News
Feb 21, 2016
Powerful, cloud-based technology solutions, which are also cost-effective and fast to deploy, easily are available to show organizers in the events industry. If you currently are exploring technology options for your event, here are some tips on what to look out for and how to make an informed decision.
1. Appraise track record
When picking a technology vendor, check their long-term history and performance in the industry. Consider their market share and reputation before investing in a partnership with them. Select them for what they have delivered to other… more
Feb 20, 2016
In an effort to reach out to foreign visitors and increase Milwaukee’s international exposure, VISIT Milwaukee has launched a “bucket list” of the area’s major attractions in 10 languages on its website.
The languages – German, Spanish, French, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Polish – were selected based on recent experience with international visitors and foreign press, taking local resident ethnic groups into consideration, and projecting ahead to expanded tourism from countries like China.
“The… more
Feb 20, 2016
In an effort to reach out to foreign visitors and increase Milwaukee’s international exposure, VISIT Milwaukee has launched a “bucket list” of the area’s major attractions in 10 languages on its website.
The languages – German, Spanish, French, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Polish – were selected based on recent experience with international visitors and foreign press, taking local resident ethnic groups into consideration, and projecting ahead to expanded tourism from countries like China.
“The… more
Feb 19, 2016
The 15th anniversary of the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum will feature a bevy of high-profile speakers when the one-day conference is held June 1 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C.
“The ECEF 2016 program has confirmed the participation of 11 ‘A-list’ executive presenters and panelists” said Sam Lippman, president, Lippman Connect.
He added, “Because ECEF is renowned for its C-level program, I am keenly aware that expectations for the 15th Anniversary are extraordinarily high. To meet the challenge, the 2016 agenda takes an unblinking look at the… more
Feb 18, 2016
Meeting management firm Spargo has been on a hot streak recently, kicking off 2016 with several new business contracts signed, along with other companies that have added clients to their busy portfolios.
The International Council of Ophthalmology appointed SPARGO, Inc. as their exhibit and sponsorship sales and management firm for the 2018 World Ophthalmology Congress, on tap June 16-19 in Barcelona.
This gathering of international ophthalmologists occurs every two years, attracting upwards of 15,000 attendees from more than 130 countries.
“One of the primary reasons we selected SPARGO… more
Feb 17, 2016
At last year’s AAPEX, a show for the aftermarket auto parts industry that is held in November at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, decided to up their attendee engagement game by hiring a bevy of customer service staff members they called “Ask Joes” to help people out at the show.
The “Ask Joes” auditioned for their roles to demonstrate their ability to meet and greet attendees with enthusiasm, according to show management, and then they also received comprehensive training and were stationed at custom-designed Ask Joe Service Stations throughout the showfloor.
As a result of this effort and other… more
Feb 16, 2016
The American Society of Association Executives is introducing a hybrid membership model, which will provide associations and Association Management Companies (AMC) the option of joining or renewing through an organizational purchasing model.
For one flat annual fee determined by staff size, every employee in any size association or AMC office can opt to join ASAE and reap all available member benefits.
“We’ve had tremendous success with our small staff organizational membership. ASAE wanted to engage more association professionals who are employed by more than 15,000 associations… more
Feb 16, 2016
This year’s Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West conference at the Anaheim Convention Center not only saw more attendee, but also they were engaged in a variety of ways on the showfloor.
The leading medical manufacturer’s conference was held Feb. 9-11 and drew an estimated 22,000-plus attendees, more than 2,200 exhibitors and 380,000 square feet of exhibitor space at the Anaheim Convention Center.
“We have seen an increase on all three fronts from last year. We are ahead on number of attendees, number of exhibitors, and we sold out our exhibit space,” said Stephen Corrick,… more
Feb 16, 2016
The National Restaurant Association announced that US Foods will collocate its traveling road show Food Fanatics LIVE March 15 during the 2016 New England Food Show.
“The National Restaurant Association is pleased to share the BCEC with US Foods during NEFS 2016,” said Mary Pat Heftman, executive vice president, Convention at National Restaurant Association.
She added, “Bringing these two events together provides a one-stop shop for New England foodservice professionals looking to explore new products, participate in robust educational and edutainment-type programming and connect with one… more
Feb 16, 2016
It isn’t always easy to meet all the ‘right’ people at an event, but a new event app, SummitSync, takes some of the struggle out of networking onsite.
The app combines a fun, easy-to-use social networking and discovery frontend with enterprise-class features for data capture and CRM integration on the backend.
A user sign-ups by using their LinkedIn credentials, selects the conference they are attending and swipes right (interested) or left (not interested) when event attendees appear.
This upfront filtering system and inherent double-blinded opt-in nature of the app, makes it an easier… 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