Planning A Conference Archives

Are Event Planners Souring on India?

April 10, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

photo by www.swarnym.com

Event planners love it when they’re able to take a group to international destinations. Not that there aren’t extra steps that would have to be added to a planner’s checklist. For example, it can be very time-consuming communicating and ensuring that all of the delegates have the proper paperwork in order to leave the country. It’s estimated that only 35% of Americans have valid passports. This percentage is far below the norm for most Western countries (as a comparison, 64% of Canadians have valid passports). Nonetheless, many event planners love the opportunity to plan conventions internationally.

A Meeting and Event Planner Is Always Concerned with Safety

India is usually an attractive destination due to its low costs and ideal weather. And of course it’s history. There has always been a certain level of concern from event planners with regards to terrorism in India. Being a Westerner in many parts of the world can be a security issue today. However recently we’ve seen negative news headlines coming out of India. Particularly the horrifying rape stories which have exposed a cultural battle that is occurring in India.

Tourism in India is on the Decline

As a result of the attention grabbing headlines coming out of India, and especially regarding crimes against women, India tourism is being hit hard. Conventions and tourism in India is an $18 billion a year business. India tourism usually projects a 12% increase in visits each year.

But that trend is hitting a snag.

According to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, 72% of tour operators are reporting that their businesses are experiencing unprecedented cancellations. A noticeable decline is women from the US, Canada, Australia and the UK. Overall, there has been a 25% drop in tourism business since January 1 of this year alone. Additionally there is a 35% drop in visits by foreign women.

And that is raising alarm bells within the country.

photo by www.worldette.com

It’s obvious that India is in the middle of a cultural battle. It’s very easy for us in North America to shake our heads in disgust at the news headlines regarding crimes against women in particular.

From the figures above, it’s obvious that event planners are taking a cautious approach when considering India. If the country plans on playing in the big leagues of conventions, meetings and events, then government officials will need to do more to address the situation there, particularly the safety and security of women. And let’s hope that they do take swift action as India does have a lot to offer as an international destination.

Filed Under: Planning A Conference Tagged With: event planner, eventplanning, eventprofs, India tourism, meeting planner

Selecting the Right Convention Center

March 19, 2013 By Randy Markus Comments

Photo courtesy of Photomatt28

When planning a conference, the convention center decision is always one of the more significant decisions. It is the foundation for everything that follows. Top of the list for every planner is finding that perfect venue for all our needs, wants and requirements. Choosing a city location and venue can be an extremely challenging and stressful responsibility. As I have mentioned a time or two, when it comes to conference planning, success is definitely in the details. And when it comes to the task of selecting the perfect convention center there is an unbelievable list of details to keep in mind including location, price, hotels, availability and really so much more. Once the city and convention center choices have been made, it allows for all the other planning to begin.

Things to Remember When Selecting a Convention Center

Coordinating a conference with the appropriate venue can help turn a conference from okay to amazing. It really is essential to take into account the kind of convention center that will best fulfill the conference objectives and goals. In addition to knowing the conference needs, we must understand the program, the delegates, the reason for the conference and ultimately what is needed for success. And when looking for the best location and venue for a conference, there are so many different options to choose from. So by taking the time to plan and evaluate the essentials and depending on the actual conference; size, type and intention, deciding on the just right conference center can be as easy as 1-2-3.

Tips to Help When Selecting a Convention Center

In North America alone, there are too many convention centers to count. And no matter what, each and every convention center would not be appropriate or match our blueprint of requirements. So when it’s time to make that crucial convention center choice, keep in mind the following elements.

Building – Ask the questions; How old is the building; when were the last renovations completed, what is the vicinity to hotels, what makes the space special or different and what other clients are booked over your dates.

Space – It is imperative to ensure the building has ample space for your program and is big enough to hold the delegates. There is nothing more distressing than too many people in not enough space. When looking for success be sure the center is roomy enough and can accommodate the meeting size, set-up and number of meeting rooms needed.

Accessibility – Consider the delegates and how they will be traveling to the conference. Is the center easy to get to from the airport? Does the center provide any type of shuttle? What’s the parking situation like?

Convention Services – Convention Centers provide an array of services, some in-house and some not so much. Find out what they offer and think about the services that are important to you, the convention and success. If the service providers are contracted out and you are automatically committed to working with them without the opportunity to make your own choices. Find this out and negotiate prior to contact signing. It really is key to fully explore the venue and what they offer before signing on that dotted line.

