Regina Balistreri, Director of Marketing, and Amy Katsigiannis, BTC and Special Projects Coordinator at ADD Systems join Brian Cohen, Multimedia Specialist and host of ADDcast, to discuss some final preparation tips for those of you who will be attending the Business Tech Conference, which takes place May 8 through May 12, 2023, at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club in Orlando, Florida. Topics include: late registration possibilities; room options; traveling to and from BTC events; session updates; ADD User Group activities; the exhibitors / sponsors; the Wednesday night “free evening;” food options (including for those with dietary restrictions); dress codes; and much more!
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Brian Cohen: Welcome to ADDcast. I’m ADD Systems Multimedia Specialist Brian Cohen. Today, I’m joined by Regina Balistreri, Director of Marketing, and Amy Katsigiannis, BTC & Special Projects Coordinator at ADD Systems. And we’re here today with some final preparation tips for those of you who will be attending our Business Tech Conference, which takes place May 8 through May 12, 2023, at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club in Orlando, Florida. Regina and Amy, welcome.
Regina Balistreri: Thanks, Brian.
Amy Katsigiannis: Thanks for having us, Brian.
Brian: Regina, let’s start with you. For those who are new to the BTC, can you give a little description about the event?
Regina: Sure, Brian. So, the event is held every three years. And it’s really a chance for our users to come hear what our latest software has to offer them, and to also get to know other customers, get to know best practices. It’s also a chance for them to meet some of our exhibitors, some of our strongest partners, so they can see how they can add value to our products that they use. I think it’s just a really great way to network, put faces with names and go back with a whole bunch of ideas on how to make their software work better for them.
Brian: Fantastic. Amy, bringing you into the conversation, with the BTC only weeks away, some may be wondering if it’s too late for them to register now.
Amy: It’s not too late to register. As of April 15, we’re now in the late registration period, but we are still accepting attendees.
Brian: Okay, and then along with that, some may be wondering, “Great. I can attend, but now, where would I stay?” Is there still hotel room availability onsite?
Amy: So, our hotel block at the Disney Yacht and Beach Club is almost to capacity. But we do have availability at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Coronado Springs.
Brian: And if people register there, I assume they’re going to have to factor in some travel time to get to the sessions, compared to if you’re staying in the Yacht and Beach Club.
Amy: Yes, they will. The Yacht and Beach Club is within walking distance of the Conference Center. Animal Kingdom Lodge and Coronado Springs will be a bus ride away. So, you’ll have to factor in a little travel time.
Brian: All right, well, let’s get to the actual content here. Regina, can you give us a little sneak peek about the sessions that are planned?
Regina: I can. There are so many sessions. There’s I think I last counted – I thought there were about 35 sessions, which is a huge amount of opportunity to learn more about the software. So, there’s every one of our products; you’re going to see a session on it. We’re going to have panels, so there’s customers telling you how they use things and what their best practices are. We’re going to have exhibitors telling you about how their software or their products add more to our software. This is really a focus on education. So, really, people are going to come away with so many things that they can do better.
Brian: And, Amy, along with the sessions that Regina mentioned, I know the ADD User Group plays a big role in the BTC. What kind of user group activities can attendees expect?
Amy: Oh, we’re gonna have lots of exciting stuff for the AUG. We’re holding their annual meeting; there are going to be committee meetings, the AUG is going to participate in many sessions. On our app, the Whova app, there are community groups on there. So, you can join one of those and see what the AUG is involved in and what they’re talking about. We will have our AUG chairs. They will have a badge that points out who they are. So, be sure to find them, pick their brain, talk to them. There will be an AUG table in the Exhibitor Hall. So, make sure to stop by and introduce yourself. On the opening night, after registration and check-in, we’re gonna have a special welcome for new attendees that the AUG will be joining for. And lots of other exciting things.
Brian: And for those who are listening, if you’d like to learn more about the ADD User Group, I’d suggest you check out episode 16 of ADDcast, the ADD User Group (AUG) 2023 Outlook, which features Phil La Rochelle, Manager of Business Applications at Dead River Company, who is the current president of the ADD User Group, along with Megan Carr, Director, Logistics and Business Intelligence at Paraco Gas, who is the incoming president, as well as chair of the Business Intelligence and Reporting Committee. There’s a lot of great info on that episode for both current members, as well as those who are considering becoming AUG members. Now, Amy, you did mention the Whova app. Can you tell us a little bit more about that? Because I’m sure some people are not even sure what you mean when you say Whova.
