Experts & Opinions

Feb 13, 2020
If you’re organizing an event, online exposure is critical to sell admission and get people through the door. Social media has quickly emerged as the single most crucial factor in online digital marketing campaigns, with Facebook and Instagram leading the way. While organic social media has been an important force over the years, the potential reach of organic campaigns is often much lower than people think. In order to make a real impact, it’s more important than ever to focus on the paid side of social media.  Organic growth seems to be diminishing before our eyes, with Facebook recording… more
Feb 11, 2020
When hosting a trade show or conference, an event badge can play a significant role in how attendees remember their experience. If you’re planning an event this year, put some extra effort into creating a winning badge that will help brand your event. Color-coding badges to easily identify speakers, exhibitors, volunteers and attendees not only makes it easier for event participants but also for security personnel to see, at a glance, that people are in the right areas at all times. When creating a badge for your trade show, think about how to make it stand out, easy to read and, most of all… more
Feb 06, 2020
Digital images displayed on digital screen displays open up a new world of changeable and moving images. When it comes to selecting digital displays, exhibitors are faced with a staggering choice of options, from small tablets to mid-sized TV screens and multi-panel digital walls. If there is video input, virtually any display screen can be adapted for use at an exhibit. But to help you pick the optimum hardware for your budget, venue and expected audience, we’ve broken down the features, benefits and strategies to mitigate risks of each type of display. Tablets  Tablets such as the Apple… more
Feb 04, 2020
Connecting with people – whether that’s your team, attendees or partners – is essential in order to thrive at exhibitions. It can help you manage your staff more effectively, make the event run as smoothly as possible and generate leads to help increase your return on investment. But how you engage with people can vary according to your communication style.  As the managing director of Expo Stars, I’m a big fan of the iMA communication tool, which was designed by James Knight and is a powerful universal language, created to maximize relationship building and used by business leaders across… more
Jan 30, 2020
As an event organizer, you know that event networking is critical to the attendee experience. Therefore, it’s also critical to your event’s success. Event engagement is a key driver of ROI, as well.  But that’s not surprising. What is surprising is how often event organizers don’t create networking opportunities for their attendees — especially because prioritizing event networking is one of the easiest ways planners can help their exhibitors nurture leads into prospects.  By prioritizing event networking, event organizers do far more than improve attendee experience — they also improve ROI… more
Jan 28, 2020
There’s no question about it, exhibiting at a trade show can be expensive. There are the booth cost, show services and other essentials that will help draw in attendees to your exhibit. However, it’s essential to keep these expenses under control. Here’s a summary of 10 ways to do just that.  Map Out All Your Costs  According to EXHIBITOR Magazine, the average trade show budget breaks down in five broad categories. For example, if your budget is $45,000, you can expect to pay the following percentage for dollars for each: Booth Space and Contents (51% - $22,950) Personnel, Travel,… more
Jan 23, 2020
Business conferences and live events are a booming sector, with demand growing and growth showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, consulting firm AMR International predicts that the U.S. exhibition market will grow 3.5 percent through 2022.  With growth comes competition among event organizers to bring attendees the best, most seamless digital experience. As event organizers aim to provide the most cutting-edge customer experience, many are turning to technology to enhance even the most mundane tasks. According to a survey by Bizzabo, 86 percent of event marketers believe that technology… more
Jan 21, 2020
No. 8:  Spoil your onsite exhibit staff.  The morale of your on-site exhibit staff is your secret weapon. A happy team is a productive team. And the happier they are, the more positive their interactions with be with your prospects and customers who’ll remember their in-booth interactions with your uber-professional staff. This memorability is what will linger in your prospects’ minds long after your exhibit is back in its crates after the show. What are you doing to make your on-site exhibit team comfortable with their show participation — mentally and physically? Since we’re in show biz… more
Jan 16, 2020
This season, explore mixed materials, rustic themes and bohemian accents for on-trend designs your attendees will love. Infuse your space with what event designers, exhibit planners and trend experts are calling “Mediterranean Craft style,” featuring eclectic elements and woven textures to achieve a sophisticated, yet relaxed curated look.  Here are a few tips to help you incorporate Mediterranean Craft style trends at your next event or exhibit: Mix and Match Textures Contrast is key when it comes to Mediterranean Craft, so don’t be afraid to mix and match textures. Try blending velvet… more
Jan 14, 2020
When it comes to marketing at trade shows, many brands turn to promotional products that are useful and appealing to the public and that can also help build up awareness and drum up business. And while there are clothing items, toys, water bottles, pens and numerous other products to consider, tech gadgets are something that exhibitors should definitely be using as swag. Why? First off, this is a tech-driven world, full of devices: About 85% of adults own cell phones. Over 60% of those who fall into the category of Gen X or Baby Boomers own desktop computers, while most younger generations… 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.