Experts & Opinions
Feb 26, 2012
UPDATE - Tues. Feb. 28 - Breaking News - TSEA transfers members, assets to EACA --- more on TSNN HERE.
I started hearing rumors a while ago about the possible fate of the Trade Show Exhibitors Association, most suggesting the organization was going to close its doors.
I’ve been a journalist for a long time, and I firmly believe in two things about rumors: 1.) I would never, ever print one unless it was confirmed and 2.) Usually rumors don’t start in a vacuum – there tends to be something to them, although they might be a different version of what’s being spread around… more
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Feb 26, 2012
When you are trying to be an agent of change in planning a conference or trade show (or any event) you will often run into those who are not willing to take risks.
There is a lot of talk in the meetings industry about how to refresh events, but there is also resistance. The desire to shake up your program is often stifled by those with their own agenda or no ability to have a vision. It can often feel like you are running up hill in the mud.
The experience is frustrating and lonely when you are a seeker, especially when you are not sure what you are looking to find.
I spoke to a planner… more
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Feb 16, 2012
First of all, I haven’t blogged on TSNN in too long of a time.
As important as it is to stay connected to the community in this way, it seems like the hardest thing in the world to find time for. I’ll try harder.
I’ve written on the trade show industry for seven years now. I started at Tradeshow Week in 2006 before coming to Trade Show News Network in 2010.
During that time, I wrote about the go-go days, where shows were booming, mergers and acquisitions deals were happening every which way you turned and it seemed the sun couldn’t shine any brighter.
The good… more
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Feb 11, 2012
Many people dread having to make a presentation. However, there are many opportunities to speak or be on a panel discussion at trade shows and other conferences. Being on the stage is a great way to promote your products and services or to position yourself as an industry expert. However, when you accept the responsibility to present, you are making a commitment to the audience that you will not suck.
We have all sat through those long monotone sessions at events where everyone is hoping for a fire drill. As much as you can benefit from being a speaker, you can also do damage to… more
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Feb 05, 2012
You've seen him or her as you walk down the trade show aisle. You point him or her out to your colleagues, trying to not let him see you as you do. You let out a nervous laugh as you pass his/her trade show display - what if they try to talk to you?
He or she is "that guy(or gal)," and they're doing trade shows all wrong.
Here are eight things you and the other trade show attendees are saying about "that guy":
1. "Why did that guy/gal even come to the show?" They're typing on their computer, talking on their cell phone, texting on… more
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Jan 26, 2012
Now that we’re nearly a month into the New Year, I’ve had the chance to test my resolve in living by my resolutions. Our industry makes having a healthy lifestyle challenging, but I'm ever-optimistic that I can achieve a good work/life balance. How am I doing so far?
Resolution 1: Get more sleep. Study after study says that it’s important for everything from health to weight control to mental acuity (not to mention keeping down my purchase of under-eye concealer). With two DVRs, I can no longer use my favorite 10 P.M. shows as an excuse. How am I doing? Not so… more
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Jan 26, 2012
Trade shows are not your whole job, just a part of it. You only do, at most, a few small shows a year, and you've got lots of other responsibilities to handle. So all this detail in our blog about doing trade shows better? You simply have no time for it all.
But you still would like to boost your results – but only if the changes are simple and quick. So in that vein, here are five tips to help you - quickly - get more out of trade shows:
ﾕ A large, clear message is easier to grasp, so make your next set of booth graphics colorful and easy to understand, with a benefit statement that will… more
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Jan 21, 2012
Conferences, seminars, conventions and trade shows utilize a lot of speakers. In fact, the meetings industry provides speakers with much of the work that supports their careers. This includes paid professional speakers, free industry speakers, educators and topic experts. Some get paid to speak, while others are there to promote their brand, and every one of them has a direct impact on the success of the event.
But are speakers more than just vendors?
The speakers set the tone for the whole conference. Humans are experiential beings, and when we sit with others in the audience and… more
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Jan 15, 2012
There was no greater proof that meeting planners are irreversibly, indisputably and uncontrollably being dragged into the future - whether their boards or bosses buy into it or not - than last week’s Convening Leaders and Virtual Edge Summit collocated conference in San Diego.
Between the major tech company announcements, shifts in presentation architecture and futuristic keynotes, it was obvious that technology in all of its manifestations (social, mobile, virtual, biotech, or cloud) is propelling planners into a future where the traditional competencies (and assumptions) will no… more
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Jan 11, 2012
Recently, I posted the “10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started In Marketing" and was amazed at the response. So, in that same vein, here are 10 indispensible lessons I’ve learned about trade shows that I wish I’d had known before I started exhibiting.
1. You won’t succeed at trade shows if you just show up. A trade show first-timer may think that because they’ve paid a couple of grand to rent a 10x10 space for a few days, they automatically will reap the whirlwind of leads and sales from the show’s attendees. … more
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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