Blogs

Mar 13, 2024
Authenticity was a buzzword in events in 2023, and there's no denying, based on many predictions posted for 2024, that the word will play a role in many event and marketing strategies for the year ahead. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has not only revolutionized content generation but also impacted what many people assume to be genuine content or not.  There are many advantages to utilizing AI in your content marketing strategies, such as personalization, time and cost efficiency. However, there's also a danger of losing authenticity if it is not used correctly. This is where the… more
Mar 06, 2024
In a significant step towards a sustainable future, the stakeholders of the Net Zero Carbon Events workstreams have officially released seven comprehensive guidance documents for decarbonization. As a culmination of efforts from more than 100 colleagues worldwide, the guidance documents offer a detailed and actionable framework for stakeholders, entering in a new era of responsible event management.  Venue Energy: The Venue Energy workstream introduced a four-fold approach to kickstart the decarbonization journey for event venues. Recommendations range from tracking energy usage to… more
Feb 28, 2024
For years, the business events industry has been calling on policymakers to take action against the scammers who prey on our industry.  On Feb. 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) answered those calls with its new Government and Business Impersonation Rule, which will target scammers who impersonate businesses and government entities.  The FTC takes action This new rule directly targets the hotel reservation scams and attendee list sale scams that have targeted conference and trade show exhibitors and attendees for ages.  How? The Government and Business Impersonation Rule will allow… more
Feb 21, 2024
Think of a trade show as a miniature city and each booth as a business meeting location. Like a city, it can be a confusing place for a visitor, who may end up aimlessly wandering the aisles leading past blocks of booths and tables while trying to find their destination. So many exhibits look the same, or their displays overload the viewer with such clutter that nothing can stand out.  The right signage smooths the flow of traffic to the booths and helps attendees engage more fully with the entire show. Here is a helpful guide for trade show organizers on how to maximize signage and some… more
Feb 14, 2024
How do you completely reimagine a trade show after a global pandemic and a three-year hiatus? Helping trade show organizers rebrand to boost attendance, increase engagement and deliver greater ROI/ROO for stakeholders is never easy.  But with a proven process, a committed organization and cross-functional teamwork, it can be done – and done successfully. Here are five strategies from our work with the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), as we helped them transform their event from “Convention” to “Access Live.” 1.     Dive DeepAny event reinvention requires empathy and a… more
Feb 07, 2024
It's impossible to imagine even a mid-sized event without the support of an event management platform or app. However, the tools designed to enhance customer experience can sometimes lead to headaches for event organizers and overall dissatisfaction by exhibitors and attendees. Let’s explore the nine most common event tech problems and how to solve them. 1. Poor Networking Opportunities People attend business events primarily for the chance to network with industry peers, decision-makers and fellow professionals, so make sure your event app has a powerful networking tool. Features such as… more
Jan 31, 2024
In January, the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) released its 2024 public policy agenda.  The headline: ECA is ‘all in’ on supporting government policies to help you attract and train the business events industry’s future workforce.  Why? Our industry has a skilled workforce shortage. But it’s not just us. Our country has a skilled workforce shortage, and working together, we can make a difference.  How is ECA helping? In Washington, DC we are advocating for two bipartisan bills in Congress with the potential to be game changers for the industry. Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act… more
Jan 24, 2024
Google recently issued a guide to inclusive event design, detailing ways organizers can make spaces and content more accessible. Critical areas, like mobility access, sensory accommodations, dietary options and more, are considered, but there is a key component missing that event planners must take into account to enable next-level accessibility: digital indoor mapping. Creating an indoor map of a facility improves accessibility in public, as well as private places, making it easier and more inclusive for everyone to navigate them. According to the World Health Organization, 16% of the world… more
Jan 17, 2024
In the whirlwind world of trade shows, where hordes of companies are elbowing their way into the spotlight, making your mark is like a real-life game of “Where’s Waldo.” Amid the frenzy of companies vying for attention, it might seem like a waste to offer trade show swag for fear of it ending up in the trash. However, well-executed and unique swag that promotes your brand is worth the effort. So now we come to that question in the minds of everyone running a trade show booth: How do I offer event swag that people actually want?  Why Trade Show Swag Matters  At conventions and trade shows… more
Jan 10, 2024
Generation Z, commonly defined as those born between 1996 and 2012, is the most diverse generation in history, having grown up with technology embedded into their everyday lives and being more socially and environmentally conscious than previous generations.  As a result, the needs and interests of Gen Z are quite different from other generations, and event planners must understand their unique characteristics to make events more relevant and appealing to them.   Here are eight key characteristics of Gen Z that event organizers should consider when planning events that cater to this… 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