Blogs
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
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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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 13, 2015
Like so many other spaces in the business world, today’s trade shows are fueled by social media conversations and the buzz they create. Here’s a look at how you can leverage the power of social across three important but very different channels.
Facebook
● Create a page—not a personal profile—for your trade show.
● Invite and respond to questions and comments on your posts: This will help create conversation and engagement.
● Green up your show. Post digital copies of your show guides,… more
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Feb 12, 2015
A common question I hear when speaking to customers is, "How do I make our trade show booth representative of our brand?" My answer is to think of your booth like a website. Think about it – companies today rely on their Web site to do two things: attract new visitors, and then turn those visitors into paying customers. Shouldn't your trade show booth serve the same function?
At a busy event, people constantly are passing your booth, in search of something to fit their needs – not unlike online consumers searching Google. Once you’ve got them to stop at your booth, it’s the job of the… more
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Feb 08, 2015
Hire a “Trade Show” Graphic Designer. Most designers don’t understand trade show graphics. Hire someone who does. Your graphics are as important as your physical display, if not more important, and they can make or break your presentation.
Up or Down. What elements will be seen up close or across the show floor? It matters. Avoid putting important elements at floor level. Higher elements will draw your customer’s attention several aisles over. There’s a micro-brewery in Oregon with a BIG sign: FREE BEER. When you get closer, the sign reads: FREE wi-fi | great BEER. I fall for it every… more
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Feb 08, 2015
A new year means new ways to make your events even more green. Going green is a constant progression and as technologies change and your goals transform there are going to be new ways to up your green game. From incorporating tech aspects to engaging your customers and finding ways to use recycled materials, here are some ways you can make your event more green in 2015.
Create an App
Whether your goal is to make the ordering process easier or just to engage with your customers an app will get the job done and cut down on paper in the form of order forms, handouts and catalogs. Creating an app… more
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Feb 02, 2015
Trade show exhibits are very similar to billboards; attendees need to be able to comprehend its message in less than 5 seconds in order to get their attention as they are walking down the aisles. With very little time to draw people to your booth, there are 3 questions that need to be answered in order to peak their interest and get them to stop and talk to you and your staff.
1.Who are you?
It’s astounding how many exhibitors fail to tell attendees who they are. Without clearly answering this question throughout your booth, potential leads could be walking right by, not realizing what… more
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Jan 25, 2015
You’ve just wrapped up your show and it was a huge success: your attendance numbers were up, your attendees gave you positive feedback, several of your exhibitors have already re-signed for next year and your staff is enthused. Now what?
The critical time to start garnering interest for next year’s event is during and immediately following your current event while the enthusiasm is fresh. The key is to create ways to connect with attendees throughout the year to extend the life of the interest generated by the show.
Here are 5 marketing tactics to include in the creation of your successful… more
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Jan 25, 2015
I am excited to be both a media partner and keynote speaker for the Digimarcon Cruise this coming April. I was asked to assist with running the conference as well, and it really got me thinking about how a cruise as a venue has some things even the most seasoned event manager can miss.
1. Helping your exhibitor: When it comes to your exhibitor, they have to think a bit differently when it comes to show preparation. Exhibit graphics and materials have to be on the ship and last minute changes need to take place while you are still in port.… 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