Tech News

May 08, 2016
In the last two decades, technology has radically transformed how tradeshows are organized and managed. Though the changes are more exponential than linear in nature, a quick review can reveal how the many technology solutions you use through the year are closely integrated links in an unbroken chain that runs parallel to your show cycle. Operations – Smart event management and efficiency tools are helping to significantly reduce paperwork and errors, increasing your team’s productivity multifold in the process. Business Intelligence – Because operations have been… more
May 08, 2016
In the last two decades, technology has radically transformed how tradeshows are organized and managed. Though the changes are more exponential than linear in nature, a quick review can reveal how the many technology solutions you use through the year are closely integrated links in an unbroken chain that runs parallel to your show cycle. Operations – Smart event management and efficiency tools are helping to significantly reduce paperwork and errors, increasing your team’s productivity multifold in the process. Business Intelligence – Because operations have been… more
May 07, 2016
Convention Data Services added a Lead Retrieval Dashboard to the CDS X·Press Reports event management tool. The new dashboard provides show management with a deeper understanding of exhibit hall activity and charts important data on exhibitor and attendee behavior.  The product, which analyzes data collected from scans on all CDS lead retrieval devices, provides a unique display of the aggregated data. This data can be accessed during the show or post-show by all onsite and remotely located show management staff to monitor the activity and progress of the event. The dashboard… more
May 07, 2016
Convention Data Services added a Lead Retrieval Dashboard to the CDS X·Press Reports event management tool. The new dashboard provides show management with a deeper understanding of exhibit hall activity and charts important data on exhibitor and attendee behavior.  The product, which analyzes data collected from scans on all CDS lead retrieval devices, provides a unique display of the aggregated data. This data can be accessed during the show or post-show by all onsite and remotely located show management staff to monitor the activity and progress of the event. The dashboard… more
May 01, 2016
What are Twitter Trends? A trend on Twitter refers to a keyword or a phrase - usually hashtag driven - that is currently popular for a given user’s demographic. According to Twitter, “Trends are determined by an algorithm and, by default, are tailored for you based on who you follow and your location.” Trends enable Twitter to provide presumably ‘meaningful’ and ‘relevant’ content to its users. If you have a nascent event, you may be wondering if there’s any way you can leverage these to put your brand in front of an as yet… more
May 01, 2016
What if you had a tool that helped attendees navigate the show floor so they can find exhibitors more easily; one that helped attendees connect with each other in more meaningful ways; and one that improves feedback on things such as session surveys? Sound good? Using technology, it doesn’t have to be a ‘what-if’. Beacons - pieces of hardware that use battery-friendly, low-energy Bluetooth signals to transmit messages to a smartphone or tablet - are revolutionizing attendee experiences. Several show organizers have deployed beacons at their events and are measuring the… more
May 01, 2016
What are Twitter Trends? A trend on Twitter refers to a keyword or a phrase - usually hashtag driven - that is currently popular for a given user’s demographic. According to Twitter, “Trends are determined by an algorithm and, by default, are tailored for you based on who you follow and your location.” Trends enable Twitter to provide presumably ‘meaningful’ and ‘relevant’ content to its users. If you have a nascent event, you may be wondering if there’s any way you can leverage these to put your brand in front of an as yet… more
May 01, 2016
What if you had a tool that helped attendees navigate the show floor so they can find exhibitors more easily; one that helped attendees connect with each other in more meaningful ways; and one that improves feedback on things such as session surveys? Sound good? Using technology, it doesn’t have to be a ‘what-if’. Beacons - pieces of hardware that use battery-friendly, low-energy Bluetooth signals to transmit messages to a smartphone or tablet - are revolutionizing attendee experiences. Several show organizers have deployed beacons at their events and are measuring the… more
Apr 24, 2016
Audience response has been around for thousands of years. Remember the movie Gladiator? Thumbs up or thumbs down was the ancient audience response system (or ARS). Clapping or booing is another form of it. Technology has done a great job taming ARS in recent years. Colleges and conferences often use clickers that attendees can interact with to give their opinion or answer to yes-no or multiple choice questions. The problem is that conferences are by nature social environments. Audience response, then, would be social too. With all the fun social media tools now available, you'd think… more
Apr 24, 2016
Audience response has been around for thousands of years. Remember the movie Gladiator? Thumbs up or thumbs down was the ancient audience response system (or ARS). Clapping or booing is another form of it. Technology has done a great job taming ARS in recent years. Colleges and conferences often use clickers that attendees can interact with to give their opinion or answer to yes-no or multiple choice questions. The problem is that conferences are by nature social environments. Audience response, then, would be social too. With all the fun social media tools now available, you'd think… 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