The Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kan., has launched a full-service program designed to show appreciation, reduce costs and elevate the live event experience for convention and trade show producers, exhibitors and general service contractors.

Aptly named the OPCC Exhibition Advantage, this first-of-its-kind, industry-leading initiative features a cashback loyalty program, 50% discount at concessions, free internet access and digital content displays, live camera feeds in the show office, time-lapse video, equipment and tool sharing, swag bags, complimentary coffee and snacks and more.

According to Brett C. Mitchell, general manager of the OPCC, the new program is the result of the venue taking feedback from clients and service partners, then identifying key areas where it could add value and eliminate pain points. 

“Venues have always talked about the tremendous economic benefit exhibitions have on destinations,” Mitchell said. “Our team wanted to do more than talk — we wanted to make a difference, so we created the Exhibition Advantage program.”

Mitchell added, “The program targets the three key members of the exhibition industry: show producers, exhibitors and general service contractors.”

Benefits for show producers include: 

• Cashback loyalty program
• 50% discount at concessions
• Live video feeds and time-lapse footage
• Free access to digital marketing displays
• Referral program (up to $10,000)
• Concierge service for local food and attractions
• Complimentary marketing services to cultivate growth
• Free high-speed internet access
• Swag bags and complimentary coffee/snacks

Benefits for exhibitors include: 

• 50% discount at concessions
• Referral program (up to $10,000)
• Free high-speed internet access (wireless)
• Tool sharing (drills, wrenches, ladders, etc.)
• Dedicated exhibitor utility room
• Concierge service for local food and attractions
• Swag bag giveaway and complimentary coffee/snacks

Benefits for general service contractors include:

• 50% discount at concessions
• Referral program (up to $10,000)
• Dedicated storage for show equipment
• Equipment sharing (lifts, vacuums, flatbeds, etc.)
• Free high-speed internet access (wireless)
• Complimentary coffee and snacks

To qualify for the Exhibition Advantage program, a trade show, meeting or event must occupy at least 60,000 gross square feet of exhibit hall space, with a minimum required spend of $80,000 or more and peak room nights of at least 150 or more.

“As a show producer, I’ve been organizing our biannual events at the Overland Park Convention Center for the last two decades,” said Jonathan Mize, CEO and president of Blish-Mize Co. “I can’t think of any convention center in the United States that is providing what Overland Park is offering today with this new service.”

He continued, “The Exhibition Advantage program is a game-changer for us, with so many amenities and providing a good return on investment for all involved. It’s just another reason why they are the Best Small Convention Center in North America. With top-notch facilities, great staff and this new program, we look forward to returning to the center for many years to come.”

According to Mitchell, the OPCC team hopes that the new program will not only help elevate the experience of the venue’s current exhibition clients while increasing its opportunities in the small to midsize trade show space, but also have a positive impact on the industry at large.

“On an industry level, we hope to influence conversations regarding the exhibition model, which traditionally has been a series of independent transactions based on self-interests,” Mitchell said. “By becoming true business partners with shared goals, revenues and risk, perhaps show producers, exhibitors, general service contractors and venues can find a more profitable path. A new model has often been discussed. We just wanted to show a willingness to step in that direction.” 

Situated in Kansas City’s largest suburb, the award-winning Overland Park Convention Center offers a high-quality, high-tech experience for corporate meetings, trade shows, conventions and events. The 262,000-sq.-ft. venue features 60,000 sq. ft. of exhibit hall space with a connected 25,000 sq. ft. ballroom. Additionally, the venue offers one of the fastest Wi-Fi systems in the industry, backed by a 10GB infrastructure and redundant fiber internet services, all at no cost to exhibitors and guests.

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