Experts & Opinions
Oct 23, 2017
Since 2008, there has been a statistic making its way around the Internet that the EPA ranked the trade show industry as the second most wasteful industry - second only to manufacturing. You may have heard this statistic before. I have even used that information in an article I wrote for TSNN. Recently, I decided to look deeper into that stat that gives a bad rap to our industry. What I discovered was that even on the EPA website, I can find no reference to this statistic. Furthermore, many of the articles that referenced the statistic have been removed from the web.
Still, we all know that… more
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Oct 19, 2017
Are you preparing for an upcoming trade show? If so, you’re most likely searching for great giveaway ideas to make your brand stand out.
Giveaways present great opportunities for you to leave a lasting impression on event-goers. With creative, high-quality giveaways, you’ll get more people to your booth and interacting with your brand.
However, there are many giveaways out there that are just plain boring. To make sure trade show attendees hang on to your item instead of ditching it in the trash, try handing out these eight giveaways that people will actually want.
1. Power Bank
There’s… more
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Oct 17, 2017
The nature of events is changing and with it the responsibilities of the modern show organizer.
In addition to all the other roles they are asked to take on (empathetic storytellers, tech-savvy marketers), today’s show organizers have to be strategists as well. That’s because successful brand experiences aren’t just singular, one-time events – they’re part of an ongoing, multichannel brand narrative.
Figuring out how to weave that narrative through your entire marketing mix requires a little planning and some good insight.
Here are five best practices to help you keep your next trade… more
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Oct 12, 2017
Background
The recent controversy at Google underscores a persistent problem in the technology sector: Women remain significantly underrepresented at all levels. The results of a 2017 women in technology survey by ISACA.org tells part of the story: nearly 40 percent report gender bias in the workplace, 35 percent report unequal pay for the same skills, and 42 percent cite a lack of female role models as a barrier to success.
The dearth of gender diversity at the highest levels is also apparent in the event tech sector. I’ve seen it throughout my career as an event tech entrepreneur. It wasn… more
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Oct 10, 2017
If you are planning to display your own booth at a trade show for the very first time, it is worthwhile to invest a little time in strategizing and researching the various marketing ideas that will help attract more customers to your brand and leveraging the exposure for reaping great benefits for your company.
Here are six ways in which you can ensure great success and value for your first trade show booth attendance.
Pre-Trade Show Activities
There are numerous pre-trade show tactics for marketing your brand prior to the main event such as raising awareness, attracting visitor attention… more
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Oct 05, 2017
Augmented reality and virtual reality sound like something out of “2001: A Space Odyssey,” right? Or, if you’ve been paying attention, perhaps you’re well aware of how virtual reality glasses are becoming a hit among younger generations, with 15-year-olds clamoring to get a pair for video game sessions. However, augmented and virtual reality are becoming a very real part of life, and it’s time to consider adding them to your event agenda.
By the year 2020, it’s estimated that the virtual and augmented reality market will be worth close to $120 billion and be accessible to more than 350… more
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Oct 03, 2017
Our hearts go out to natural disaster victims from all over the world, including recent ones in Houston, Florida and Mexico. Disasters are hard enough when you are home but they can take more complexity when you are traveling.
Trade Show Tips
If you were traveling to a trade show or large event, check out their website to see the status of the event. Some may choose to cancel, shorten or re-schedule. Make sure to check this before you travel or ship last-minute items if there is the possibility of an emergency in the area.
Convention Center Links
Here are links to some of the top trade… more
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Sep 26, 2017
Nothing ruins an outdoor event faster than severe weather. However, intentional planning for weather conditions is key for a successful outdoor event or meeting. Weather can be tricky and hard to predict, but with a little insight and a few tips, any event planner can be prepared for what’s in the forecast.
Most people rely on free weather apps for up-to-date weather alerts. However, they lack real-time, location-specific information, are unreliable and can’t accurately predict where and when lightning will strike. Delayed lightening detection is nearly as bad as not having it at all. It can… more
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Sep 25, 2017
No. 1: Always have a “Plan B”
One of the questions I’m often asked as a trade show industry veteran is, “What do you wish you’d known back in your first year of managing trade show exhibits that you know now?” To answer this question, here is the first in a series of posts addressing the most important lessons I’ve learned, mostly as a lifelong student of the University of Hard Knocks.
If you’ve ever heard of Murphy’s Law (“Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong”), I can tell you that I think Murphy was an optimist when it comes to trade show exhibiting. In addition to having a “Plan B”… more
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Sep 21, 2017
Registration vendors and show management work together all year making decisions to maximize their show’s impact on attendees and exhibitors. How can you determine if your decisions reflect the needs, experiences and challenges of attendees?
Attending an event and taking the time to “walk in your attendees’ shoes” provides an amazing perspective and insight into their experience. I have learned more from time spent onsite than I could ever learn while sitting in my office.
Observation No. 1: Get Your Badge and Go
There is one common goal with all attendees and exhibitors: the desire to… more
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Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.