Experts & Opinions
Oct 18, 2015
Event websites have come a long way. Time was (not so long ago, even!), just having a functional, decent-looking website put you ahead of the game. Thanks to newer, shinier technology, those days are dead! Despite this, so many event organizers and association managers still make the mistake of believing that snazzy design and a few front-end bells and whistles are enough. But the truth is, the same technology advances that have raised the stakes across-the-board have also made it possible for organizations of all sizes to transform their website from a pretty, virtual brochure into a… more
Comments (0)
Oct 11, 2015
Every year, the industry looks at the latest in exhibit trends – from fabrics to the latest technology. And while incorporating these elements into an experience might help make your brand look modern and cutting-edge, if it doesn’t meet your business and marketing goals, the experience will fall flat.
The fact is, exhibit design trends come and go, but in reality – trends don’t matter to the overall design. Rather it’s your approach to the design and execution of building your exhibit that matters most.
With an exhibit designed and built with a process like a well-oiled, working machine… more
Comments (0)
Oct 11, 2015
Three directors of fastest-growing trade shows log in to a webinar. The bartender-moderator asks, “what does it take?” The first show director says, “change is required.” The second director says, “change is required.” The third one, “change is required.”
That’s right – there’s no punchline, unless the joke is on you. Because that actually happened Sept. 24 during the Trade Show News Network webinar “Fast Like Us: What it Takes to be One of the Fastest-Growing Trade Shows in North America”.
During that webinar I was joined by three smart people making a difference in their show… more
Comments (0)
Oct 04, 2015
Your marketing and logistics prior to the show were on the dot, leading to a successful tradeshow.
Your displays were attractive with concise messaging and your team turned pitching into an art form, helping you gain some leads, maybe even more leads than you were expecting.
Now what? According to a study by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), 80 percent of leads generated on the trade show floor go unfulfilled.
Don’t let your leads fizzle into one-time handshakes. Turn introductions into active leads; lead management is after all the final and most important stage of… more
Comments (0)
Oct 04, 2015
It was almost exactly one year ago that I had my first IKEA experience, and since then I’ve been back more times than I can count. The first time my husband and I visited, we spent more than five hours exploring the non-traditional retail store, and most every visit since has been for at least an hour and a half, even if we knew exactly what we were looking for. (Of course most every visit also includes either a meal of Swedish meatballs in their restaurant or a stop at the bistro for ice cream or a cinnamon roll …)
So besides the sheer size (about 300,000 square feet, or five… more
Comments (0)
Sep 26, 2015
I once worked with a client who held a consumer event each year that netted many sponsors. When the sponsorships started dropping like flies and the client fretted, my company interviewed some of the sponsors.
The interviewees said our client offered so many sponsorships, the opportunities offered little value to them. They felt they had to compete with too many other sponsors for recognition and recall. This information was crucial for our client, and we never would have known if we hadn’t reached out to the sponsors for their feedback.
Ask and You Shall… more
Comments (0)
Sep 26, 2015
The 2016 trade show season is upon us, so if you are planning to attend, sponsor or exhibit at a trade show and haven’t started planning yet, it’s time to start.
Trade shows are a big marketing investment and meticulous planning is required in order to make it worth the time and money.
A successful trade show plan needs to be started at least six months in advance of the show, and in some cases, depending on the scale of the show or your level of participation like speaking engagements, planning may need to kick-off a year or more in advance.
To help you out, we’ve created a Trade Show Booth… more
Comments (0)
Sep 19, 2015
A great event management team will do their absolute best in covering all the bases for their event(s), especially when it comes to fulfilling needs and satisfying both clients and end users. As 2015 is the Year of the Attendee, these needs are something important to consider prior to, during, and even after an event has ended. Below are a few ways to help meet attendee needs.
1: CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY: ENGAGEMENT
The pre-event chatter is essential in getting to know the type of attendee, what attracts them to the event, and how they plan on taking their acquired knowledge with them… more
Comments (0)
Sep 19, 2015
Successful trade show exhibitions are those earning a quantifiable return on the investment. If you want that successful ROI, it requires lots of careful planning.
Front and center of that planning is the actual budget for the trade show.
Too many first time exhibitors and even seasoned trade show veterans make the critical mistake of improper budgeting, simply because they do not plan out for all the variables that come with a trade show.
There is much more to a comprehensive trade show exhibit budget than you’d expect. In order to stay within budget and avoid the potential cost overruns,… more
Comments (0)
Sep 12, 2015
When it comes to trade show booths, size isn’t everything. Though a large and intricate booth space can be enticing, small booths can still make a big impact. With a little preparation, you can do a lot with the small space you’ve paid for to grab the attention of those passing by and get them to stop by your exhibit.
Below are some ways to make a big bang with a small booth space at your next trade show:
It’s All in the Lighting
Much like it does for an actress or model, proper lighting makes a big difference for small trade show booths. Without adequate lighting, your brand will… more
Comments (0)
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.