Improvement, Inspiration and Innovation in the Events Industry

February 4, 2021
Improvement, Inspiration and Innovation in the Events Industry

Carrie Abernathy never imagined a year ago that she’d be where she is now. The corporate event planner and founder of the Association for Women in Events is back in Virginia, but 3.5 hours away from her former stopping grounds in Northern Virginia. Figuratively, she is adapting like the rest of us to a new world. Abernathy started a website, A Women with Drive, and is looking to impart the wisdom she’s gained while serving on dozens of event industry boards and advisory committees through speaking engagements and with a regular content series on our website. We talked to Abernathy about what she’s been inspired by during the pandemic and where the events industry still has room to grow.  

Given the past 10 months, how do you see the events industry staying together as a community? 

I’ve already been inspired by seeing it in action! As the pandemic hit our community swiftly (and devastatingly, in many cases), I saw that event professionals really pulled together to keep each other positive and connected to resources. I think that as long as we realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, we can keep the positive momentum going and continue to support one another.

Carrie Abernathy

What has inspired you in such challenging times? 

I've had to draw my inspiration from small victories. Although we’ve all clearly been impacted deeply throughout the year, we are still progressing and really growing together as a digital events community. I am also so incredibly proud of the authenticity that has made its way to forums and our social media over the last year. We’ve been able to take some time to explore mental health, work-life balance and personal growth in a way that we most likely wouldn’t have had time for unless a huge impactful event happened in our lives. I applaud everyone for their resiliency and tenacity in such a challenging time. I think that in of itself is inspiring to see.

How do you think we as an industry can improve in 2021? 

We can make sure that we keep leaning into grace and partnership. What I mean by that is that we need to give ourselves and others some space and grace to learn and grow. When a system or virtual platform doesn’t work exactly the way you hoped for your audience, or when you didn’t quite get the digital engagement right this time around, you need to understand that this is new and uncharted territory for many of us as planners and as attendees at home. We are learning together. Keep leaning into your fellow event professionals’ experiences and give yourself room for improvement. In this industry we tend to be perfectionists, and this is a time for progress, not perfection. 

Where do you see meetings and events headed this year?

This can be an exciting time if we embrace it. Last year, we were thrown a curveball and forced to adapt. I haven’t seen this much new technology, engagement ideas and business models in a very long time. In some aspects of the industry, I believe our models for engagement were growing stagnant, yet we continued to utilize antiquated systems and processes. For better or worse, this time is forcing many of us to re-evaluate those models, and I don't think it necessarily a bad thing. As businesses return to work, many of us will continue to be partially or wholly digital. Many people have realigned their personal priorities and may not be traveling as much in the future. We are going to have to really dig into a hybrid system of engagement in the future to keep attendees happy. I’m so excited to see the new platforms, technologies and strategies that come from it! 

You're writing a new blog with us to reach the community. What do you hope to accomplish with these pieces?  

I hope to impart wisdom, resiliency tips and inspiration to my fellow colleagues. I also look forward to connecting with new faces and expanding my network. We are better together, and I can’t wait to hear from your audience on how we can work together to make a real impact on the events industry!

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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