Experts & Opinions

Nov 30, 2014
Instead of saving the business cards from every lead received at the trade show, where the likelihood of misplacing one before leaving the show floor is high, simplify your lead retrieval strategy through the use of technology. Especially if you are going to a large event and plan on speaking with hundreds or thousands of people, collecting and safely storing their contact information can seem like a daunting task, which is where the use of having time-saving tools and gadgets will come in handy. These ideas will make it much easier on you when it is time to contact these potential clients.… more
Nov 23, 2014
It’s Human Nature … we ignore the familiar. After a while, the pile of messy papers doesn't exist, and the big coffee stain is invisible. Then, someone comments on it, and we can't not look at it. Until it disappears - again. Trade show exhibits are no different and maybe even worse. Do you remember your first show with a brand new display? Everything was packed neatly. You took your time to install the graphics perfectly with clean hands. You wiped down every surface and vacuumed the carpet, not once but three times. The brochures were neatly arranged. The promotional products organized. If… more
Nov 23, 2014
The trade show industry has a rich history of celebrating new ideas that are on the bleeding edge of innovation. It has grown into a multibillion-dollar behemoth, yet it’s stagnated with the rules and regulations put in place to help big companies get ahead. Trade shows are by far one of the most effective channels for marketing and networking, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement or that exhibitors aren’t still underserved. It’s time for trade associations and vendors to start thinking about the next phase of development with these long-overdue changes: 1. Lower Costs for… more
Nov 16, 2014
Do you want to stand out in your trade show exhibit? Then don’t just stand there, do something! Gone are the days when you could just stand in your booth and enough people would walk in. Now, while a few will, it won’t be enough to make your trade shows profitable. To get more people into your booth, you’ve got to do something. You need to do something that catches their eye, stops them in their tracks, and draws them in. Here are 4 suggestions: 1. Get on Your Feet and Talk to Attendees For most booth staffers this is a big challenge. Talking to strangers as they pass by their booth is simply… more
Nov 09, 2014
Are you looking for ways to improve your on-site strategy at your next trade show? Even if you have an outstanding trade show exhibit, with innovative displays that make your product almost jump off the shelf, compelling literature, and giveaways that everyone wants, your company will not get the most out of the show unless booth staffers are prepared to do a good job of selling for your company. Preparing Your Booth Staffers After all, that’s why you have people in your booth – to sell. Even if you take no orders on the show floor, there are many sales functions that take place as staffers… more
Nov 09, 2014
Music festivals are an interesting niche of the event world … They don’t quite fit into the mold of how we traditionally plan events. From the rigging and audio visual that goes into the multiple stages to the food and beverage components; each festival is unique and has its own style when it comes to engaging their attendees. Life is Beautiful is an inspirational social platform dedicated to helping people conquer their fears and chase their dreams; it doesn’t scream music festival to you, does it? That’s the BEST and my favorite part of the event, it doesn’t fit the mold of a… more
Nov 02, 2014
I was having a great conversation this week on Rite Aid’s decision to disable the ability to use Apply Pay and Google Wallet because of their contractual obligations with CurrentC.  After doing some digging and reading up, this seems to be a case of corporations and big data gone bad. So, when does getting your hands on that data become an issue, and how do you balance data capture with great user experience?  Let’s examine the Rite Aid story and see what went wrong. The act of the capture: Many of the complaints about CurrentC are around asking for sensitive data up front (like… more
Nov 02, 2014
Following up on sales leads from your trade show marketing can be tough. While you want to initiate action and get the sales process moving forward, coming off as too pushy can backfire and cause your lead to back out altogether. Much has been written about closing the deal, but there’s surprisingly little detailed information out there on taking your leads from cool or simply lukewarm to the end of the sales process. In this guide, we’ll share seven strategies that you can use to follow up on sales leads without coming off as the pushy, desperate, hard-selling salesperson every business… more
Oct 26, 2014
Plastic bag bans have been cropping up in California for years, so when Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 270 on Sept. 30, which bans single-use plastic bags throughout the entire state, it seemed like the next logical step. More than100 cities and counties in California already had laws banning or regulating plastic bags, and the statewide measure is very similar to the majority of these laws - disposable plastic bags are banned and paper bags are available for a 10-cent fee. This law will have a tremendous impact on the environment, but it also affects how people that live in the state, as well as… more
Oct 18, 2014
You’re a trade show exhibitor, but surely you have occasion to be a trade show visitor. As an attendee, you probably don’t care to be ignored by an exhibitor that has products in which you have an interest. At the other extreme, you don’t want an exhibitor to be all over you, particularly if his product line is of no interest to you. Keep this in mind when the tables are turned. If someone passing your booth makes it clear that he or she has no need for your product, give them the courtesy of allowing them to proceed unhindered to the exhibits in which they have an interest. Unless you have a… 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.