Orange County Convention Center

What are some of the major challenges and trends that have been impacting the MarTech space lately?
The pandemic had a major impact on the tourism, hospitality and trade show industry. Due to travel restrictions and companies policies, some businesses were forced to forgo in-person gatherings and many decided to lean into the benefits of digital marketing and virtual meetings. During this time, the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) quickly pivoted to offerclients a new state-of-the-art digital broadcast center for hybrid conventions and tradeshows – the new OCCC Executive Studio.

Since its launch, the OCCC has provided a solution forclients to execute their events remotely, while providing technological solutions to safely host live in-person events. As businesses continue to recover, a key MarTech trend that has kept audiences connected is the rise of personalized content. Consumers are turning to digital spaces, but  there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all. It is imperative, now more than ever, to take notice of clients’ varying needs and expectations in order to move forward in this business space.

"It is imperative, now more than ever, to take notice of clients’ varying needs and expectations in order to move forward in this business space." 

What keeps you up at night when it comes to some of the major predicaments in the MarTech space?
As the world relies more on digitalized marketing and communications, it is essential to keep audiences engaged and invested. One of the most critical MarTech predicaments faced right now is audience retention. The OCCC prides itself on providing client-centric marketing solutions, which allows us to recognize the unique needs of clients, as we develop and execute strategies to attract and retain conventions and trade shows that create positive economic impactfor Orange County. As more businesses continue to adopt similar practices, the OCCC continues to innovate, setting our sights high as we reaffirm our standing as an industry leader.

Can you tell us about the latest project that you have been working on and what are some of the technological and process elements that you leveraged to make the project successful?
The Center of Hospitality is thrilled towelcome back past legacy clients and host new ones as in-person gatherings pick back up across the industry. With safety still being a top priority, the OCCC has embracedhybrid modalities.Our OCCC Executive Studio has allowed customers to execute their events remotely, while connecting to their audiences, speakers, and presenters through extraordinary audiovisual means. By partnering and collaborating with our clients on their technology and event needs, we have been able to provide a platform for them to connect with their audiences and ensure business continuity. 

Which are some of the technological trends which excite you for the future of the MarTech space?
One growing trend that we are excited for is the rising emphasis on client personalization. Technology is not limited to just facilitating hybrid meetings in the post-pandemic world. Accessing real-time analytics and gaining a more comprehensive understanding of our marketing efforts’ outcomes is vital.It allows our business practices to be more proactive, as we innovate the conventions and trade show industry and continue doing Business Better Than Usual.

How can budding and evolving companies reach you for suggestions to streamline their business?
The OCCC is dedicated to expanding business opportunities in Central Florida by hosting regional, national, and international conventions, meetings and trade shows. Potential clients looking to streamline their business can reach out to our dedicated sales team via email at sales@occc.net. Their expertise in providing flexible booking options and top-notch customer service will help determine the best fit for your convention, trade show, meeting, and/or sporting event.