Experts & Opinions

Apr 09, 2016
Everywhere you turn there seems to be advice on leadership and the important role of senior management in an organization. While every company needs great leaders, your employees are a vital force in your company. By investing in your workforce you are helping to create long-term and loyal employees who are your organization’s leading brand ambassadors. Your employees have a hands-on understanding of your clients and their needs. Employees who communicate often and build relationships with your clients can anticipate what it will take to provide great customer service, which in turn creates… more
Apr 01, 2016
Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies. Groucho Marx One might have thought that after the controversies and divisiveness over laws in Arizona, Indiana and Missouri over gay marriage that politicians would stay from the issue. Not so in Georgia. This session, the legislature passed a “Religious Liberty” that provided a de facto legalization of discrimination. Rather than trying to improve the economic lives of the citizens of Georgia and improve efficiencies in government, the legislators decided to dwell on… more
Apr 01, 2016
In a face-to-face marketing scenario, swag isn’t just a cheap party favor you give to guests at the end of the night. It’s your currency. The role of swag shouldn’t be underestimated. When utilized correctly, it provides brands with a physical and emotional connection to their customers before, during, and after an event. In other words, swag is a gift that keeps on giving — and that’s why it has become a $21 billion industry. One study found that 87 percent of eventgoers keep the promotional items they receive for more than a year, and 79 percent of them say they’d be likely to do business… more
Mar 26, 2016
The focus for a good game platform should be to provide a great experience for all of the stakeholders. I have found that when the following 3 objectives are met, it often produces outstanding results: 1.     Create True Engagement Exhibitors should receive their desired interaction with potential leads through mechanics that prompt conversation. The employed method should produce dwell-times that last no less than 30 seconds (elevator pitch).The exhibitor should find ways to create face-time to allow the opportunity to talk about their product or service. Exhibitors… more
Mar 26, 2016
For trade show and conference planners looking to capture and engage more Generation Y/Millennial attendees, accommodating their technology needs to be a top priority. These digital natives rely on their mobile devices for much of their communication, information sharing, socializing and networking. When they attend an event, the expectations are that technology will be a major part of the event starting from their initial correspondence till their last. This could be either a challenge or an opportunity for event planners depending upon how you view it. Challenges …. Yes, there must be… more
Mar 20, 2016
Editor's Note: TSNN is thrilled to have Charlie Olentine, who for the past 12 years managed the International Production & Processing Expo, signed on as a regular blogger to share his insights on the trade show industry.  "Customers require the effective integration of technologies to simplify their workflow and boost efficiency." Anne M. Mulcahy, Past CEO, Xerox Go to any trade show meeting and the term “experiential” comes up. Organizers want the attendees to come out of a show with a WOW experience. But what about the exhibitor? Too often the experience is one of… more
Mar 20, 2016
There are a number of things that exhibitors consider before investing in an event. They want to look at the metrics from the year previous: leads gathered, social shares posted, survey responses completed, and this new concept of "ROO". What is also a very large consideration, is the space offered and how it correlates with their product and messaging. Events should seek to create an exhibition floor plan that provides the availability for unique experiences and spaces, all the while, maintaining the ability to maximize space and profitability to your business. Striking the right… more
Mar 12, 2016
You’ve heard it before, “branded giveaways are a great way to make an impression at trade shows.” While I agree with this notion, I think it can be a little misleading. Branded swag will, of course, make an impression on trade show attendees, but it may not always be the impression you intend. Perhaps your last giveaway ended up in the convention center trash cans because the gift did not resonate well with your target audience. Promotional items that are too generic, or swag that does not offer some sort of benefit to recipients, tends to be ineffective. So how can you get more bang for your… more
Mar 12, 2016
Once your event is over and everyone has gone home, your job isn’t finished. After all, an event’s ROI isn’t immediately measurable. It can take up to 10 weeks after the show for a prospect to take action. During this period, your ability to create touchpoints will determine whether prospects decide to take meetings, review literature, or provide a RFP opportunity. Post-event engagement is also important for gaining feedback on the success of your event. There are two questions to keep in mind for your attendees: Did they learn something new? Are they likely to participate in an… more
Mar 05, 2016
Exhibiting your product or service at a trade show is an investment of time, energy and money.  Because long days on the exhibition floor can be gruelling, establishing a plan of action and covering the bases prior to your next trade show is imperative. To make sure you get the best results, decide what you can do before the show to ensure your success and take pressure off during show time. Trade shows are a perfect opportunity to showcase your service or product to an audience that has already done the pre-selection process for you. Trade shows are special because you have a… 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.