Experts & Opinions
Jun 30, 2012
I’ve always appreciated our industry’s effect on the economy. It’s a fact, whether you work in facility management, show management or as an official services provider, the trade show industry positively impacts the U.S. and world economies.
As long as buyers exist, we’ll continue to have B2B and F2F opportunities – and trade shows are the best option for companies to market themselves and their products.
Unfortunately, many small business owners don’t see the value of investing their resources in trade shows (and a show organizer can tell you it’s… more
Comments (0)
May 31, 2012
Want to be a smarter exhibitor? Not just above-average, slightly ahead of the pack, but a full-blown trade show marketing genius? Then follow these 6 (not so easy, but worthwhile) steps:
Be Genuine
Be Experimental
Be A Nerd
GoInternational
Be Useful
Drive Sales
Be Genuine
Trade shows offer a huge opportunity to gain exposure for your company’s brand image. So make your trade show exhibit true to the heart of your brand. Trade shows let you go beyond just your brand colors and taglines. You can create an entire… more
Comments (0)
May 19, 2012
I read a LinkedIn post on the frustration we have all felt dealing with the never-ending list of rules and regulations for trade shows. I believe the post even asked, what is with all these rules?
Let me share some of my thoughts on that subject.
1. No room for interpretation. Let’s be honest – people like to ‘interpret’ rules in a way that benefits them. I can say that I have bent the rules to get six more inches on my structure and block a competitor’s sign – and I have seen the error of my ways. With years of experience in dealing… more
Comments (0)
May 17, 2012
What is it about games that b-to-b event organizers are trying to hide? Some third-party event producers and even game developers have taken to calling them “engagement platforms” to try to gloss over the notion that (heaven forbid) an attendee might have fun while learning and networking at a live event.
As affirming research piles up and the number of game options for events increases, tradeshow and conference organizers (corporate meeting planners are way ahead of these two groups on the game front) may soon be convinced that a game layer placed on top of an otherwise ho hum… more
Comments (0)
May 12, 2012
I wrote to my representative in Congress this week. As a proud participant in the Meetings Industry, I am concerned about the backlash that has popped up around the abuses by people working for the GSA in regards to inappropriate use of money spent in regards to conferences. Similar bad press rumbled around in 2008 because of the WordCom fiasco and the 2011 "MuffinGate".
Waste should not be tolerated by government agencies, companies, associations or anyone who plans meetings. But people who overstep common sense (and the laws) are not proof that meetings are somehow… more
Comments (0)
May 07, 2012
It’s not surprising that some of the hottest trade show marketing trends revolve around social media. In the new age of social networking and technology it may seem like trade show marketing is a thing of the past. But with the use of social media tools like Facebook and Twitter, businesses can be even more successful with their trade show marketing.
Trade shows are a great way to connect with prospective customers while manning your tradeshow booth, marketing partners, new employees and influentials in your industry. Learn how to use social media to get the most out of… more
Comments (0)
Apr 30, 2012
Editor's Note: Mike Thimmesch and Joyce McKee will be giving a TSNN Webinar - "Getting More Leads and Making Them Count" May 24 at 1pm - sign up here:
http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=86670
A newly published white paper by Marketech reveals what 3,341 trade show attendees, in interviews held at 30 events, said caused them to visit trade show exhibits. Skyline has sponsored this new research report and made it available free to exhibitors, who can get a copy by requesting it here.
The Value Of People, Product, and Promotions in Attracting Visitors… more
Comments (0)
Apr 22, 2012
I will admit that I shouldn’t be writing this right now because I am really steamed and maybe it would be best if I calmed down a bit. But, forget it. I am going for it.
I am so fed up with airlines nickel and diming every little thing to death to the point where I think airline tickets are higher than they have ever been in a very long time.
Case in Point No. 1
I recently flew from Detroit to Los Angeles on United Airlines. I was leaving on a 9-day trip so I had my purse and computer as my two allotted carry ons and I checked two bags, a garment bag and small rolling bag.
Yes, to… more
Comments (0)
Apr 17, 2012
The busy season is over and you’ve just exhibited at the same trade shows that you always exhibit at year after year. Which can make you too easily fall into the “same old, same-old” mindset: Same competitors, same booth staff, same exhibit, same promotions, same city, same products, same, same, same.
Be careful. That complacency can dangerously slip into irrelevancy.
To keep your edge, try to see trade shows with fresh eyes. Give yourself some time at your next few shows to get re-inspired. All you need is your eyes, your feet, and an open mind.
Question… more
Comments (0)
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.