Tech News

Jul 27, 2013
Sorted Gmail Interface Google recently launched a new interface for Gmail.  It is slowly being rolled out to all users. The new interface automatically sorts a user’s email into three categories: Primary, Social, and Promotion. If you are an android user, you will see a fourth tab for Google app updates. The primary tab houses your important messages.  The Social tab receives emails from your social network accounts.  The promotional tab collects all of the advertising and deal emails that you receive.  My Gmail account was updated a week ago and I LOVE the new… more
Jul 27, 2013
Four companies, each representing breakthrough event tech or thought-leading concepts, will present their product to Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) Executive Conference 2013 attendees. Following a critique and vote, one winner will be chosen at the event, which is on tap Aug. 6-8 at the Walter E. Washington (D.C.) Convention Center. “The competing companies all present viable, actionable solutions to improve event strategies,” said Lew Shomer, executive director of SISO. “We are very excited to see how each will fare on the Battlefield.” The businesses… more
Jul 21, 2013
Online communication plays a crucial part in your marketing efforts and sizable piece of this consists of email messages. I was reminded of the importance of how these emails are designed by a recent article on http://www.business2community.com that highlighted 25 interesting email statistics. The statistics that stood out for me included: 64% of people say they open an email because of the subject line. Subject lines with 30 or fewer characters performed above average in opens and clicks. The subject line is SO important and yet is often given the least amount of attention when… more
Jul 21, 2013
Online communication plays a crucial part in your marketing efforts and sizable piece of this consists of email messages. I was reminded of the importance of how these emails are designed by a recent article on http://www.business2community.com that highlighted 25 interesting email statistics. The statistics that stood out for me included: 64% of people say they open an email because of the subject line. Subject lines with 30 or fewer characters performed above average in opens and clicks. The subject line is SO important and yet is often given the least amount of attention when… more
Jul 14, 2013
Poken is a networking, lead capture and content distribution system that’s easy to use, doesn’t require Wi-Fi and it’s fun. Take that, QR codes. Poken uses near field communication (NFC), which is embedded into the device called a Poken. That device is about the size of your average USB drive. As a matter of fact, some of the Pokens look very much like a USB drive. Others display quirky caps depicting pandas, aliens, tigers, vampires and more. Custom caps can also be ordered which is the option used at the European Liver Congress. Poken created a collection of medical… more
Jul 14, 2013
Poken is a networking, lead capture and content distribution system that’s easy to use, doesn’t require Wi-Fi and it’s fun. Take that, QR codes. Poken uses near field communication (NFC), which is embedded into the device called a Poken. That device is about the size of your average USB drive. As a matter of fact, some of the Pokens look very much like a USB drive. Others display quirky caps depicting pandas, aliens, tigers, vampires and more. Custom caps can also be ordered which is the option used at the European Liver Congress. Poken created a collection of medical… more
Jul 06, 2013
Today, keeping up with the rapid and constantly evolving technology around us can be so challenging that even the savviest of tech users often find themselves saying ‘Whoa! When did that happen?’ While it’s difficult for anyone to stay completely up-to-date on all the changes continually, here are three great resources for tuning into of the latest news and developments in the world of technology, social media and consumer electronics. Mashable Mashable is my favorite website for reading informed opinions from industry experts on the breaking news in the social media… more
Jul 06, 2013
Today, keeping up with the rapid and constantly evolving technology around us can be so challenging that even the savviest of tech users often find themselves saying ‘Whoa! When did that happen?’ While it’s difficult for anyone to stay completely up-to-date on all the changes continually, here are three great resources for tuning into of the latest news and developments in the world of technology, social media and consumer electronics. Mashable Mashable is my favorite website for reading informed opinions from industry experts on the breaking news in the social media… more
Jun 29, 2013
Educational sessions, both on and off the showfloor, were a common sight at the 2013 HITEC conference in Minneapolis, Minn.  This year’s show focused on the combination of digital technology and engagement with hospitality clients on all levels, from bookings through check out.  And, with more than 700 booths and 275,000 square feet of space, the exhibitors certainly matched this theme to engage the nearly 5,000 attendees. This year’s show ran June 24-27 at the Minneapolis Convention Center and looked at new and innovative ways to incorporate technology to impact the… more
Jun 29, 2013
Educational sessions, both on and off the showfloor, were a common sight at the 2013 HITEC conference in Minneapolis, Minn.  This year’s show focused on the combination of digital technology and engagement with hospitality clients on all levels, from bookings through check out.  And, with more than 700 booths and 275,000 square feet of space, the exhibitors certainly matched this theme to engage the nearly 5,000 attendees. This year’s show ran June 24-27 at the Minneapolis Convention Center and looked at new and innovative ways to incorporate technology to impact 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