Experts & Opinions
Aug 09, 2018
I am often asked what giveaways are the most popular at trade shows. Event managers feel they should offer something but they are at a loss of what will draw people in so they can talk to them. However, they find that while giveaways were a good draw in the past, many of today’s show attendees are not interested in them. I have had multiple show-goers decline my offer of a giveaway because they don’t need it and this response has become much more frequent over the past three years.
This is in line with the demographic changes we are seeing in our population. Millennials have become most of… more
Comments (0)
Aug 07, 2018
Businesses large and small present their latest and the most futuristic gadgets at the biggest confabs like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) each year. Over the last decade or so, LED has made its market in digital signage industry owing to low cost, better quality, smart fixtures and greater efficiency. The technology is expected to keep evolving in the years to come in terms of efficiency and affordability.
Pulling off a successful trade show is an even greater challenge when you are catering to the consumers accustomed to disruptive advancements like… more
Comments (0)
Aug 04, 2018
When planning an event there is one element that can make a huge difference to the atmosphere of the occasion – the lighting.
The right lighting will direct attention to the most important areas of the space, create the desired mood and ultimately set the scene for the occasion, whether it is a conference, a trade show, a corporate occasion or a private party.
To find out more about how lighting can make – or break – an event I spoke to events planners Julie Girgenti, owner of Exceptional Events and Ellen Davies, owner of LND Events. Here’s what they had to say:
Setting the Tone
Lighting… more
Comments (0)
Aug 01, 2018
Virtual Reality (VR) is a powerful sales and marketing tool, and with a little planning, it can help your company become the focal point of any event. Of those that try VR, 81 percent say they tell their friends about the experience and 79 percent seek to try it again. These numbers illustrate the massive advantage VR has on every other form of media. It is fully immersive and therefore, the most engaging platform for trade show pitches.
Aside from the numbers and engagement statistics, VR trade show experiences give you unprecedented creative control over what your audience experiences.… more
Comments (0)
Jul 26, 2018
If you say the No.1 goal of a Facebook page is to get Likes, Comments and Shares then, well, you’re wrong. Likes and Comments are great and you need them to have a thriving Facebook page, but they’re just one component of fan page strategy. By focusing only on engagement, you are losing sight of people taking actions – visiting your website, signing up, registering or buying a product.
Competing for customers in the digital economy is not easy. People look online to find businesses to buy from – and they predominately are searching social media. Social media is launching businesses, leading… more
Comments (0)
Jul 24, 2018
Your conference sponsorship fee might have been expensive, but it's not your entire investment. You’re competing with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of brands on the exhibition floor. And to make it worthwhile, you have to spend between 25-50 percent more to create a unique experience that actually drives conversations.
If you’re only using what the conference provided as part of the sponsorship, you’ll inevitably look and feel like everyone else. So, how do you ensure your booth stands out? Create memories — memories that will stick with your visitors far after they leave.
To create those… more
Comments (0)
Jul 19, 2018
In today’s post 9/11 world, event security has become a top concern for event planners. All types of events can be vulnerable to security threats, no matter the size of the event or the location. Event organizers must always be thinking about the best ways to implement security at events in order to keep their attendees safe.
Here are some key points to consider when creating a security plan for your next event:
Provide safety and security training for event staff – Staff that have been previously trained in safety and security measures are better equipped to identify and react in the case… more
Comments (0)
Jul 17, 2018
There's no question live events have the power to engage. But it takes a lot more than showing up in a pretty booth, dressed to sell, flashing a welcoming smile to make an event an ROI success. There are many moving parts to coordinate to encourage visits to your booth/presentation:
When and how to reach out before the event
What to do during the event to differentiate your presence from others, attract attendees and make their visit memorable
When and how to keep reaching out to keep visitors on the path toward a purchase
It boils down to content marketing for generating brand awareness… more
Comments (0)
Jul 12, 2018
Let’s first state the obvious: a lot, and I mean a lot, goes into planning and executing an event. No one knows this better than you. But what about when the event is over?
If you’ve put money and effort into capturing your event (or at least major portions of it), you now have a virtual treasure trove of video. Yes, it’s going to take some effort to maximize its value. But fortunately for you, lots of companies and organizations have been generating revenue from their event video for some time now. That means we have ample insights, anecdotes, and data on how event video can make you money… more
Comments (0)
Jul 10, 2018
Here they come! The keynote speech is over and everyone is spilling onto the exhibit floor. But how do you sort through the throngs and engage your best prospects, those people who can really benefit from what you are selling?
Let’s say a couple of people are approaching your booth and slowing down to see what you have to offer. It’s up to your booth staff to engage them in conversation and find out what they are looking for. But what’s the best way to start?
You might try any of the following sample engagement techniques, outlined by Natural Training in their blog article, Eight… more
Comments (0)
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.