Amy: Sure. So, our mobile app for the conference is done through Whova. So, be sure to look that up in the App Store. Once you download the Whova app, you can search for Business Tech Conference, and that’s where you can be kept up to date with everything that we’re planning for the 2023 BTC. The app has our agenda, sessions, the speakers. You can join different community groups, such as the AUG. Through the app, you can set up meet-ups with exhibitors, sponsors, AUG members, ADD employees, as well as take surveys, play games. It’s a really good way just to stay up to date with what ADD Systems has planned for you for the BTC.
Brian: And I will echo what Amy says and highly suggest that you download the Whova app to make the most out of your BTC experience. You can connect with people there. All the ADD Systems attendees will be on the app connecting with people. It’s a great way to continue the conversations you’re having throughout the day. Now, Amy, speaking of exhibitors, can you tell us a little bit about the sponsors and exhibitors users can expect to see there, as well as how they’re all participating?
Amy: Sure, Brian. Right now, we have over 25 exhibitors. That includes our platinum sponsors, PriMedia and Blue Moon; our gold sponsors, MPX, Intevacon, and Qualpay. And many other exhibitors, along with lunch sponsors. You can expect to see all exhibitors in the Exhibit Hall. Everyone will have a table. You should walk around, say hello. All exhibitors will be present for all evening activities and throughout the entire day of the convention.
Brian: Regina, can you talk a little bit about the evening events that are taking place throughout the week at the BTC? Because I think past attendees are going to be pleasantly surprised when they hear what we’ve got in store for them.
Regina: Well, I think we had to consider the fact that we’re getting to be a bigger conference. This is our biggest conference ever. So, we had to look at events and see how we fit and what’s going to work well for our group. And so, the first night, we’re going to meet on Shipwreck Beach. That’s a nice open area, you know, just a sandy beach where we’re going to be in and, you know, have some nice finger foods and a buffet that’s open, and people can wander in as they arrive at Disney. The second night, we’re gonna try something different, which is going to Animal Kingdom and Pandora. And, Amy, I’m gonna throw that to you so you can give more details.
Amy: Okay, yeah, so Tuesday night, we are going to be going to Animal Kingdom after hours, so the park is closed. We’ll be having dinner in the land there of Africa. And then, after dinner, we’ll move over to Pandora – World of Avatar for a dessert party and private access to their two rides over there. It will be dark, and so it’s a really cool setting. It’ll be glowing. You’ll hear the sounds of Pandora. If you are a fan of the movie and have seen it, you’ll feel like you’re actually in Pandora.
Brian: And one thing I want to add to that, Amy, is something that you mentioned earlier: The park is closed. So, this section, the World of Pandora, is specifically for BTC attendees only. So, those who have visited Walt Disney World in the past and gone to Animal Kingdom know that both of these rides are extremely popular. And there are normally several-hour waits to get on these rides. And for this night, you are going to be able to walk on this ride as if you were one of the sole guests at the park. It is really an incredible experience. You could ride it as many times as you and your family would like to, which is a really cool piece to add into this.
Amy: Right. So, if you, along with our Whova app, if you download the My Disney Experience app, you can see the wait times and see how long it takes to get on the rides in Pandora. So, this is totally worth it. This is a really cool private access VIP event for BTC attendees.
Regina: Hey, if you don’t mind me jumping in, not only is it really cool you can get on these rides, but the two rides are actually for all members of your family. And that’s another thing I think about our events is that we always think about how it’s going to be family-friendly, how everybody can come because that’s really part of the message here is that we want the whole family to come and enjoy it.
Amy: If you do look at the My Disney Experience app right now, the Avatar Flight of Passage is a 190-minute wait, and the Na’vi River Journey is a 140-minute wait. So, this night is going to be really special for families. They can be occupied on rides and taking in the atmosphere while you continue to network and mingle with other users and exhibitors and ADD employees.
Brian: And for those who are either coming to the conference with their family prior or staying after the conference, that is time that you’re going to get back to use in other areas of the park, and when you’re in Disney, time is one of the most important things you can get to be able to make the most out of your experience in the park. So, this is a really exciting thing. And now, you had mentioned this event being for families. I think there’s some special things going on for the children that are in attendance as well.
Amy: Right, so each evening event is family-friendly, and there will be activities or entertainment for families. At Animal Kingdom and Pandora, we have a band that will take place during dinner. And then, in Pandora, we’ll have a face painter, which will have kids glowing because of the scenery. So, some cool things that will keep families very entertained.
