Experts & Opinions
Jun 25, 2016
So much business is based on the belief that we should do whatever we can within legal limits to make as much money as we can. Ben & Jerry's was based on values, and we try to operate a business that not just sells ice cream but partners with all our stakeholders - whether that's suppliers or customers - to bring about a more sustainable world. -- Jerry Greenfield
When I took over management responsibilities for the International Poultry Expo (now the International Production & Processing Expo), my association president who had previously been the show manager told me that managing… more
Comments (0)
Jun 15, 2016
Millennials have been the focus of research and event marketing (including ours) for years now, and there are new articles (either praising or criticizing the generation) on a daily basis. But if you’re looking to plan for the future, the Gen Z demographic should be a strong consideration; they are emerging as one of the most diverse and influential generations.
Millennials were predicted to be one of the largest disruptions to the economy, but Generation Z is shaping up to be just as significant. Growing up their entire lives with technology, social media, and in the aftermath of a… more
Comments (0)
Jun 15, 2016
Eco-friendly reusable bags bring a lot to the table. Obviously, they’re eco-friendly, but they also deliver a great return on your investment, they are very effective at establishing and maintaining your branding message and when well thought out in their design, can increase leads.
Here are five reasons you should consider marketing at your next tradeshow with eco-friendly reusable bags.
1. Get Your Brand Noticed - When your customers and prospects have a reusable bag that displays your corporate colors, logo and any other relevant branding information, they… more
Comments (0)
Jun 10, 2016
A few weeks ago, TSNN’s blog featured a post by Jay Tokosch of Core-Apps. His overall message – print is a waste of time and money, so stop printing and go digital-only, right now.
I say, wait a second, Mr. Tokosch. Before you kick print into the recycling bin, perhaps it might be worthwhile to look at this from a different perspective.
Though I must first congratulate him on reaching one of his objectives – he got my blood boiling, for sure!
As publishers of show dailies and other conference-related materials, CustomNEWS’ primary focus has historically been print products. But we recognized… more
Comments (0)
Jun 10, 2016
Your old road is rapidly agin'; please get out of the new one if you can't lend your hand for the times they are a-changin'. Bob Dylan, The Times Are A-Changin’
One of my favorite sweathirts dates back to the early 1980’s. On the front it states “Insufficient memory at this time”. The phrase is one that old-timers in the computer evolution feared in the early days of personal computers. I can still remember plunking down two grand for the Osborne 1, the first commercially successful “portable” personal computer.
It weighed 23.5 lb and ran the CPM operating system. This state-of-the-art… more
Comments (0)
Jun 07, 2016
The first-ever Global Exhibitions Day is right around the corner.
This new event was inspired by Exhibitions Day, now in its third year, in which industry members meet with legislators in Washington, D.C., to advocate for events and exhibitions industry. The idea was so powerful that organizations representing the international trade show and exhibitions industry came together to take things a step further with a Global Exhibitions Day, slated for June 8.
On that day, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry will host an international meeting of the minds where achievements will be… more
Comments (0)
Jun 04, 2016
I recently attended the IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum (WLF) with two of my colleagues. We had the opportunity to network with several successful women who are truly change makers in the trade show and events industry, willing to serve as mentors and coaches to young professional women.
The sessions we attended were centered on 5 standards women should consider when evaluating our professional and personal development.
When the forum ended, we left feeling inspired to share our experiences and key takeaways from our 2-day think tank, so we compiled our notes and “aha” moments.
Here are 5… more
Comments (0)
Jun 04, 2016
It’s challenging to keep customers engaged throughout the sales process, but well planned and targeted communication will keep even the busiest customer’s attention and attract new interest as well.
Through the years, I’ve found 7 Proven Strategies to Engage Customers Without a Diamond Ring. Here they are:
Make the Conversation Two-Way
Sure, you’re excited about the product or service you’re selling, but have you taken the time to get to know your client? Listen to what they’re saying and learn to read between the lines. (Hint: it’s an art). Be careful as well not to… more
Comments (0)
May 21, 2016
Tracking the Online ROI of Your Offline Trade Show Efforts
For many companies, trade shows are an important part of their revenue stream. They spend thousands of dollars on booth design, demonstration materials, and promotional items to distribute at various shows. And at the end of each event, the hope is for these companies to gain enough new business to make their efforts and expenditures worthwhile. Yet for a lot of businesses, tracking a lead’s progression from initial contact to further steps in the sales funnel remains a challenge, especially when the desired next step involves… more
Comments (0)
May 21, 2016
"I know a baseball star who wouldn't report the theft of his wife's credit cards because the thief spends less than she does." - Joe Garagiola
Of all the people I have had to deal with regarding trade shows, the lowest forms of life are suitcasers and outboarders. I hold them with more contempt than lawyers, hotel revenue managers and hotel poachers.
An outboarder is a company that should be exhibiting who decides to sponsor their own event during the show without the consent of the organizer. A suitcaser can be defined as a non-exhibiting supplier who attends the show and tries to conduct… more
Comments (0)
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.