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 24, 2016
Whether or not your brand has established eco goals or objectives, there’s a lot of value for the planet, for your brand and for your prospects and customers in going green at trade shows. Here are 5 tips and eco-friendly ideas to use at your next trade show.
1. Stand Out with a Full-Color Custom Reusable Bag. Design “THE” bag everyone wants to grab at the show. I have seen this done many times before. If you work with the right people and make use of the many ways that you can use a custom reusable bag for marketing, your brand can offer an eco-friendly “gift” that will work for your… 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
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 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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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.