Tech News

May 11, 2014
There has been a lot of talk in the events industry lately about NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth® beacons. There are those who are in the NFC camp and others who are in the beacon camp. The fact is, both have a role in trade shows, depending on what you are trying to achieve. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these technologies does. NFC is a set of standards for “devices” to establish radio communication with each other by either touching them together or bringing them into close proximity. That is the “near” part of near field… more
May 11, 2014
Besides giving its Web site a major facelift recently, Twitter also has announced a number of photo-related enhancements, which clearly are aimed at strengthening its user base and ensuring that it can better compete with Facebook and Instagram, the two most popular visual social media services out there. Here is a quick summary of the new features: Post multiple photos On iPhone or Android, use the updated native app to post multiple pics in a single tweet. Tag people You can now tag up to 10 of your followers in a photo to bring them into the conversation. This would also be a… more
May 04, 2014
LinkedIn is the largest professional network with over 250 million members around the world. LinkedIn has created a platform that allows its members to connect with other like-minded professionals to promote their business interests and share and learn ideas. Event managers can promote their brand and events on LinkedIn and target marketing efforts to their core audience. This is a great tool for sourcing prospects to attend your local or industry-related events. The key factors to successful brand and event promotion on LinkedIn for any event manager is increasing visibility and building… more
May 04, 2014
LinkedIn is the largest professional network with over 250 million members around the world. LinkedIn has created a platform that allows its members to connect with other like-minded professionals to promote their business interests and share and learn ideas. Event managers can promote their brand and events on LinkedIn and target marketing efforts to their core audience. This is a great tool for sourcing prospects to attend your local or industry-related events. The key factors to successful brand and event promotion on LinkedIn for any event manager is increasing visibility and building… more
Apr 27, 2014
The Society of Independent Show Organizers now is accepting entries for its acclaimed SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, in which the overall winner will be named at the association’s Executive Leadership Conference Aug. 13 at the Revel Hotel in Atlantic City. At this year’s SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, companies will present their breakthrough event technologies or new business models before an audience of SISO attendees. “The Event Innovation Battlefield is an important motivational hub for innovation, ideas, talent and products,” said Lew Shomer, executive… more
Apr 27, 2014
The Society of Independent Show Organizers now is accepting entries for its acclaimed SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, in which the overall winner will be named at the association’s Executive Leadership Conference Aug. 13 at the Revel Hotel in Atlantic City. At this year’s SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, companies will present their breakthrough event technologies or new business models before an audience of SISO attendees. “The Event Innovation Battlefield is an important motivational hub for innovation, ideas, talent and products,” said Lew Shomer, executive… more
Apr 20, 2014
Some organizations, trade associations in particular, are reluctant to automate their existing event management practices. Others have embraced the idea of optimizing the planning process, realizing both tangible and intangible benefits along the way. Why some groups wait to automate. There are a number of reasons why event organizers avoid or delay automation: Lack of internal expertise to select the appropriate technology Perceived risk of selecting the wrong tools Budget constraints Reluctance to disrupt existing operations “If it ain’t broke, don’t… more
Apr 20, 2014
Some organizations, trade associations in particular, are reluctant to automate their existing event management practices. Others have embraced the idea of optimizing the planning process, realizing both tangible and intangible benefits along the way. Why some groups wait to automate. There are a number of reasons why event organizers avoid or delay automation: Lack of internal expertise to select the appropriate technology Perceived risk of selecting the wrong tools Budget constraints Reluctance to disrupt existing operations “If it ain’t broke, don’t… more
Apr 12, 2014
After the winter many of us have had to endure this year, we wholeheartedly welcome warmer weather and outside activities. How do event marketers fight this additional distraction of “Spring Fever”?  More time enjoying the sun could mean less time in front of the screen, which means less time for reading your emails, blog posts, social media posts and Website. Therefore, your message, presentation and timing have to be well thought out and well executed.  Based on Hub Spots Marketing Statistics, Saturdays offer the best click through email rates and 6AM is the highest… more
Apr 12, 2014
After the winter many of us have had to endure this year, we wholeheartedly welcome warmer weather and outside activities. How do event marketers fight this additional distraction of “Spring Fever”?  More time enjoying the sun could mean less time in front of the screen, which means less time for reading your emails, blog posts, social media posts and Website. Therefore, your message, presentation and timing have to be well thought out and well executed.  Based on Hub Spots Marketing Statistics, Saturdays offer the best click through email rates and 6AM is the highest… 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