TSNN Releases Event Technology Research Report

May 2, 2017

Face it, the marriage of technology with events has transformed the trade show industry. What began as a great tool to communicate with show audiences has morphed into a powerful partnership that continues to deepen as show producers, managers and organizers realize the incredible benefits of using digital platforms to harness and measure data, market their events, fine-tune their strategy and planning, increase the global reach of their trade shows and conferences and most importantly, interact with audiences and improve attendee experiences.

In an effort to examine this growing phenomenon and provide event professionals with benchmarks and insights on event technology, trends and best practices for using tech to increase the value and efficiency of their shows, TSNN has launched its third in a series of industry research reports: “The Convention & Exhibition Management Technology Study – How Leading Event Producers are Using Technology to Improve Their Events & Capture Data.”

“This TSNN Event Tech Research Report is an incredible resource for trade show organizers and suppliers alike,” said TSNN President and Editor-in-Chief Rachel Wimberly. “All of the information comes directly from some of the largest shows in the industry and highlights what event technology issues and trends are out there.”

Sponsored exclusively by Cvent, this special report was developed by TSNN in partnership with Access Intelligence Consulting.

Download the full report here.

Here are some key findings: 

·      The term event technology – and similarly “event data” – has different meanings for different event executives and organizations. The top three areas mentioned are apps, event management software and audience engagement.

·      Event managers want easier-to-use technology that provides for more effective data analysis and insight.

·      Using event data to make better event management decisions; using event data to improve attendance marketing and communications, and capturing more attendee data were the top three most important technology developments and shifts over the past few years, according to event producers who participated in the study.

·      For 2017, event management teams are planning to focus on using technology to improve attendance marketing and communications, with exhibitor marketing and management, and data and analytics in a distant second place.

·      While 32 percent of respondents said their organization will spend under $50,000 on event technology this year, other spending levels are fairly well-distributed in the higher ranges tracked in the survey.

·      On average, event producers expect to spend 10.8 percent more on event technology in 2017 compared to 2016. A significant 77 percent of event producers say their event technology budget has increased in 2017 compared to last year.

Tailored to the needs of convention and exhibition management leaders, TSNN’s Benchmarks and Best Practices Studies for Convention and Exhibition Producers analyze key industry topics including attendance marketing, exhibitor and sponsorship sales practices, detailed event management financials, technology and other key areas, and are designed to provide essential data, metrics, ratios and insights to help show professionals do their jobs with excellence.

Previous TSNN Research Reports include Attendee Marketing & Audience Development Trends, which examines how show producers are driving high-quality, new and repeat attendance, and The Exhibit Sales & Sponsorship Sales best practices studies, which covers how leading convention and exhibition producers are selling more exhibit space and sponsorship opportunities.

Learn more about TSNN Research Reports here.

Download the Cvent-sponsored TSNN Technology report here.

Want to learn even more about event technology? Attend TSNN's Complimentary Webinar: All YOU Need to Know About Event Technology Trends! To register for FREE, go here.

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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