Regina: Hey, one more thing to note is that I think I’ve gotten the question before is “Do people need tickets to go to these events?” They don’t. There’s no need to buy Disney park tickets for our BTC-specific events. You only need to buy Disney park tickets if you plan to enjoy the parks on your own outside of our events.
Brian: But in a, but wait, there’s more moment.
Regina: That’s right. This year, we decided to add a late-night gathering each night at Ariel’s at the hotel, the Beach Club. We figured people could gather there to have a drink. And we’re gonna have it open every night until midnight, just to give you another chance to do some networking. You may notice, though, that Animal Kingdom actually runs till midnight. So, in that case, if you headed back to the hotel early and you still want a nightcap, this is a nice option for you.
Brian: Moving throughout the week, Wednesday night is something new for 2023. And that’s gonna be a free night. What’s the idea behind the free evening?
Regina: Okay, so the free evening idea came out of listening to our customers. And in prior conferences, it seemed like a lot of people bring their families, so they really love to have a night on their own out at the parks to enjoy it. It’s family-friendly, so we kind of expect people might want to do that. There’s also the opportunity with this free night to have dinner with one of our sponsors and learn about how their products could help you. And then we also heard from people that they have a lot of friends that are other ADD users, and they want an opportunity to go out and, you know, regroup after three years of not, well, in this case, six years of not having been to the BTC. So, it’s really a night where you can make the most of it on your own terms. And then, if you have no specific plans, talk to someone at ADDs, talk to us, and we can help set something up for you.
Brian: And then on the final night, Thursday night, we are taking it to a luau level. Amy, why don’t you talk a little bit about the final night?
Amy: So, Thursday night is a luau at Typhoon Lagoon. Again, it’s a closed park after hours. It’s a very laid-back beach-feel luau. It’s a great relaxing evening after a long week of informative sessions and networking to just kind of kick back and enjoy some Polynesian shows and good food and catch up with the people that you’ve met throughout the week.
Brian: Well, Amy, it’s funny. You mentioned food because we’re recording this right around lunchtime, so your timing couldn’t be more perfect. So, let’s talk more about food. What can people expect for their meals throughout the week? Because, obviously, these are long days we’re talking about here.
Amy: Yeah, well, I hope everybody brings their appetite because we have lots of good meals planned. Monday is a welcome reception with dinner and dessert. Tuesday, we have a great breakfast buffet planned, along with a really good lunch buffet. Two breaks throughout the day with snacks and drinks. That night, we have Animal Kingdom dinner and dessert. Wednesday, we have another great breakfast and lunch planned, along with a couple of snacks. That’s your free night to do as you please. Thursday, we have another great breakfast buffet, great lunch buffet, snacks planned throughout the day, and then wraps up with our luau on the beach, which is dinner and dessert. And Friday morning, we have a really good farewell breakfast planned from 7 AM to 10 AM. So, come in as you please. And, you know, say goodbye and get something good to eat before you head out.
Brian: Now, Regina, one thing I know from personal experience is that Disney is absolutely fantastic in dealing with dietary needs and restrictions. I assume that people attending the BTC if they have concerns, would still be able to get that same experience throughout the BTC.
Regina: Oh, absolutely, Brian. I think if there’s one thing that Disney does well, it’s really attending to people’s special dietary needs. And they really take it seriously. So, if you have anything that you want us to know ahead of time, and we can set it up in advance, let us know. I’m sure they’d be doing well at the last minute as well. So, just let us know what you need, and we’ll make sure everything’s set to go.
Brian: And while we’re on that topic, I’d also like to mention that if guests are planning some theme-park time, as well as outside dinner reservations on their own, episode 12 of ADDcast titled, Walt Disney World Ambassadors Offer BTC Attendees Some Magical Tips and Tricks, features both Ali Manion and Raevon Redding, the 2022-2023 Walt Disney World Ambassador Team, and they were kind enough to spend some time with me to talk about how BTC attendees can make the most out of their time spent both in the parks, as well as throughout Disney property. There’s a ton of great tips that you could use even on future Disney trips, so I highly suggest you check that episode out. Now, pivoting back to the BTC-specific events. We talked about these dinner events that are being held at both Animal Kingdom and Typhoon Lagoon. Amy, can you tell us a little bit about the transportation to get there? Will attendees need to find their way to the parks? How does this work?
