21, 2014
An important high-tech industry exposition and conference is taking place in Dallas, Texas this week.  We have taken a snapshot of three busy attendees and their use of the event’s mobile app. Meet Bob: Sr. Purchasing Manager with a global organization, Running Enthusiast Bob is at the airport waiting to board his flight to Dallas, TX. He has been touring the company’s plants across the region and hasn’t been able to find the time to plan for his time at the event. He decides to download the event’s mobile app just before the boarding announcement is made. He… more
Dec 15, 2014
With Millennials set to command $200 billion in annual purchasing power by 2017, event organizers (many of whom are ‘mature’ Baby Boomers or from Generation X), are making a concerted effort to understand how to pitch their events to the younger, mobile professionals. They recognize that the unprecedented and extremely rapid evolution of mobile technology has had an indelible impact on the younger generation that has grown up in the last two decades. According to a feature report published by the American Psychology Association, there are some specific characteristics that define… more
Dec 15, 2014
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority has begun installation of a $2.6 million wireless infrastructure overhaul at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. The state-of-the-art upgrade will increase the number of existing wireless access points from 113 to at least 580, meaning a 413 percent increase in number of access points throughout the BCEC.  The MCCA, the first organization in the meetings industry to offer completely complimentary and reliable wireless Internet service at its facilities, has upgraded the wireless infrastructure at the BCEC four times since 2004. The… 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