Costs – Again, ask questions. Be certain as to what services are included in the rental cost. Does the cost include tables and chairs, set-up, break-down and clean-up? You’ll want to know the center regulations and restrictions as well as the cancellation policies. First and foremost avoid any surprises and assume nothing.

When it comes to organizing a conference preparedness and planning are essential. It is all about knowledge and making and reaching conference objectives and goals. And yes choosing the right site and convention center is top of the list. Do the work, know what you are looking for and ask questions.

Filed Under: Planning A Conference Tagged With: dmcprofs, eventable, eventplanning, eventprofs, meetingprofs, meetings, planning

Top 4 US Convention Centers

March 5, 2013 By Randy Markus Comments

White background with the words Convention Center

Photo courtesy of IndianaPublicMedia

Choosing the right city and convention center is a huge part of the convention planning process. When it comes time to create a short list of cities and convention centers and making that final decision, there is a great deal for a meeting professional to take into consideration. Meeting planners are interested in locations that house convention centers that can support as many of their needs, wants and requirements as possible. And when it comes to planning a conference a meeting professional is committed to doing whatever it takes to source out that perfect scenario. They research and explore convention centers that not only appeal to; but can draw a sizable number of delegates and have the amenities and services to encourage and support success.

Top 4 US Convention Centers – Book It!

Experienced planners know that great convention centers located in likable, easy to get to cities make the job of attracting delegates that much easier. And while there are some wonderful cities and convention centers to pick from, whether planning a conference, meeting or trade show what we are all look for is a locale that is that perfect match. There are so many factors that are taken into consideration when it comes to selecting a convention center, venue or meeting facility; ranging from capacity to convenience, customer service to technology, healthy food to green meetings and destination quality to a convention center that recognizes the demands of a meeting planner. The list of needs is long and plentiful and working with a convention center team that knows their stuff makes a meeting planners job that much easier.

Top 4 US Convention Centers for Consideration!

From my own experience working with great convention centers really help a planner to get the job done in a more efficient and hopefully less stressful way. With the click of a mouse you can find lots of different lists of top convention centers. Here is a snapshot of Business Review USA’s list of top four convention centers:

Orange County Convention Center is located a mere 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport and in the heart of downtown Orange County (Florida) and with over seven million square feet of space, this stunning building is host to a variety of event possibilities. With a line-up of industry pros, the convention center is dedicated to providing the most accomplished and comprehensive programs while ensuring an overall productive and enjoyable experience. And with service partners offering amenities second to none this is a great spot to hold your next conference.

McCormick Place Convention Center is situated just minutes from the heart of downtown Chicago and is the largest convention center in the US. Drawing three million people yearly and consisting of 2.6 million square feet of space (with 1.3 million square feet all on one level) located within four high-tech buildings. Whether a conference, corporate meeting or trade show is on the books, this convention center is the ultimate locale. With an impressive ability and space; resourcefulness and flexibility and a devoted, skilled and knowledgeable team that are ready to help in every way, success will indeed be yours.

Las Vegas Convention Center is one of the most up-to-date and well-designed convention centers conveniently located right next to the Las Vegas Strip. With over 3.2 million square feet of space this convention center is recognized for its adaptability, scope and amenities and committed to handling and overseeing all the elements that make a conference program successful. With an operations team that truly understands what it takes to plan and execute a successful conference they are committed to delivering an amazing customer experience.

Walter E. Washington Convention Center located in downtown Washington DC and supported by three major airports is one of the more user friendly and accessible cities. Capable of handling conferences and meetings from small to large and with 2.3 million square feet of mixed-use space this convention center can accommodate group volumes up to 42,000 delegates. Known for being energy-efficient for its building size, winning awards for both inspiring and contributing to the urban renewal and for a service team, no matter the size, the facilities and amenities are beyond comparison.

When it comes to planning a conference, a meeting planner has a whole host of tasks that need to be met and accomplished. Choosing a city and convention center is high on the list and once that undertaking is met the rest of the work can begin. And working with convention centers; whether on a top list or not; that understand and help by going above and beyond contributes to successful programs.

