For years, trade shows, sponsorships, and events were a staple in most companies’ marketing mix—a given, a must-attend, a no-brainer. But times have changed. In today’s hyper-measurable, data-driven business environment, companies, especially those backed by private equity (PE) firms, are under mounting pressure to justify every dollar spent. Gone are the days of sponsoring and attending events simply because “we always have.” Now more than ever, it’s all about the return on investment (ROI), and if the numbers don’t add up, the budget gets cut—fast.
For association executives and organizers… more
Experts & Opinions
Mar 12, 2025
Since taking office in January, one of President Donald Trump’s key initiatives has focused on making the U.S. federal government more cost efficient. One recent executive order calls for federal agencies to create a system “that centrally records approval for federally funded travel for conferences and other non-essential purposes.”
While the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) certainly supports efforts to safeguard taxpayer dollars by curbing non-essential travel, it’s equally important to recognize the essential role of business and professional events, especially for federal… more
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Feb 26, 2025
As I proudly embark upon my year as IAEE Chairperson, alongside my fellow board members, I am enthusiastic to fulfill our charge of amplifying the trade show industry’s collective voice, fostering vibrant professional communities, and creating pathways for continuous learning and development. It is also my sincere pleasure to work with IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM in developing a vision that builds on IAEE’s strengths while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.
IAEE’s mission to globally promote the unique value of exhibitions and events remains… more
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Feb 12, 2025
Any business owner knows that retaining business is much easier (and more cost-efficient) than winning new clients. Despite this widely acknowledged truth, the expo industry seems to be working against itself by adding unnecessary hurdles for customers. The numbers speak volumes, particularly in terms of exhibitor churn.
Drawing inspiration from other industries, software as a service (SaaS) showcases impressive B2B customer retention rates, averaging between 92% to 97%
Technology companies are well-versed in the customer journey and invest many resources to ensure the success of their… more
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Jan 29, 2025
While the Eagles and Chiefs are getting ready for the Super Bowl, policymakers on Capitol Hill have been getting ready for the ‘Super Bowl of Tax’ for years.
What is the ‘Super Bowl of Tax’? It’s the big tax reform debate taking place in Washington, DC in 2025. Here’s the background: Key parts of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expire at the end of the year. Extending those tax breaks for 10 years would add another $4.6 trillion to the U.S. deficit, and President Donald Trump has proposed new reductions that would drive the price even higher.
What does that mean for the trade show… more
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Jan 15, 2025
When exhibiting at trade shows, custom uniforms are your team’s secret weapon for branding and camaraderie. By sporting a coordinated look, your staff stands out, making it easy for attendees to spot and remember your company. These branded uniforms offer several advantages, including enhanced brand visibility and a polished, professional image that builds trust at events.
Let’s explore the role custom uniforms play at trade shows.
Why Custom Uniforms Are Important
Uniforms shape a business’s brand identity and enhance its public perception. Here’s why they’re so important:
Walking… more
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Jan 02, 2025
As we look forward to 2025, it’s clear the events industry is evolving beyond simply “showing up.” Today’s attendees crave deeper engagement, meaningful interactions, and experiences that surpass what they can get from a screen.
To meet these expectations, show organizers need to address what all attendees want, creating spaces where genuine connections happen, insights are shared, and the experience is truly worth the trip.
Events that resonate most will thoughtfully align buyers with sellers, offering insightful, personalized approaches. Here are six predictions for 2025:
Content… more
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Dec 11, 2024
My first event visit to the Middle East was in January 2007, in Oman. Little did I know that this trip would, ten months later, lead to one of Tarsus’s major acquisitions—the iconic Dubai Airshow. Returning to the Middle East region 17 years later, it is striking how much has changed in our industry. On this trip, I visited Saudi Arabia for the first time, traveling to Riyadh to attend Black Hat, the cybersecurity event that Informa has geo-cloned from its flagship event in Las Vegas.
A common stereotype in our industry is that only dynamic entrepreneurs have the agility to launch into new… more
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Dec 04, 2024
The year 2024 will go into the history books as the best year the global exhibition industry has ever recorded, measured by revenues—topping out an astonishing comeback after the global pandemic. Investors remain eager to put money into our industry’s core business model of connecting people for trade and innovation, but the future will see challenges escalate, existing developments pick up speed, and complexities grow.
So, what lies in store for 2025? Once again, the UFI team has been listening to and talking with UFI members and industry leaders worldwide to get their views on what lies… more
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Nov 20, 2024
There is no shortage of hype around AI with the recent CEO-related drama at OpenAI and various “prophecies of doom.” We know there will be big impacts on business, ranging from the reshaping of law firms to pressure on Google paid search—but what does it mean for business events?
There are risks associated with event participants utilizing AI, as it may diminish their reliance on events. For example, AI can improve solution search and procurement for buyers while improving sales and marketing for sellers. Overall, there is a net positive for events with significant prizes for organizers… more
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Partner Voices
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.