IMEX Converting to EventReference Event Management System
October 6, 2017
IMEX is replacing its original event organizing platform with EventReference, a cloud-based event management system developed by U.K.-based RefTech.
EventReference will be used to manage all of IMEX’s online interaction with show attendees, including all registrations, hosted buyer travel, buyer and exhibitor appointment schedules and the exhibitor booth directory.
Going forward, every person attending IMEX in any capacity will be using EventReference to register, manage and plan their visit.
“IMEX has grown and we have evolved our processes and listened and adapted to the growing and changing needs of our audiences, so our organizing platform has had to evolve too,” explained Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group.
She continued, “Our original system was custom built by RefTech, so the move to EventReference is more evolution than revolution to the end user. It was extremely important to us that all our visitors, hosted buyers and exhibitors recognize the system and are familiar with its functions and where they are. EventReference is the best system for our needs, and we have worked with RefTech for a long time, and know we are in good hands. (RefTech Chief Ideas Officer) Simon Clayton is very good at working with us and delivering exactly what we actually need.”
To meet IMEX’s specific and complex requirements, the team at RefTech is in the process of creating custom built modules to enhance the system’s functionality.
According to Clayton, the original RefTech systems have powered every IMEX show in Frankfurt and the U.S. since the very first event in 2003, and since that time, more than 70,000 developer hours have been invested in ensuring constant evolution.
“Despite this continuing development, we felt that the best way to continue giving IMEX customers a best-in-class online experience in the future was to re-develop the systems on a modern platform,” Clayton said.
He continued, “IMEX had the choice of having a new system custom built completely from scratch or to use EventReference as the powerful ‘engine,’ and then for us to build the custom modules around it. We’ve been creating event management tools for almost 20 years and we have applied all this knowledge and experience to EventReference, so the move was a no-brainer for them as it is the best possible option. Attendees using the new system will still find it looking familiar – we have made lots of incremental improvements to make the system slicker, easier to use but still have a recognizable look and feel.”
IMEX’s transfer to EventReference is already underway and will be completed by the end of 2017 so that testing can begin. The system will go live in spring of 2018 to enable pre-show engagement, buyer travel arrangements, appointment booking and exhibitor marketing for IMEX America 2018, which will take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center.
“We believe EventReference is the most technologically advanced event management system on the market today – it offers a simple, easy to use and effective way to handle event registration, event management, paid registration, event reporting, badging and scanning,” Clayton added.
For more information about EventReference and RefTech, go here.
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
Add new comment