Filed Under: Planning A Conference Tagged With: conference planning, dmcprofs, eventprofs, events, meetingprofs, meetings

10 Ways That a Convention Center Helps Meeting Planners

February 20, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

photo by brightaccountancy.com

Pretty much every city has a convention center. When you speak with meeting and event planners about using convention centers, usually the comments are about group sizes. Seems the conventional wisdom out there is that convention centers are best utilized by larger groups.

While convention centers are very well equipped to handle large groups, you’d be surprised to know that the sales staff also target medium and small sized groups as well.

Types of Convention Center Events

Convention center events range from trade shows to large association conferences. It’s ideal for trade shows as a convention center is designed with setups in mind. Quite often on set up days you will see large flatbed trucks drive right on to the tradeshow floor. For large associations, the benefit would be the breakout rooms (rooms where smaller meetings or meal functions can be setup while the conferences’ meetings are occurring simultaneously).

But smaller groups should also take a look at hosting their event at a convention center. Nowadays, there are down times at many centers where meeting planners would be able to negotiate good rates for their smaller groups. And the way that many centers are designed today, you don’t get the feeling that you are lost in a huge sea of meeting rooms.

For more information on convention centers and how they can assist, you may also want to read:

Event Planning and the Convention Center

Convention Center Services

Convention Center Signage

Here Are 10 Ways That a Convention Center Can Help Meeting and Event Planners

photo by www.sdfcs.org

Convention centers are usually connected with the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Being associated with the CVB means that there are many planner tools available at no additional cost.
Convention centers have a conference services department. These people are experts in executing events in their own facilities. My advice, utilize them when the opportunity allows.
Ample access for disabled attendees
They are green meetings equipped. Many convention centers are LEED’s (leadership in environmental and energy design) certified.
Many brand name hotels are located near convention centers
They have in-house suppliers (Cater, AV). And these in-house suppliers know the facility inside out.
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Parking on-site
Access to public transportation. This is ideal if you’re meeting or event includes local participants.
Location, location, location. Most often a convention center is located in the best part of the city. Lots of access to great restaurants and attractions.

There are many benefits for hosting your meeting or event at a convention center. These facilities are designed with meetings in mind. Many meeting and event planners may shy away from using a convention center because they feel they may be cost prohibitive. However, once you factor in all of the components and tools that a planner needs to do their job, the overall cost of utilizing a convention center is very competitive.

Filed Under: Planning A Conference Tagged With: convention center, event planning tips, eventplanning, eventprofs, meeting planners

Are Green Meetings Really Having an Impact?

February 15, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

photo by www.l4less.com

While I am always very conscientious about what I throw in the garbage and what I recycle, I sometimes wonder how much of our recycling actually gets recycled. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a very big proponent of green meetings. As a matter of fact green meetings and conferences are becoming a big focus for us here at Plan an Event.

So I did a little snooping around and found out that it really depends on us, the recyclers.

The good news is recycling is a for profit industry. And for our municipalities, the more they promote and teach us about recycling the more savings they see on waste management.

What I did find out is that the main reason certain recycling items get sent to landfills is because of the way that we, the recyclers, discard of our recycled materials. It really depends on the quality of the material as to whether or not it can be recycled or if it needs to be sent as trash. The one example that was easy for me to understand was the case of a pizza box. Now being paper I always assumed that it was completely recyclable. What I’ve come to find out is that many times pizza boxes cannot be recycled because of the organic material (dry cheese and oil stains for example) that often covers the boxes.

The David Suzuki Foundation is a Canadian foundation which states that their mission is to protect the diversity of nature and our quality-of-life. The foundation works with governments, individuals and businesses to conserve our environment by providing science-based research. On their website they provide a page which explains how we can recycle the various materials in our everyday lives. It really is worth checking this page out as they have very helpful information.

Hosting a Green Meeting or Conference Can Have an Immediate Effect

Now back to meeting and convention industry’s green efforts.

A few years back, the Convention Industry Council’s Green Meeting Task Force was tasked with determining whether or not green meetings really had an economical impact for meeting planners.

The good news, for meeting planners, is that there can be immediate savings when planning and executing a green meeting. For example:

photo by flourishonline.org

just by collecting name badges that can be reused for your next meeting could save a meeting of 1300 around $1000

using recycled materials for a five day meeting which serves 2200 people breakfast, coffee breaks, lunch and receptions would save around 2000 pounds of plastic from going to a landfill

not pre-filling water glasses for that same size of group saves about 520 gallons of water

There’s a lot of very good information from this task force’s report – you can read the full report here.

