Experts & Opinions

Apr 23, 2020
Under normal circumstances, the planning and execution of any trade show needs to be a well-oiled machine. Each team must have visibility into what the others are doing to collaborate and avoid redundancies, and trade show directors need to have a view of all activity so they can effectively run an event that impresses senior leadership and delivers a superior experience. But as we know, times are not normal. Trade show organizers are working remotely and trying to reschedule events or transform them into virtual gatherings. How can teams operate in a way that not only promotes a… more
Apr 20, 2020
Just a few weeks ago, we were feeling optimistic about holding our yearly APAC and EMEA Unite conferences in March. What happened then, was out of our hands, with the COVID-19 pandemic spreading and turning the entire events industry upside down. We did not want to give up on Unite, so we sat together and worked on a virtual conference concept that would still cover the great content we were eager to share with our customer community. We only had one week to revamp the agenda and to elaborate on the technical setup, so time was a key factor in this project. Our decision to make this a free… more
Apr 16, 2020
In case you missed it, start here with an introduction to B2B digital event amplification strategies and read part two here. This is the final part of this series. 8. Impress Your Attendees with Digital Assets Have you ever left a corporate event or conference with a bag filled with… nothing? Pens, keychains, stacks of flyers — at worst, all they do is clutter your life until you eventually throw them away; at best, your pen collection grows. Luckily, there are alternatives out there through virtual event bags. These bags are more environmentally friendly — not to mention easier to manage… more
Apr 14, 2020
COVID-19 has had an enormous effect on business, with the live events industry one of the first to be hit. While some predict the pandemic will reduce or even eliminate the number of live events in the future, I disagree. The general consensus among our clients and event organizers is that trade shows will fiercely reemerge this fall and into next year. It could get frantic as the current events calendar will need to accommodate all those events that have been postponed, so get ready! While no one would wish for our current climate, there are three positive effects that the pandemic has had… more
Apr 09, 2020
In case you missed it, start here with an introduction to B2B digital event amplification strategies. This is part 2 of three in a series. 5. Leverage Your Social Ambassadors Every event needs an arsenal of knowledgeable speakers — and the bigger the name, the better. If you’ve invited notable figures to speak at your event, this is your chance to tap into a new audience. Not only do well-known industry leaders attract more attendees simply by having their name on the poster, but you can also borrow their reach to promote your event. When you book your speakers, make sure you ask them to… more
Apr 07, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has been like a Class-5 hurricane through our industry. Mass event cancelations are creating a devastating wave through the event industry that is cascading out to vendors and service providers in all related fields. Event producers need solutions today for their events that are scheduled for tomorrow, next week and next month that can’t be held in person. Virtual events platforms, which can deliver a live broadcast of education sessions and online networking opportunities, can be a critical lifeboat for event producers who need to deliver something to their delegates… more
Apr 03, 2020
Brands sponsor face-to-face events because they want to connect with key audiences. They want to increase brand awareness and improve brand perception. They want to generate leads and drive sales. And every single one of these goals remains relevant and achievable, even now that coronavirus has driven face-to-face events into the virtual sphere.  Consider these best practices to seamlessly integrate sponsors into your virtual experience and maximize the value you deliver. Put attendees’ priorities first. Concentrating on the wants, needs and emotions of your audience is always a wise thing… more
Apr 01, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has shifted the nation, disrupting work and home life on an unprecedented scale. Among the dramatic changes has been the cancellation of nearly all types of events and business conferences that were scheduled to take place over the next several months.  While it may be hard to imagine creative ways to still get your conference insights to the marketplace, it can be done. Moreover, if done the right way, you can make a lasting impression for attendees; presenters can share their expertise; and even vendors can reach their target audience – all in a manner that… more
Mar 27, 2020
Working from home is quickly becoming “the new normal.” The COVID-19 pandemic kicked the WFH movement into high gear, and many experts believe it will continue long after the crisis has passed (this article makes a solid case). But before we can optimize this new way of working, we’re going to have to get proficient at one of the biggest work-from-home fundamentals: the virtual meeting. Remote meetings are inherently different from in-person meetings. If you’re not used to running them, you’re going to make tons of mistakes, and those mistakes can have major ramifications in terms of how… more
Mar 24, 2020
Sometimes the unexpected happens and event planners have to decide to downsize or cancel their events. But before you cancel, consider an alternative. We believe in the power of meetings. They’re where people bring together ideas and insights to inspire others. Here’s a quick list of how you can turn a live event into an online meeting of minds using tools you might already have on hand. 1. Take Your Sessions Online Use a webinar tool to set up virtual sessions in place of your meeting rooms. Have attendees log into the same session they would’ve attended on-site and watch the session in… more
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.