Tech News

Dec 08, 2013
Since I did an ode to Google, I would be remiss not to write about my other love, Facebook.  Facebook is more than just a whole bunch of people (and when I say bunch, estimates show it at over 1 billion monthly active users) posting a bunch of useless info.  What if I told you the information shared is more valuable than you think, and since these 1 billion+ users are self-reporting, more accurate and more useful than you can imagine? Whether you are in hospitality, lodging, travel, events or trade shows, the key to successful engagement with prospects is the use of genuine… more
Dec 08, 2013
Since I did an ode to Google, I would be remiss not to write about my other love, Facebook.  Facebook is more than just a whole bunch of people (and when I say bunch, estimates show it at over 1 billion monthly active users) posting a bunch of useless info.  What if I told you the information shared is more valuable than you think, and since these 1 billion+ users are self-reporting, more accurate and more useful than you can imagine? Whether you are in hospitality, lodging, travel, events or trade shows, the key to successful engagement with prospects is the use of genuine… more
Dec 01, 2013
Most shows are looking to extend their reach past the few days they have a live event, and a2z is helping them do that with the recent launch of ChirpE 365 - a native mobile app solution. ChirpE 365 is designed to facilitate the syndication of an event organizer's complete suite of content, including but not limited to blog articles, newsletters, press releases and white papers, to their community 24/7/365. "The tremendous success of our ChirpE mobile apps for trade shows and conventions inspired us to create a completely one-of-its-kind mobile solution that goes above and beyond an… more
Dec 01, 2013
Most shows are looking to extend their reach past the few days they have a live event, and a2z is helping them do that with the recent launch of ChirpE 365 - a native mobile app solution. ChirpE 365 is designed to facilitate the syndication of an event organizer's complete suite of content, including but not limited to blog articles, newsletters, press releases and white papers, to their community 24/7/365. "The tremendous success of our ChirpE mobile apps for trade shows and conventions inspired us to create a completely one-of-its-kind mobile solution that goes above and beyond an… more
Nov 24, 2013
Hanley Wood recently launched a new mobile app for The International Surface Event 2014. The free app now is available for iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry users and is sponsored by FCA Network. The International Surface Event will take place Jan 27-30 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The event is a combination of three trade shows: SURFACES, StonExpo, and TileExpo. The new mobile app covers all three shows and can be found by searching International Surface Event in the Apple App Store, Google Play or BlackBerry World. “The Event mobile app is designed to make… more
Nov 24, 2013
Do you use Facebook Insights to measure the increase in your social media reach and engagement? There is an abundance of information and analyses that can be gathered from Facebook Insights.  At a high level you can see how your Page Likes, Post Reach, and Engagement are performing week over week.  Then you can drill down further under each of these umbrellas to analyze what types of posts generate the most activity, by whom, and when. Today, I’d like to highlight two tools that may get overlooked and are really useful.  These two pieces of data can be found under the… more
Nov 24, 2013
Do you use Facebook Insights to measure the increase in your social media reach and engagement? There is an abundance of information and analyses that can be gathered from Facebook Insights.  At a high level you can see how your Page Likes, Post Reach, and Engagement are performing week over week.  Then you can drill down further under each of these umbrellas to analyze what types of posts generate the most activity, by whom, and when. Today, I’d like to highlight two tools that may get overlooked and are really useful.  These two pieces of data can be found under the… more
Nov 24, 2013
Hanley Wood recently launched a new mobile app for The International Surface Event 2014. The free app now is available for iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry users and is sponsored by FCA Network. The International Surface Event will take place Jan 27-30 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The event is a combination of three trade shows: SURFACES, StonExpo, and TileExpo. The new mobile app covers all three shows and can be found by searching International Surface Event in the Apple App Store, Google Play or BlackBerry World. “The Event mobile app is designed to make… more
Nov 17, 2013
Freeman recently upgraded PLANTOUR, its popular web-based tool that is designed to simplify the event planning process and enhance the marketing of on-site sponsorship opportunities. The new tool is part of the Freeman Technology Suite, Freeman’s integrated platform of tools, and is free to Freeman customers. PLANTOUR addresses the need for exhibitors, show organizers, event planners and meeting managers to more efficiently scout for an event venue, view floor plans or plan for available sponsorship opportunities without ever having to leave their desks, according to company officials.… more
Nov 17, 2013
Freeman recently upgraded PLANTOUR, its popular web-based tool that is designed to simplify the event planning process and enhance the marketing of on-site sponsorship opportunities. The new tool is part of the Freeman Technology Suite, Freeman’s integrated platform of tools, and is free to Freeman customers. PLANTOUR addresses the need for exhibitors, show organizers, event planners and meeting managers to more efficiently scout for an event venue, view floor plans or plan for available sponsorship opportunities without ever having to leave their desks, according to company officials.… 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