Experts & Opinions

Aug 24, 2017
In today's global landscape of environmental awareness, it is crucial to learn where event environmental impacts are generated. As part of the team who generated these Impact Statements and recycling reports for events like CES and IMEX America, I know the challenges of the existing systems and there needs to be a fresh approach to tracking event metrics. When thinking of environmental issues, energy consumption, waste minimization and CO2 emissions are among the top priorities, and it is usually the venue and general contractors who provide these statistics. When calculating a single… more
Aug 21, 2017
There has been lots of chatter in the world of event planning, associations, marketing and nearly every other industry these days. Why all the buzz? Companies like Apple, IBM, GE and Kaiser Permanente use Design Thinking’s human-centered process to meet customer needs in strategically viable ways – simply meaning, they make customers happy and they make money doing it. In his recent Harvard Business Review article, education company Blackboard’s vice president of design, Jon Kulko, notes that companies that have made Design Thinking (DT) an integral part of their culture share some common… more
Aug 17, 2017
From a business’s perspective, trade shows offer an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate their product and connect their brand to potential consumers in a face-to-face interaction. My team and I looked over some trade show statistics and found a lot of vindicating information for businesses who choose to take advantage of these events. Here are some compelling statistics that stood out to us during our research: 99 percent of exhibitors find unique value delivered by B2B trade shows that are not provided by other marketing channels. 83 percent of trade show attendees have some kind of… more
Aug 15, 2017
Most business owners don’t have the time to attend trade shows themselves while running and growing their business. But as your company grows, there will be more critical trade shows and great opportunities than you can attend yourself, so you’ll need to appoint some well-trained team members. How do you make sure your team is equipped to succeed at trade shows (even without you)? Here are a couple of tips to consider. Take every opportunity to practice There are multiple ways your trade show team can get customer service experience. Take a look at volunteer events in your area that… more
Aug 10, 2017
The purpose of using custom displays at trade shows is to draw in as large a number of people as possible to your booth. Nevertheless, a successful display doesn't come easily, meaning you should equip yourself with information about how to display outstanding exhibits. Managing expenditure and maximizing profits is a key factor for most businesses and it can be difficult to achieve at times. Purchasing a custom display is one way to get the attention you seek at trade shows and can be an affordable option, depending on the type of display and accessories you choose to add. But most often,… more
Aug 07, 2017
What marketing tools do you use to promote your events? Is social media on that list? It should be. It doesn’t matter how familiar you and your business are with social media. Your audience is using it and that means you need to be there. Americans check their social media accounts 17 times a day. Having a presence on social media means that your potential event attendees are more likely to see your posts and promotions there. But with the number of options of social networks, marketing tools, trends and types of content to share, how do you use social media the right way to reach the right… more
Aug 03, 2017
When setting up your trade show booth, it’s imperative that you make sure that booth is up-to-date and ready to impress. For many, this means bringing laptops, tablets and other devices that require electricity. Many vendors order electricity for their booths for this exact reason. However, some forego utilizing their electricity to its fullest by not making sure they have proper lighting for their booth! A beam of light on specific signage or a key component of your display can have customers coming over to check you out instead of your competitors. Knowing what types of lighting are… more
Jul 31, 2017
How do you stand out at the conference, trade show or event? How do you have the exhibit or environment that represents your brand well yet rises above the rest? Here is a hint…it is not all about having the tallest booth on the floor. Having a great designer who can help translate your brand into a three-dimensional space is ideal. They can take your marketing strategy and brand and create an experience. However, you don’t always have the budget or the time to go all out.   Here are some tips gleaned from some of our Skyline designers you can use to elevate your look… more
Jul 26, 2017
Having spent a couple of decades building and refining public relations content and targeting platforms for the event space, I’ve identified what successful exhibitors consistently do well.  While there are many reasons to participate at events, two bubble to the top: build relationships and share content. When the right content and communications plan converge for your event, you build stronger relationships from events and deliver superior ROC (Return on Content).   Here are four tips to help your organization win the content game: 1.     Create content… more
Jul 24, 2017
This is an exciting year for the events industry, with mind-blowing technology making its way into the events sphere and enhancing people’s experiences. What we might have thought of as an event or exhibition ten years ago has completely transformed. We’ve officially embraced the intelligent age, with refrigerators that know what milk we like in our coffee and thermostats that warm our living rooms 15 minutes before we arrive home. At events, attendees expect the same level of preference-based, automated experiences they’re having at home. Gone are the days when delegates register for an… more
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.