Blogs
Mar 22, 2015
The words “creative” and “innovative” are often used interchangeably in the business world, from startups and established corporations to even trade shows. But are these two adjectives really as similar as they seem?
Because live events strive for innovation and creativity, many make the mistake of thinking these goals are one and the same. Although using tech creatively can increase engagement, using an innovative product doesn’t necessarily make you an innovator.
As Ted Levitt, late marketing professor at Harvard Business School and former Harvard Business Review editor, put it, people… more
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Mar 22, 2015
O.K, O.K., having a year-round mobile app may not be the holy grail to some – but to us app makers it is music to our ears! Why? Because, it gets our app out there and then it is being used all year long. It’s like writing a song and hearing it on the radio! But no, this blog is not all about us, it's about you and why it is important to think of your mobile app being used year round.
First, you work so hard building an audience for your mobile app. Typically, the event drives the app’s initial download.
You plan the content for the event, keep it updated, and… more
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Mar 15, 2015
When you meet someone for the first time, you have about seven seconds to make a first impression. It’s not much! But, when you’re walking around a busy trade show, it probably takes you even less than that to form an impression of a booth as you pass it.
Most trade show traffic passes by quickly, assessing your business based on a few square feet of display space. So what ‘s your silver bullet then? What can make visitors stop before they pass you by? Striking display visuals with high quality, eye-catching graphics.
As exhibitors, we ask a lot of our trade show visuals; they need to sum up… more
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Mar 11, 2015
It never ceases to amaze me how many hats trade show managers have to wear. We can’t just be good at what we do on a day-to-day basis.
We also need to stay on top of constantly changing trends in consumer behavior and sponsorship management, often making decisions that impact millions of consumers and business partners each year.
The latest challenge we face involves the growing use of technology — both by consumers and event sponsors. Attendees are glued to their smartphones and social networks at events, which creates huge opportunities for event sponsors to serve up increasingly… more
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Mar 08, 2015
Lead capture is likely one of your company’s main objectives when exhibiting at a trade show.
Despite this, some organizations – particularly first-time exhibitors and small and medium-sized enterprises – fail to optimize their lead generation processes. These firms may lose out on opportunities to make sales as a result.
If you have prepared well in advance and executed your plan during the show, then many of your generated leads will result in sales, or better yet, in decade-plus customers. Here’s five tips to try:
1) Make sure booth staff brings their A-game
Booth staff should be trained… more
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Mar 07, 2015
Exhibiting at trade shows is a big investment of time, effort and money. It needs to pay off in measurable results.
What makes trade shows so appealing as a marketing tool is the ability to conduct face-to-face marketing, to design a display that reflects well on your brand image and to staff your exhibit with your best representatives. Where else can you find so many potential customers in person in one place?
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), in their study, Purchase Process and Customer Relationships, found, “The 'sweet spots' for exhibitions lie in the pre-purchase and… more
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Mar 01, 2015
For my first blog post here on TSNN I figured I’d start at the beginning with why have a mobile app in the first place.
This is a question that I use to get when we first started in 2009 when everyone was still using paper maps and programs. Since that time, however, I do not get this question often enough.
Just producing a mobile app does not mean it will be successful. Sadly, some organizers buy an app just to have one or they got it for free (ok, don’t get me started on a free app – you’ve heard the old saying “you get what you paid for”).
Then the responsibility of… more
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Mar 01, 2015
We all have those mornings… You wake up, the solution to the work-related problem is there, no effort required. Unfortunately, some of the best ideas don’t emerge on their own, and let’s be honest, life isn’t always that easy. And like a rough diamond, the good stuff might be there, but it’s going to take a bit of effort to make it shine.
Brainstorming is the best method for digging up those gems that WOW your clients and make your boss relieved to have you on their team. Here are four ways you can ensure you get the most from each of your brainstorming sessions:
1. Invite Your Client-… more
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Feb 21, 2015
I am sure many of you are reading the title and thinking, what? But there are instances where you can cut corners, or in better terms, get a little creative, in your trade show marketing. But beware when cutting the wrong corners can make for a mess.
Demonstrations: Getting creative – making a demo that powerful, even if it is simple. You don’t need to have a Las Vegas type demonstration going on. Sometimes a simple demo can be powerful, if the message clearly ties into the booth, and it shows how your products and services can make the attendee’s life easier. Making a mess… more
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Feb 21, 2015
Two event organizers walk into a room and scan the audience. Upon leaving the room, the first event organizer says, “No one is engaged. They are all texting and reading emails or having side conversations.” The other event organizer says, “You’re wrong. Those people were taking notes, and sharing sound bites on social media. The others were debating what the speaker was saying.”
The problem with perception is that everyone creates their own. Which of these organizers is right? Which of these perceptions is reality? Unless you start looking over your attendees’ shoulders, it’s going to be hard… 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