Experts & Opinions

Jan 17, 2016
Making the workplace or tradeshow floor greener is a common goal, and it’s a good goal. Green changes help the planet and can even make the workflow or tradeshows more efficient and even more enjoyable. The New Year is always a time for evaluating the past and looking towards the future, so I decided to put together a list of 5 ways you can make your workplace or tradeshow greener in the New Year. 5 New Year’s Resolutions for A Greener Work Day or Tradeshow 1.   Ready, Set, Recycle! - Start a recycling initiative at the office or at your next tradeshow. Get bins and place them where… more
Jan 09, 2016
Imagine a world where everywhere you turn, another person is interested in what your company does. Aisles filled with prospective clients with money to burn and stars in their eyes. Envision a scenario where every word you say has an impact, directly connecting to your target audience. This is what Trade Shows are all about. The Trade Show News Network reports that a colossal 81% of trade show attendees have buying authority. This means that 4 out of 5 people at your next show are ready to become your customer. With that in mind, let’s start perfecting our Trade Show performance. Never… more
Jan 09, 2016
It’s hard to believe, but there are times that as a client you really want to be contacted by a salesperson. In fact, many trade show attendees will often go to a show in hopes of finding relevant products that can make their lives easier or help them to better serve their clients. What they don’t want is to take too much time having to read through irrelevant information in order to get what they need. Worse, attendees don’t want to have to wait too long to get the information or phone call they were promised. That is where good lead management comes in. When you have done your homework to… more
Jan 02, 2016
When it comes to the world of professional events, from well-established legacy conferences to cutting-edge corporate retreats, the industry is ripe for change as well as a technological revolution. Though the industry is well on its way to embracing a more tech savvy, dynamic future, there are quite a few stragglers left in the dust. So what are the forward-thinking event planners out there actually doing? Are you keeping your event practices up to snuff? Personalizing Digital Marketing Implementing personalization in your email marketing campaigns can have a great impact on your event… more
Jan 02, 2016
If you are new to the trade show world, choosing a company to design and print your trade show display materials can be a bit daunting. Even if you’re not a total newbie, you may have run into issues with your display in the past because you did not know exactly what to look for when purchasing.  Whether this is your first trade show or your 100th, it is vital that you ask the right questions when choosing a company to design and produce your trade show display materials. Though you may already have a check list ready, there are 5 essential questions that exhibitors often forget to ask… more
Dec 21, 2015
The time of year is upon us to make New Year’s resolutions. I have a few that will impact your 2016 trade show season, and they are very easy to put into practice. Resolution One:  Know your booth number, and share it with others. In all your pre-show communications, share your booth number, and share it often.  Every communication should list your booth number. If your attendees have to try and find it, there is a possibility they simply won’t. Resolution Two: While you are at it, make sure your name is obvious. Your company name should not take a backseat to your tag line, imagery… more
Dec 13, 2015
My first international meeting is etched in my memory — and not in a good way. I was a young expat in Budapest, Hungary. For the first time, I had the responsibility of organizing an international press conference to introduce a new product to the market. My mind swarmed with everything I’d learned about event planning. I was sure I had done it all. I made a Gantt chart, thought through every moment of the conference schedule and made enough contingency plans to paper the walls. I lived and breathed that plan. But what I learned as the conference began and quickly veered off track was that… more
Dec 06, 2015
Have you all but given up on attending live events? If you have, you’re certainly not alone. Many companies see live events as budget sinkholes that don’t provide any viable ROI. But these companies are actually missing out on a wonderful opportunity that industry leaders like Red Bull and Delta Air Lines are currently cashing in on. Where have the live event naysayers gone astray? It’s their cost-focused mentality. There’s no denying that live events can cost lots of money. After all, you’re paying for day-of costs like conference fees and booth space as well as the ongoing costs of shipping… more
Dec 06, 2015
If you oversee your company’s webinars—from promoting and execution to follow-up—have you ever wondered how you could do your job faster, generate more buzz and do it all more efficiently without spending a fortune? Thousands of business applications are now available to help you with these tasks. In a short, they can transform you into a webinar rock star.  Here are few of my favorites: ·         Use this free service to promote your next webinar: Webinars are powerful customer acquisition tools only when people show up for them. Webinara https://… more
Nov 27, 2015
What’s your first reaction after receiving a gift? I doubt it’s “That was nice, but I still don’t like them.” Most likely, it’s “That was so nice! How can I return the favor?”  If so, then you’re hardly alone. Social psychologists like to call it the Law of Reciprocity — we innately want to reciprocate when we’re given gifts. And while psychologists take an academic interest in the principle, marketers love it for brand strategy. As marketers know, it’s extraordinarily tough to connect with target customers. And while corporate gifts aren’t a new concept, they’re frankly an… more
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.