Tech News

Jul 16, 2020
Self-service event app and event data management company Attendify has launched a new offering, Attendify for Virtual Events, that aims to transform the in-person, virtual and hybrid event experience. According to company officials, Attendify’s goal for its new platform is to help make the industry resilient. Whether it’s a future economic shock, another health crisis or a major industry strike, the event industry can’t be as susceptible to future shocks that are completely out of an organizer’s control. Through Attendify for Virtual Events, event organizers can build out a modern virtual… more
Jul 08, 2020
With social distancing as part of the new reality the events industry must face for the foreseeable future, planners are having to consider not only how to execute safe and CDC guideline-compliant events, but also ensure that attendees follow those rules. But when involved in conversation and conducting business, it can be easy for people to forget about staying safely apart. While asking event attendees to maintain a 6-foot distance may seem simple enough, how can event organizers ensure consistent compliance? Enter radio controlled wearables provider CrowdLED, which will launch its new… more
Jun 30, 2020
Event managers handling events for academia, science, medicine and other professional fields now have a new online platform option for planning virtual conferences and events. Underline, a live-streaming conference platform and digital repository, has been custom-built to handle scientific, technical and academic events, helping planners and organizers to execute virtual events as well as aggregate content from those events in a digital library. Alex Lazinica, founder and CEO of Underline and a former robotics and artificial intelligence scientist, was inspired to start the company after… more
Jun 26, 2020
The global event tech exhibition and conference Event Tech Live is taking a new approach for its 2020 event — and perhaps no one is better equipped to go (partially) digital, due to their depth of knowledge with event technology. This Nov. 2-6, Event Tech Live will take a hybrid approach, expanding its typical two-day trade show (which will still take place in person, Nov. 4-5, at The Old Truman Brewery in London, incorporating procedures overseen by health consultants to ensure safety for all attendees) to include five virtual days of content, as well. “ETL introduced a virtual element… more
Jun 17, 2020
As face-to-face trade shows and conferences begin to resume, it goes without saying that event organizers are going to be paying extra-special attention to health and safety practices. With social distancing among the top safety practices for the foreseeable future, event registration and lead management solutions provider Convention Data Services is offering a new Touchless Toolkit. Launched in early June, the Toolkit includes DigiBadge, which allows event registrants to check in safely and securely using their own mobile devices. Event participants download the DigiBadge link provided by… more
Jun 11, 2020
The future of fashion B2B trade shows is hybrid, according to Informa Markets, which has joined forces with B2B e-commerce platform NuORDER to launch the fashion industry’s largest digital trade event. Making its debut alongside Informa Fashion Portfolio’s physical trade shows – MAGIC, COTERIE, PROJECT and MICAM AMERICAS – in Las Vegas and New York City, the new e-commerce experience will virtually connect retailers with brands that are unable to attend the events in person.  Originally scheduled for Aug. 17-19, MAGIC, PROJECT Las Vegas and MICAM Americas will take place Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at… more
Jun 01, 2020
Event technology companies are responding to increased demand for virtual tools with new software offerings designed to help event planners make the shift from in-person to digital meetings. Here are three of the newest offerings:  StreampointLIVE  Event management technology platform Streampoint Solutions launched StreampointLIVE, a customizable virtual events platform tailored to the registration process that incorporates integrations with CRM and AMS solutions. “While the country endures the COVID-19 shutdown, we want to provide events and meetings with access to a virtual platform that… more
May 27, 2020
In response to the influx of physical events transitioning to virtual, AI live event chatbot creator 42Chat has launched Virtual Event Bots to help streamline the virtual attendee experience. Attendees simply type their queries into a chatbot window on the event’s registration microsite, virtual event site or both, and the virtual bot responds to their event-related questions within seconds. Able to be deployed in less than an hour and capable of responding to questions around the clock, Virtual Event Bots serve as a low-friction customer support tool that helps free up event staff to focus… more
May 20, 2020
As the demand for virtual event platforms continues to increase, LinkedIn has entered the game. The social media giant has brought two of its offerings together — LinkedIn Live and LinkedIn Events — to create LinkedIn Virtual Events.  The virtual event functionality allows brands to stream video content to their LinkedIn page, targeting followers or event attendees. One benefit the company is touting is a new video tab, making it easier for brands to share and archive their video content in an accessible manner. For video streaming, LinkedIn is partnering with third-party broadcasting… more
May 13, 2020
Event software company CadmiumCD has launched eventScribe Live, an expanded version of its existing eventScribe event management and attendee engagement platform, to support digital events including hybrid, virtual and on-demand (pre-recorded). According to company officials, the new LIVE platform takes the best of eventScribe and packages it with new features that allow event planners to collect, manage and share digital conference and trade show content.  “We’ve been talking with clients about their needs during this transitional time in our industry, and we have a platform based on 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