New CEIR Report Looks into How Exhibitors Share, Attendees Prefer to Receive Product Info

August 27, 2013

In a continued series of reports on practices in the trade show industry, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research recently released a report, Exhibitor Product Information Sharing Practices, which looks into the way exhibitors share and attendees prefer to receive product information.

The report also identifies which methods are considered most effective in supporting an organization’s overall objectives for exhibiting.

CEIR also recently released the Digital Playbook, taking a look at who exhibitors were utilizing digital tools to engage with attendees.

The current study examined not only digital use, but also whether or not attendees still were being engaged with traditional methods.

Nancy Drapeau, CEIR’s research director, said, “Though (study) results in part affirm a shift in exhibitor practices to digital methods, it is not completely the case. Print collateral on premise and post-event is still pervasive, and a good proportion of attendees still want print collateral when they walk the floor.”

She added, “So, these results clearly indicate the importance of using print options strategically along with considering which digital tactics make sense to satisfy the preferences of their target attendees."

Here are some results from the study:

Exhibitor practices and attendee preferences seem to match up.

The two most common methods of product information sharing methods used by exhibitors are printed brochures/catalogues given out at the booth, 85 percent, and emails sent after the exhibition, 70 percent.

The top two methods preferred by attendees to receive information are the same, in the same rank order: 58 percent and 41 percent, respectively.

In terms of how effective each method is considered to be in supporting an exhibiting company’s overall objectives for exhibiting, the top two-ranked methods are digital.

Among users of each method, 82 percent who offer information that is downloadable to a USB and 80 percent who send emails post-event say the tactic is either ‘Highly Effective’ or ‘Effective.’

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.