Experts & Opinions
Sep 24, 2016
A few years ago, a veteran sales consultant, who has walked hundreds of trade shows over the years, shared this top 10 list of do’s and don’ts for sales representatives on the trade show floor.
1. Fishbowls that overflow are just a slow “no” waiting to happen.
2. You’ll never make a significant sale selling to “Seemore, the info gatherer.”
3. If your prospect can’t convince you that they have a problem and are committed to fixing it, don’t waste your time at the show or after.
4. Schedule an… more
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Sep 16, 2016
Healthy growth
The U.S. remains the world’s biggest exhibition market, valued at $12.8bn in 2015.
In a year when many of the exhibitions markets experienced a slowdown or decline due to macroeconomic difficulties (e.g. Brazil, Russia, Turkey) or security issues (France), the US outperformed the global exhibitions market and registered a healthy 3.5% year-on-year growth in 2014/15, driven by both price and space sold:
- US booth space prices have increased on par with other mature markets driven by overall macroeconomic recovery and ever increasing… more
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Sep 16, 2016
Hotels and airlines know their repeat customers and recognize them for their loyalty. I’m a million-mile flier and my card says it. Customers like recognition for their commitment to a brand and it makes them feel valued. Do you know your repeat customers, your alumni attendees, and do you demonstrate the fact that you value their loyalty?
Why are your alumni attendees so important to your event? Your alumni are far more than just repeat customers and event attendees. They are your brand ambassadors, biggest supporters, and in many cases their word-of-mouth promotion of your event can be one… more
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Sep 10, 2016
The hot topic these days is utilizing storytelling for connecting with our audience and prospects. Most of us in the events industry have heard a lot about storytelling, but may not understand the how or the why specifically for sales. Many times, in sales, we tend to take the traditional route of showcasing the features and benefits of a package. That is not always helpful in getting a prospective client to form a strong connection with what we are offering. Let’s take the leap, break the mold and incorporate storytelling in our narrative to sell a bit differently. Here’s why.
The Human Mind… more
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Sep 10, 2016
We live in a world of instant gratification, where consumers want targeted information, and they want it fast.
This trend permeates almost every aspect of our lives. Consider our social media accounts – Facebook displays ads in users’ news feeds based on their recent Google searches, and recommendations on who to follow constantly pop up on Twitter.
We consume personalized content on a daily basis (even if we don’t realize it), so it comes as no surprise that the trend is also coming into play at live events. People increasingly expect the events they attend to include carefully curated… more
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Aug 21, 2016
We are observing an emerging trend with exhibitors. More and more are moving away from having the generic candy dish to serving “real” food and offering beverages to their visitors at the booth. From something as simple as offering a branded bottle of water, coffee or tea, higher end chocolate, sandwiches or even a full sit down meal at some shows in Europe. People get tired and hungry walking a show. Many people travel from distant places to attend, and there are few things that are better when you are jet lagged and tired than free food.
There are some things that while… more
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Aug 21, 2016
"Items of interest will be located, identified, monitored, and remotely controlled through technologies such as radio-frequency identification, sensor networks, tiny embedded servers, and energy harvesters - all connected to the next-generation Internet using abundant, low-cost, and high-power computing." David Petraeus
The convention/trade show badge is one of the basics for any event. Although the concept is simple (identifying the participant), its role is growing increasingly complex. So what is the function of the badge? Consider that it entails the following:
· … more
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Aug 13, 2016
When you are at your trade show booth, the first priority is to engage your audience. Informing them about your company is the next step, but only after they are engaged does it become equally important.
Why? Because a person needs to take interest before they will make any effort to find value in the things YOU want them to know. Instead, let them decide what they want to know and ask you.
When on the trade show floor, the concept of engaging people becomes obvious. You simply want people to check out your booth and learn more about your company. However, when planning before the show, a… more
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Aug 13, 2016
First a few statistics on customer retention to set the stage*:
The cost to acquire a new customer is 5X more than to keep existing ones
80% of your future revenue will come from existing customers
Reducing churn by 5% can increase profits 25% - 125%
70% of customers leave because of poor customer service
For every customer who complains there are 26 others who remain silent
Obviously retaining your current customer base is important. Here are some programs we have seen our customers use to increase exhibitor retention.
1. Encourage… more
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Aug 06, 2016
When it comes to vendor events, your company only has a small window of time to bring in potential customers and wow them. The staffers at your booth are your first line at these events, therefore success is dependent on their behavior during the event. Even the most carefully chosen booth staffers can end up hurting your event, and then, it’s time to say goodbye. Here are 9 reasons you should fire your booth staffer.
Lateness or Failing to Show Up
The reasoning is simple: if your booth staffers don’t show up, you have a few products on a table and nothing else. The key to success in a vendor… 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.