Mobile event apps are almost expected today and will become even more important as face-to-face exhibitions resume. But with so many offering similar features, how do you decide which is the best one? While research shows cost is the biggest determining factor for organizers when selecting an event app, it shouldn’t be the only one. Here’s what you need to consider. 1. Functionality. Establish what you require and then find out if the app provides it. What you need will…
Anticipating the desire for contactless registration when events resume, Convention Data Services (CDS) has created a digital solution to ensure a safe experience for attendees and exhibitors. “Our top priority is moving attendees through registration with care and ease,” says the company’s president and CEO, John Kimball. “DigiBadge allows us to securely track attendees and create safe interactions.” Launched in early June, Digibadge enables registrants to self-check-in on-site using their personal mobile device. Event participants download the DigiBadge link provided…
A trade show exhibit design firm has launched a set of solutions for companies operating under COVID-19 guidelines to enhance marketing and operations during the ‘new normal.’ “In talking with our clients, they are asking for new ways to market their brand while keeping employees and customers safe,” says Karin Roberts, marketing manager at the Tradeshow Network Marketing Group. The Tradeshow Network’s new services include safety measures for offices, restaurants and other workplaces, virtual exhibits and events, prepackaged rental exhibits…
The events industry is getting ready for a new landscape as provincial and local governments country-wide lift pandemic-related restrictions on businesses and group gatherings. Recognizing people may be uneasy and even anxious about attending larger exhibitions like conferences and trade shows when they are allowed to resume, organizers and venues are taking steps now to impart consumer confidence. “We have been preparing for a return of events by building a list of potential measures that sit under the cornerstones of…
The Edmonton Expo Centre has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2035. “As the largest venue of its kind in Western Canada, we recognize that our venue has a substantial ability to contribute to the greenhouse gas reduction goals outlined by the City of Edmonton,” says Arlindo Gomes, vice-president of venue management for Edmonton Economic Development Corp. Built in 1984, and expanded in 2009, the Edmonton Expo Centre is a 522,000-square-foot facility that integrates…
The meetings and events industry has been hit hard by COVID-19 and the social distancing measures aimed at reducing its spread. Companies and organizations have made changes to adapt during this unprecedented period, postponing, rescheduling or moving events online. But are all events suited to a virtual audience? Event coordinator Martha Feenstra says surprisingly yes. She even expects some may remain completely online on the other side of the pandemic. “I never thought I would enjoy a virtual music concert…
The largest and longest running trade show and conference for meeting and event professionals has launched a brand-new virtual learning program. Called Speaker Series, the webinars will feature exclusive interviews with top industry leaders and experts about topics that matter most to attendees. “Our live event is known for its gold star education. To be able to deliver the same level of content through webinars will allow us to inspire our community of meeting professionals in a new way,” says…
Most companies are planning COVID-19 recovery for 2020, with one-third preparing for it in the next three months, according to a new report by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). “The global business travel industry remains at a standstill but we are finally beginning to see some light at the end of this very long tunnel,” says GBTA CEO, Scott Solombrino. GBTA is a business travel and meetings trade organization with operations on six continents. It surveyed almost 1,600 member…
A task force has been established to help with the resumption of trade and consumer shows. Created by the Canadian Association of Exposition Management (CAEM), the 24-person group will lay the groundwork for the responsible, safe and effective reopening of the exposition industry, which has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Business events serve as an immense driver of economic growth and innovation,” says CAEM president, Catherine MacNutt. “By uniting as an industry and collaborating with our strategic partners…
The life sciences industry is booming in the Québec City area and features prominently in the economy. The city is an innovation hub brimming with expertise and development potential thanks to its key players, research centres, businesses, and investment. This vitality is also reflected in the growing number of Canadian, American, and international organizations in this field choosing Québec City and the Québec City Convention Centre for their events. Plus, more than 30 per cent of events held at the…
