Experts & Opinions

Mar 06, 2014
Are you joining the growing ranks of exhibitors who are being asked to take your trade show displays international?  Ja?  Si?  Oui? Let’s face it; exhibiting internationally is a daunting task.  Trade shows are not easy to master, and with the added complexity of arranging your trade show booth in a different continent, language, time zone, and culture – well, it’s even harder. But the opportunities are there, and your management is asking for you to make it happen.  So here are 11 tips, provided by Senior Account Executive Leslie Hopkins and… more
Mar 01, 2014
The hustle and bustle of move-in never gives me the chance to truly appreciate the work that goes into constructing a trade show. Imagine, from the outside looking in, just how amazing of a feat it is. We take every available space of the Las Vegas Convention Center – all exhibit halls, parking lots and staging lots, along with the LVH and transform it into an experience where attendees make their purchasing decisions. It’s pretty darn cool if I do say so myself. What does it take to move in North America’s largest trade show? A team of experts and a lot of equipment,… more
Mar 01, 2014
You've probably noticed, but when you research products online, there are generally a lot of choices. The rise of the Internet as the new global marketplace has resurrected a lot of very old tricks, and added new tricks, used by unscrupulous retailers.  It's easier than ever to hide a supply chain with counterfeits, or to claim physical assets that don't actually exist, and lure careless buyers into choices they may later regret. There are ways of discovering which online sites can be trusted with your money. In fact, it's also easier than ever to uncover these shady… more
Feb 22, 2014
Trade shows are the largest single expense for B2B marketers.  How can you boost your results, and ensure your trade shows are more of an investment?  Here are 10 ways you can drive noticeably greater results from your trade show program: 1.  Re-Examine Your Trade Show Schedule Do you go to the same 5 restaurants for lunch that you went to 10 years ago?  Probably not.  They change in quality, new restaurants open, and your tastes change.  So why go to the same trade shows you went to for the last 10 years?  Your markets have changed, some shows have… more
Feb 22, 2014
We’re all excited to see the Chinese New Year come in today, and 2014 (or 4712 in the Chinese calendar) brings us the year of the Horse (or Wood Horse if you really want to get specific!) That got me to thinking: What does the year of the Horse have in store for us? That’s one of the best parts of working at a global company, I get to contemplate global traditions! In the spirit of Chinese New Year, here’s my guide to 2014 under the year of the Horse: 1. Travel – Horses (and therefore 2014) are great for travelling, which is great news all round! As a supplier, we… more
Feb 14, 2014
For any trade show to truly deliver value, participating brands must focus on not solely themselves, but the people standing in front of their booths. Audience engagement is a necessity during these events. If representatives come off as just a corporate head, instead of someone who is truly trying to help prospective customers address their needs, then establishing a long-lasting relationship is made that much more difficult. Speaking with Great Falls Tribune, Michael French, a financial adviser with Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors, said trade shows are effective, but long, placing… more
Feb 13, 2014
Like them or not, figure skater Johnny Weir’s dramatic outfits at the Sochi 2014 Olympics stand out. This authentic representation of Johnny gives us some insight into Johnny the person and sets him apart from the typical network blazer-wearing sports commentator. It also elevates his memorability factor way off the charts. This same technique can be applied to help differentiate your company and your exhibit from the competition on the trade show floor. We challenge you: pick something unique about your company or its culture and integrate it into your display. It takes guts, but as… more
Feb 08, 2014
Create a Positive Impact on the Planet, Your Brand and Your Target Market The takeaways you give out at a trade show may seem like a nice gesture to your customers and a token of your appreciation, but these items can speak volumes about your company as they increase your brand awareness and recognition. When you incorporate eco-friendly elements into your promotional items for marketing at trade shows, you can create a valuable product that will have a positive impact on the planet, your brand and your target market. Reusable Promotional Items Offer an Amazing ROI A reusable product is a… more
Feb 07, 2014
Are you an influencer? This is an important question because the world of work has changed. Managers must deal with matrixed organizations, flatter management structures, outsourcing, and virtual teams – sometimes all at once. In this world, the command and-control leadership approach often leads to frustration for both leaders and followers. Leaders are just not prepared to get things done without formal authority. Personal influence, the action or process of producing effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of another or others, is a key leadership skill – and one… more
Jan 31, 2014
One of the top three reasons people attend conferences and trade shows is to network. People want to get together with their peers and exchange ideas, make connections, find help, and sometimes even find a new job. Organizers tend to see this networking need as fulfilled just because they bring thousands of people together in one place. They stick attendees in a convention center or hotel and say, “There you go, now network.” The problem is even if you consider yourself an expert networker, it’s hard to find the right people to spark up conversations that help you achieve… 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.