Resources to Help You Plan Your Next Green Meeting

The meetings and conventions industry is very fortunate to have numerous resources available on how to set up and implement green meetings. A couple of great resources are:

The Green Meeting Industry Council’s (GMIC) annual conference on sustainability is occurring in Chicago from April 7 to April 10. Their website provides easy-to-follow information on how to register as well as the agenda on who will be speaking etc.

The US’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a great page for green meetings. Tons of resources here.

So there are several good reasons meeting planning should include a green meeting checklist. An obvious reason is that meeting planners will see an economic benefit by going green. And if we are all a little bit more careful when recycling, and truth be told that includes me, we’ll end up keeping our recyclables out of landfills.

Filed Under: Planning A Conference Tagged With: eventplanning, eventprofs, GMIC, Green meetings, greenmeetings

Meeting and Conference Planning – Finding that Just Right Meeting Location, Location, Location!

January 22, 2013 By Randy Markus Comments

Photo courtesy of LiminalMike

I was working with a long standing conference planning client looking to come up with a short list of cities for a couple of future annual meetings. While there is a large educational portion and a mid-size trade show, this association is a very, very social group of delegates. The selection criteria included a city; they hadn’t met in for the past fifteen years, with appropriate meeting space, affordable and budget friendly, that has suitable venues, is easy to get to and will draw a range of attendees. And so as always my first step was to begin the search for potential meeting locations.

Not one single person can be familiar with each and every location appropriate to hold a meeting or conference. Anytime searching for a site to hold a meeting, whether it is domestically or internationally held, I rely on the experience of my peers and of course the expertise and know-how of the local CVB (Convention & Visitors Bureau) or even DMC (Destination Management Company). When time allows, I pursue probable meeting cities and then send out my RFP outlining the meeting necessities including dates, accommodations, meeting and trade show specs, AV & F& B needs and transportation basics. I then consider the received proposals along with the services and rates proposed and make my client recommendations and then go from there.

Meeting and Conference Planning – Help in Finding that Just Right Location, Location, Location.

But not this time, this time the recommendations were required basically “now” without allowing for the opportunity to facilitate my “normal” legwork. Not only did time not allow but coming from a DMC background I felt it was unfair to expect the DMC’s to put in the work until I had that short list of cities along with the real meeting dates. So while trying to figure out the fastest way to come up with at least three cities that not only have the space and accommodation requirements but the ability to come through on the other needs as well, someone I work with told me about a great website that they thought could help.

Meeting and Conference Planning – CVPREPS and Help Right at Our Fingertips!

With the goal of helping clients find that perfect meeting destination as well as coordinating a client’s meeting requirements with a destination`s background and amenities. The CVBREPS, a collection of DMO`s (Destination Marketing Organizations) also called CVB`s, purpose and objective is in the promoting and selling of their over sixty destinations. They will assist in finding meeting space, hotel availability and organize site inspections. One stop shop setting, with a team of experts educated and trained in the area of convention services ready to help with all our meeting and conference planning needs and wants.

CVBREPS.com is an easy to use informative website, with the ability to help meeting professionals to reach over 60 cities with satellite offices. And while you can effortlessly submit a RFP`s and receive assistance where needed, when time is at a minimum, you can also find city information with just the click of a mouse. When on www.cvbreps.com and clicking on a city you will handily find information for the CVB primary contact, headquarter location, website link, a destination description and overview as well as a list of quick facts including; guest room numbers, exhibit hall specs and numbers, maximum auditorium seating and breakout rooms, airport distance along with additional important destination info. A one stop shop when it comes to not only acquiring but executing city meeting information.

When it comes to meeting planning and gathering city meeting information times have definitely changed and today there are many tools available to help. Whether time is on your side or not and whether you are familiar with the city or not, so many tools are time saving and provide positive results. And when it comes to meetings, cities and planning; CVBREPS.com delivers, helping clients and representing their cities, they provide assistance and support second to none.

