Experts & Opinions
Oct 21, 2021
The world of corporate events was moving along quite nicely until the advent of COVID-19. But ever-versatile, the industry went online and survived virtually. Now, slowly but surely, in-person events are starting to grow again.
However, it appears that Pandora does not go so quietly back into the box. By all accounts, 73% of event planners believe that virtual and hybrid events are here to stay, even after COVID-19.
The nature of these events are still finding their best form and certainly have their flaws. But one of the brightest answers so far has been satellite events.
What Is a… more
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Oct 19, 2021
Remember the good old days when millions of Americans got on planes and went to trade shows in every corner of the country? It was one of the most effective ways for people to connect and get deals done, and it was also an amazing tool for companies to build and promote themselves by giving away branded items that people would take home and use. Over the last year and a half, those opportunities have been severely curtailed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and while virtual events have filled the gap, most companies still can’t build long-term brand loyalty and exposure through SWAG.
Or can… more
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Oct 14, 2021
If you and I have a business conversation lasting much more than five minutes, there’s a good chance the subject of data is going to come up. I’m sorry, I just can’t help myself! I simply love the fact that data makes the world go ’round. For an IT professional, it’s been the steroid that has really juiced the entire technology industry. Now, if you look at what’s going on in the consumer/commercial SaaS world, it’s flabbergasting how data is enabling innovation and growth. In actuality, though, it’s not simply the existence of data by itself that drives value. There are two vital aspects of… more
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Oct 12, 2021
Virtual and hybrid events have matured and evolved a great deal over the last couple of years, and they will keep connecting us long after the pandemic is over. Even as businesses move into pandemic recovery, events and conferences—a more than trillion-dollar industry—will largely remain virtual or hybrid for some time. Professional event planners will need to find virtual event solutions that provide a great attendee experience and are highly customizable.
Additionally, in-person event attendees will expect more from conference apps than just being a prompt for the room where their next… more
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Oct 07, 2021
In my blog post Can Events Be Sustainable In a Post-Pandemic World?, I talked about the many ways event planners can continue to follow green practices in a safe and sanitary way.
But now that you know you can still plan green events, you may be wondering: should you?
With many guests feeling anxious about attending their first meetings after the shutdown, you might be concerned about how guests will perceive your green programs. Will having a visible green program seem insensitive to attendees? Will it give the impression you’re not putting enough effort into health and safety?
You may… more
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Oct 05, 2021
With many teams having been remote for much of the past two years, the morale of working from home has easily created a disconnect between colleagues and managers, on and off the screen. As we roll back into more in-person meetings, workshops and conferences, event planners are having to strategically plan while keeping safety in mind.
While safety is always a priority, so is the need to build relationships within their organizations. Team-building exercises are the foundation of a healthy workforce and have been proven effective in boosting the bottom line. When colleagues get to know one… more
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Sep 30, 2021
Thought leadership is a big part of many organizations’ communications strategies. In fact, LinkedIn’s 2020 B2B Thought Leadership Impact Study found that 48% of survey respondents spent at least an hour a week consuming thought leadership content.
Running a thought leadership event is an innovative way for companies to lead the discussion topics of their industries. However, despite live events now being firmly back on the agenda, many people are still hesitant or unable to get back to in-person gatherings.
Hybrid events, which incorporate both in-person and virtual elements, provide an… more
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Sep 28, 2021
Live events are again in flux. Depending on where you are in the world, your in-person trade show or conference could be anywhere from full steam ahead to on the verge of cancellation. Use this checklist to make sure you’ve done all you can to ensure a safe working environment for your in-person participants and staff. Without them, the show can’t go on.
Venue
Accreditation: Choose venues—convention centers and hotels—that have received certification from the Global BioRisk Advisory Council (GBAC).
Ventilation: Even though your venue of choice features windows and doors that open to the… more
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Sep 23, 2021
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the events industry was forced to quickly pivot to an alternative format incorporating video and networking software, and virtual events soon became the norm to keep the industry moving safely.
Now that venues have reopened, and a pathway to normality is forming, hybrid will continue to play a crucial role in allowing organizers to combine the best features of virtual, such as global accessibility, with the elements that make live events so popular, like networking.
Try using this toolkit to help you navigate and make the most of this new era of the… more
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Sep 21, 2021
There’s an interesting debate raging at the moment. It’s focused on whether hybrid events are here to stay or if the world will merely return to business as usual and resume in-person events.
It’s an important conversation as the “return to normal” continues running up against new COVID variants, but the decision doesn’t need to be a binary one.
Even as in-person events make a comeback, companies can and should include a virtual component in their events. It’s a relatively easy—and cost-effective—way to “upsize” smaller events into larger ones that reach more people.
There is a sense in… more
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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