Several event technology companies have been busy creating new and enhanced platforms as well as upgrading technologies to help venues and exhibiting companies enhance the trade show experience. 

Concept3D Unveils New 3D Panorama Feature

Concept3D, provider of immersive online experiences with 3D modeling, interactive maps and virtual tour software, has launched a new 3D Panorama feature that integrates into its interactive map and virtual tour platform.  

Designed to replace cumbersome, static practices such as setting up and photographing rooms with multiple layout options or providing basic 2D sketches, the new feature allows users to simply and easily present multiple 3D-rendered layout options for any space.

According to Concept3D officials, the Hawaii Convention Center and Colorado Convention Center are among the first to integrate the 3D Panorama feature into their Concept3D-powered maps. For example, the HCC now uses 3D Panoramas to not only showcase different rooms with a variety of layouts, such as banquet hall, classroom or theater sets but also feature its three large exhibit halls in 3D Panoramas for basketball, futsal and volleyball setups. 

“The cross-industry potential for the 3D Panorama application is huge, and while we’ve had immediate interest from convention centers and event needs, we anticipate the new feature will also appeal to higher education, businesses, real estate and other Concept3D clients,” said Gordon Boyes, CEO of Concept3D. 

He added that 3D Panoramas not only help simplify the space planning process but also make the spaces more appealing and easier to understand.

As an add-on system to the Concept3D platform, the 3D Panoramas feature can be toggled on and off by the user and allows them to explore a space from a bird’s eye view, find a space that works and scan through layout options. 

Giant iTab Launches Customer Experience Center

Giant iTab, a U.K.-based event technology and digital company providing giant touchscreens, tablets and smartphones for enhanced digital engagement, has launched a customer experience center at its company headquarters in London. 

Designed as a learning and collaboration zone, the new center features a range of giant smartphones that event organizers can interact to understand how the technologies can be used to enhance their events. The center is also available via live feeds using Skype, Facetime or video conference for those based abroad or unable to attend in person.

According to Mark Jones, Giant iTab CEO and founder, the new center allows the company to create its own interactive customer environment.

“To truly appreciate the scope and range of digital solutions, you have to see them first-hand and engage with them directly,” Jones said. “It gives a much deeper understanding and ability to find out how our technology can best fit with our clients’ needs and deliver a combined solution of software and hardware [that] has relevance and impact.”

To check out the new customer experience center, please contact Mark Jones at mark@giantitab.com.

Orange County Convention Center Teams Up with ConventionCalendar.com and Swift RFP 

The Orange County Convention Center has partnered with ConventionCalendar.com and Swift RFP to assist U.S. planners in finding convention center availability in Orlando. 

Designed for event professionals as a single hub for destination and convention center availability, ConventionCalendar.com and Swift RFP also track online analytics and reporting for digital advertising. A subsidiary of Destination Advantage, the platform enables planners to shop for venues and access top site selection criteria including availability and special booking incentives. 

“We look forward to generating new leads and as we focus on marketing our availability on specific dates during the coming years,” said Yulita Osuba, OCCC deputy director. “The online calendar and booking search engine links the Orange County Convention Center with nationwide convention planners and guides them through the site selection process for potential new conventions.” 

The partnership has launched with a “Sunsational Vacation” promotion for convention planners requesting dates in Orlando through ConventionCalendar.com. Planners who complete and submit their RFP by Dec. 5 will be entered for a chance to win an Orlando vacation including airfare, hotel accommodations and two tickets to SeaWorld and Universal Orlando theme parks. To learn more, go here.

Smart City Networks Finishes Fiber Optics Project

Exhibitors at the San Diego Convention Center can now enjoy more bandwidth, thanks to a fiber optics project recently completed by convention industry technology services provider Smart City Networks. As part of its contract with the San Diego Convention Center Corporation, Smart City designed, procured and managed the entire project. 

In this upgrade, category 6 cable and fiber optic cable were added to 234 floor boxes in Halls A, B and C. This allows for the installation of high-speed internet connections to exhibitor booths without dropping cables from the catwalks above, preserving the aesthetics for the event producer, according to Smart City officials.

“While wireless connectivity is always top-of-mind, other events need robust wired connections for their exhibitor’s high bandwidth needs to stream video,” explained Mark Haley, president of Smart City Networks. “The fiber optics upgrade, while not as ‘sexy’ as a Wi-Fi upgrade, meets the specific needs of high bandwidth events and enables quality events to meet more cost-effectively in San Diego.” 

Smart City financed the project with its allotted technology fund, which enables it to upgrade equipment and keep up with technology throughout the life of a contract.  

“The continuous innovation and increased connectivity from Smart City allows us to provide a high quality of service for our customers’ technology needs,” said Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, president and CEO of the SDCCC. “We are proud to be able to adapt to each event and create platforms for our customers’ life-changing moments.”

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