Filed Under: Planning A Conference Tagged With: dmcprofs, event planning, eventprofs, meetingprofs, meetings

Conference and Event Planning Forecast for 2013

January 18, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

photo by pacificcoastcommercial.com

Anyone involved with conference and event planning will tell you that the last four years have been a challenge, to say the least. As far as my memory goes (and trust me it doesn’t go that far) I can’t think of another period in my life where the economic downturn has lasted so long. And in case you’re wondering that’s around a half a century. Each year we’ve all been promised that this is the end of the recession and things will get better. And as each year passed we started to get excuses as to why the growth just wasn’t happening as fast as we were told. There were so many excuses I can’t even remember why anymore.

So What Industry Trends Are We Hearing for 2013?

Well, I’m pleased to tell you, that the outlook for conference and event planning is looking pretty good for 2013. I know, we’ve all heard this before.

So what makes this year’s forecast different from other years?

In a nutshell it’s the confidence of the meeting and event organizers. It’s not just some organization telling us that we should expect to see increases in business trends. And it’s always a good sign when the movers and shakers within the industry are starting to project positive outcomes for this year.

You might also be interested in: Interested in Becoming a Certified Meeting Planner?

Expected Conference and Event Planning Trends for 2013

event organizers are confident - photo by be-your-change(dot)co(dot)uk

photo by be-your-change.co.uk

Recently Meeting Professionals International (MPI) conducted a survey of senior meeting and event organizers. From that, 40% said that they were expecting to see positive budget changes in 2013. We haven’t seen that number in a long time. As well, over 50% of event organizers stated that they were expecting greater attendance in 2013 at their meetings. However, expect to see an increase of 2.8% for Airline fees.

The folks at American Meetings have stated that they are not seeing any signs of a downturn with 2013 bookings on par currently with those in 2012. Meetings that are expected to exceed in 2013 come from the consumer products and technology sectors.

Posts on what we were predicting for 2012:

What Did Event Planning Conferences in 2011 Tell Us to Expect in 2012

Planning a Conference? The Challenge for 2012.

2012 Outlook for Conference Planning Jobs

Planning a meeting in Europe? Then you can expect to see value. Western European countries, which are still recovering from the European debt crisis, are putting a huge focus on incentive travel.

By all accounts, 2013 is shaping up to be a positive year for conference and event planning. The one factor that stands out from all others is that we are seeing confidence about meetings in 2013 from event organizers.

Filed Under: Planning A Conference Tagged With: budgets, conference planning, eventplanning, eventprofs, events, industry trends, mpi

The Consumer Electronics Show is Underway at the Las Vegas Convention Center

January 9, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

CES at the Las Vegas convention Center This is one time that the organizers of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) hope that whatever happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas. The largest electronics tradeshow started on January 8 and will run until January 11. In the world of trade shows, this is a big one (even for the LV Convention Center).

The CES Wasn’t Always Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center

Las Vegas is a town designed for meetings and conventions. If you’ve ever been there then I’m sure you’ve noticed the number of hotels (and the size of these hotels) that are literally within a short walk.

The CES has its roots in New York City. The first show was held there in 1967. There were over 100 exhibitors and 17,500 people attended that show in 1967. Talk to any tradeshow manager today and they’ll tell you that those original numbers are nothing to sneeze at. Even by today’s standards 17,500 attendees would be a great audience for any tradeshow.

CES by the Numbers

Today, the show has over 3,100 vendors. Attendance is expected to be over 150,000. Now you get the idea why this show is held in Las Vegas each year. There aren’t a lot tier 1 cities that can accommodate this size of trade show. Las Vegas is also fortunate to have an above-average number of hotels near the convention center.

Just trying to accommodate the over 150,000 people would be a challenge for most convention centers and tier 1 cities. Las Vegas hotels will likely achieve over 100,000 room nights. What city wouldn’t welcome those numbers in January. The attendees will also purchase approximately a half million meals. And over a million beverages (of both the alcohol and non-alcoholic variety) will help quench the thirst of the attendees. In other words, a huge boom to the local economy.

The Las Vegas Convention Center Map

As you can see on the map below, the Las Vegas Convention Center is conveniently located. Many of the hotels located near the convention center will enjoy an increase in normal volume throughout the tradeshow. Something that is becoming the norm again in Las Vegas.

View Larger Map

Whether you are looking for transparent 3-D TVs, the newest technology for tablets, phones that can bend or self driving cars the consumer electronics show in Las Vegas is the show for you. But, if you are planning on attending, make sure you wear comfortable shoes as this show is one of the biggest for the Las Vegas convention Center. Oh and you also have to be in the industry as the show is not open to the general public. If you would like to receive/follow updates on Twitter, follow the hashtag #ces2013 .

