Exhibitions Mean Business: Here’s Why!

November 12, 2015

Exhibitions are ubiquitous, yet are not seen as economic engines driving our GDP. It’s time for that to change.

Exhibitions and events represent an incredibly diverse and prolific industry. After all, the face-to-face interaction, the knowledge sharing and the business opportunities that exhibitions make possible transcend individual business sectors and geographies. Exhibitions serve every business sector and every market, worldwide.

There is little confusion around what one does at a trade show. People recognize that, for example, it’s a place where buyers and sellers can interact and do business. Or, that it’s a forum for people from different industries to network and share ideas.

However, there is limited understanding around WHY exhibitions are such a prime channel to do business, gain insights on important topics, or simply network with other professionals. Beyond this limitation, there’s very little understanding around why this industry presents such a viable career path for people.

It sounds silly, really. Companies of all sizes have attended exhibitions and events for years; this method of seeking out business interaction has existed for centuries. Of course people get why exhibitions work so well. Of course they see what makes this industry different and a ripe career market…don’t they?

Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is that most people do not see the value of exhibitions. Exhibitions and other face-to-face events are too often seen as a box to check in the grand scheme of business marketing. They are not seen for the personality, vibrancy and potential they possess.

The Exhibitions Mean Business campaign is looking to change this lack of understanding. This week, the campaign will launch an initiative called Here’s Why. Through quotes and anecdotes, video commentary and written stories, we will showcase exactly WHY this industry is different, WHY it is a great industry to work in, and WHY nothing matches its value to business.

Here’s Why will kick-off on the campaign’s Twitter channel, @ExhibitsMeanBiz, this week with featured quotes and anecdotes from industry members and media that showcase “here’s why” The exhibitions and events industry is important.

We encourage you to share your own Here’s Why posts by simply tagging them with the hashtag #HeresWhy. We will also have Exhibitions Mean Business campaign team members at Expo! Expo! in Baltimore on the showfloor capturing Here’s Why commentary from attendees – we’ll be looking for photo ops, so if you’re at Expo! Expo! be prepared to say ‘cheese!’. As the initiative progresses through 2016, we’ll also share your contributions via other social media channels, blog posts and online channels, and welcome your submissions to the cause via email, directly on social media or live at events.

The members of this industry are part of what make it different and successful, so we want to ensure you have a prominent place in this initiative. We want to communicate the value of this industry using your words, your experiences and your perspective, so that together we can increase the understanding of the power and vibrancy our industry brings to the global marketplace.

How can you participate?

·         Share your company’s experience with trade shows and exhibitions socially and tag #HeresWhy

·         Attend Expo! Expo! and stop by our booth to learn more

·         Join us as a guest blogger to share why you value this industry. Click here to contribute an idea.

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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