Amy: Yeah, Brian. So, we plan on having a cocktail hour meet-up back in the Conference Center about an hour before the evening events kick off. In the Newport Lobby, we will probably meet, have some cocktails, and then catch a few charter buses over as a group to Animal Kingdom and also to Typhoon Lagoon on Thursday night. Those buses will come and go throughout the night, so once you’re at the park, you’re not trapped. If you need to get back to a hotel, just jump on a charter that’s waiting and get back to your hotel.
Brian: And then throughout the week, getting to the Convention Center, Regina, we talked about if you register late, there’s availability in other hotels. How close are we talking here when it comes to the different hotels to get to the Convention Center? So that way, people can plan their transportation properly.
Regina: Oh, sure. So, the Yacht and Beach Club are right there. So, you’re just walking; it’s very simple. If you’re at one of the other hotels, the Animal Kingdom or the Coronado Springs, then it’s a bus ride. And it’s potentially a bus ride that includes a transfer station. So, that would take some time and some planning, but it’s always there for you. Disney is great at moving people around at their location. So, that should not be a problem. And also, from the airport, things have changed since COVID. So, Disney no longer has its transportation from the airport to the hotel. But they now have a few different other things that are available, one of which is Mears. It’s almost the same process. It’s the same kind of bus line that you can schedule in advance. It’s very reasonably priced. So, for people getting from the airport to the hotels should be a pretty simple process.
Brian: And while we’re on the topic of transportation, Regina, if there’s anybody that has any mobility issues, is there anything that they need to do to kind of let Disney or let the team know? So that way, we can make their experience as seamless as everyone else’s.
Regina: Oh, yes, that would be fantastic. If anyone has any special needs, wheelchair access, or anything, we’ll make sure we get the right kind of vehicle there to take you to the event. So, just let us know in advance, and we’ll get it all done.
Brian: And now, since we’ve been talking about family-friendly events, Amy, can you tell us about some other opportunities for families that are taking place throughout the week?
Regina: Yeah, Brian. Our evening events really are going to be family oriented. We will have some character guest appearances, you know, face painters, music, Polynesian shows. So, everything Disney does is family-friendly. And so, all of our events are definitely going to be surrounding the family feel.
Brian: And Disney is a pretty casual place, I think it’s safe to say. Is there any special dress code for the conference or the evening events?
Regina: So, there isn’t. So, like you said, Disney is a really casual place. So casual dress, and however you want to come, you can come. It’s gonna be a really, very laid-back conference. And all of the events are just like that.
Brian: All right, canceling my tuxedo right now. Perfect. Now, Amy, speaking of clothing, everybody may be tempted to purchase a Mickey t-shirt or some souvenirs from Disney. But what about all those BTC souvenirs that they’re clamoring for? What can users expect there?
Amy: We do have a really cool swag bag plan for all of our attendees. It’s going to be filled with all sorts of good treats from ADD Systems, along with a lot of our exhibitors who have offered to add things to our swag bag.
Brian: Fantastic. We’ve covered a ton of topics today. I’d like to throw this question to both of you: Is there any final advice for ways people could best prepare to make the most out of their BTC experience?
Amy: So, if you download the Whova app, the BTC 2023 app, as well as the My Disney Experience app, with the two of those, you’ll stay up to date with everything that’s happening throughout the week and be able to make plans for your family as well.
Regina: And then I was just going to add that once you’re at the show, you have all these tools to, like the app, to make sure you make the most out of it. But if you have anything you want, come to one of us; we will help you get whatever you need to get out of the show. We’re there to help, and our whole marketing team is there to help, and, really, all of ADD Systems is there to help. We want it to be the best experience you can have.
Brian: And I’m going to selfishly throw in that as part of the marketing team. If you would like to talk with us, please come find me. I’ll be shooting video throughout the whole week at events and as well as one-on-one interviews with people throughout the week. And I would love to sit down and talk with you about your experiences with ADD Systems, as well as your experiences at the BTC. So, summing things up today, I guess the bottom line is, let’s get ready to collaborate. Regina and Amy, thank you so much for joining me, and I’m looking forward to seeing you both in Orlando for the BTC in a few weeks.
Amy: Thanks, Brian. Looking forward to it also.
Regina: I am, too. Thanks, Brian.
Brian: To learn more and to register for the BTC, please visit addsys.com/btc. And to keep up with the latest happenings at ADD Systems, visit addsys.com/blog or connect with us on social media by following ADD Systems on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. If you have any questions about ADDcast, feel free to reach out to us at addcast@addsys.com. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you in Disney!
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