Filed Under: Planning A Conference Tagged With: CES, convention center, eventprofs, events, Las Vegas convention Center

Do Meeting Planners Slow Down for the Holidays? Absolutely Not!

December 5, 2012 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

photo by mobavatar.com

There is no rest for the wicked. I’ve been in the conference and convention planning business for well over 20 years (that’s a whole other story). Many of my friends assume that meeting planners and industry suppliers have a lot of down time over the holidays.

Wouldn’t that be nice!

However, the truth is that when there is a perceived “quiet time” for meeting and events, that’s usually when planners are busy working on proposals, closing files and, you guessed it, attending planning conferences.

Planning Conferences Increase during Industry Downtimes

The holidays can actually be a very busy time for meeting planners. It’s just that you’re not necessarily seeing them execute programs. But they are busy. And really, isn’t the best time for a meeting planner to attend a conference when their clients are not meeting.

That’s why our industry’s top associations hold their planning conferences during the, so-called, shoulder months. And it makes good business sense; attendance is higher and convention center rates are lower. Meeting Planners, for the most part, are able to concentrate on the conference’s programs, many continuing their career development, without being interrupted with their own business’s demands.

Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)’s annual conference is held in January. The next one is in Orlando, hosted at the Orange County Convention Centre, from January 13-16, 2013. For more information about this planning conference, visit PCMA’s convening leaders site.

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) will be hosting their annual European Meeting & Events Conference from January 29-31, 2013 in Budapest. Please click here for more information regarding this conference.

The Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI), one of the top industry supplier associations, is hosting their annual conference in Montreal, Canada from February 7-9, 2013. For more information click here.

Conference Facilities and Host Cities Benefit with Industry Planning Conferences

What would normally be a slow period for many convention cities can become quite lucrative for cities that host meeting planning conventions.

So, while the conference and convention industry’s meetings may be slower over the holidays and new year, meeting planners and industry suppliers are busy attending their own planning conference. In addition to networking with industry colleagues, these conferences are also an excellent way for individuals to continue their growth through education.

Filed Under: Planning A Conference Tagged With: ADMEI, conference planning, convention center, eventprofs, meeting planners, meetingprofs, mpi, PCMA

Orlando’s Convention Center; Getting down to Business in America’s Playground

November 21, 2012 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

Orlando Orange County convention Center When you think of Orlando Florida, I’ll bet you one of the first things that you think about is Mickey Mouse. And why wouldn’t you. Since Walt Disney designed and created his magical kingdom, Orlando and Mickey Mouse have become synonymous with each other.

But did you also know that the Orlando Convention Center, otherwise known as the Orange County Convention Center (not to be confused with Orange County California), is the second largest convention center in the US. In a recent article, here on our blog, we wrote about the three largest convention centers in the US. The Orlando Convention Center came in at number two, with the number one spot going to the Chicago convention center, McCormick Place. The rankings were based on overall square footage. Las Vegas’s convention center was number three.

To read the full article, click “The Three Largest Convention Centers in the US”

Fun Facts about the Orlando Orange County Convention Center (OCCC)

As the Orange County Convention Center website states, there are a few fun facts that put its size into perspective. Some examples include:

in the North/South building, the exhibit hall alone is 22 acres
in the West building, if the Chicago’s Sears Tower was laid on its side, it would fit lengthwise inside the exhibition space (antenna and all)

There Are Many Hotels near the Orlando Convention Center

The one nice thing about sharing the area with such a popular tourist destination is that there are no shortages of hotels. As an example, a search on booking.com returned 23 hotels that were found near the convention center. It also helps event planners that there are so many attractions in the area. They are able to build spouse programs and sightseeing tours that are attractive. In other words, Orlando and Central Florida are ideal locations for event planners.

Orlando Orange County Convention Center Events

It also helps that Florida has a warm climate. In the winter months, Northern states typically experience a decline in overall convention business. While you are able to negotiate great rates in the North over the winter months, attracting delegates can be an issue.

Florida’s weather makes it that much more attractive for delegates when their conferences and conventions are held over the winter months.

A quick search on the convention center’s events page will show you that this convention center is a busy one.