Experts & Opinions
Sep 11, 2020
For most shows, 2020 is done. You either were lucky enough to hold a show pre-COVID or your show probably has been canceled. At this point, few shows still are on the 2020 calendar through year end.
Now - everyone is facing 2021.
Those shows that were held in the first quarter of 2020 are grappling with what the impact will be in the first half of 2021 on live events. Not to mention all the shows that didn't run at all this year and holding their breaths on how 2021 will unfold.
The bottom line with any show that hopes to run live in 2021 is organizers need to stop attempting to plan the… more
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Sep 08, 2020
Last month, a New York Times column by famous comedian Jerry Seinfeld went viral, in which he replies to James Altucher—a well-known businessman and writer—for stating that “New York is dead forever.” A few days earlier, Altucher had posted on his LinkedIn that, due to the pandemic and thanks to new technologies, the city that never sleeps is doomed to become a shadow of its former self: nowadays, many people prefer working remotely from less hectic places.
For those of us who were Seinfeld fans in our youth—and even today laugh aloud with the American sitcom in which “nothing happens” other… more
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Sep 04, 2020
With the COVID-19 situation thankfully now appearing to improve in a number of locations and a return to trade shows on the horizon, it’s a critical time for event profs everywhere as we try to support the global recovery as much as possible over the coming months.
This, however, leads us to another problem which is becoming increasingly common around the world, and is being reported frequently across industry media outlets: exhibitor confidence.
While numerous governments are giving the green light for business events to resume, it is painful to still see many events cancelling their… more
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Sep 02, 2020
COVID-19 has made a devastating impact on all the aspects of our lives, but it is also prompting an outpouring of creativity in the events industry. The way we communicate and interact with colleagues, professionals and members of the public in trade shows is, in fact, playing a more and more relevant role. It’s key to streamline the way we present ourselves to others, making sure that without even interacting with them, they are already aware of where we are standing. This is why the launch of the new social bands in the industry has been received with success.
Social brands was created as… more
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Aug 26, 2020
A tremendously intense spring changed everything we thought we knew about planning powerful event experiences. As event organizers, we have scrambled to reimagine our in-person events to make them work on virtual platforms this upcoming summer and fall season. My team has helped many clients make this transition and here’s what we’ve learned in the process:
Virtual takes time and flexibility to do well.
There are no shortcuts when it comes to virtual. Since it’s so new to many people, it is best to prepare for more “hand-holding.” It’s also a long process to bring key stakeholders up to… more
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Aug 24, 2020
As many activities and businesses have come to a screeching halt during the Coronavirus pandemic, we’ve started to see some businesses allowed to slowly reopen, and eventually, many will be back up and running as usual. Restaurants will get back to full capacity for guests to dine-in, clothing stores will allow customers to come and go as they please, and fitness centers will give their members full access to all of their exercise equipment. However, what do these types of businesses have in common that trade shows don’t? They don’t require a vast amount of people to be gathered in an… more
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Aug 20, 2020
You could trace just about any form of social connection to much deeper roots and scenes than you would recognize today. Trade shows, and all the forms that it has evolved from, are places of opportunities to network with peers and spread awareness of what you offer to stand out from the competition. These networking events can be traced back in time where humans learned the mutual benefit of trade. While we attend much different shows in the modern world, the remnants of the past can still be recognized today.
3000 BCE
In the Middle East, bazaars were established as the earliest form of… more
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Aug 18, 2020
With many people still stuck at home, continuing to distance from loved ones and longing for what used to be their normal daily activities, they are seeking out positivity in any way possible.
As a business with a platform, you have the opportunity to be that light and hope for your audience. You may have already seen businesses finding ways to make their social media a light in the darkness. And although your business can’t reverse the loss of jobs or loved ones, it can still find ways to spread a little bit of joy. As people now turn to social media to pass the time, take their mind off of… more
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Aug 14, 2020
Did you know that event management consistently ranks within the top 10 most stressful jobs each year – alongside the likes of enlisted military personnel, firefighters, pilots and police offers? For event managers, there’s no shortage of things to do: finding a venue, hiring staff, getting equipment, organizing travel, liaising with speakers, enlisting caterers – the list goes on. And to make matters more complicated, each year brings with it new challenges and new trends.
Recently, we conducted a survey of more than 100 event management professionals asking them what they believe to be… more
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Aug 11, 2020
In-person events and trade shows are going virtual, a significant shift forced by the COVID-19 pandemic. But the question is, will these events remain virtual for the foreseeable future?
A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on PGi’s behalf found more than half (54%) of employed Americans who now work from home due to the pandemic said they are not comfortable going to large, in-person work-related conferences or events this year. This unwillingness to attend in-person events should come as no surprise.
Many organizations are saying that even when virtual events become physical again… more
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.