Experts & Opinions

Mar 06, 2014
Tradeshows generate a ton of waste each year with an incredible 600,000 tons of trash turned out every year by the 60 million people who attend tradeshows. This is a staggering amount that has a huge environmental impact, and we are all looking for ways to lessen this impact. Utilizing green practices can help us wrangle the trash situation under control and make tradeshows a greener experience. While it is impossible to completely eliminate all waste, it is totally within our reach to drastically reduce the amount of trash generated by tradeshows by taking note of the following tips.… more
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
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.