Experts & Opinions
Apr 09, 2013
Huge news today out of New York City about American Business Media (ABM) merging with the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). I mean HUGE news.
ABM is the venerable 107 year-old b-to-b media association, which states, in their own words, that their “… 200-plus member companies reach an audience of more than 100 million professionals and represent nearly 4,000 print and online titles and over 1,000 trade shows, with more than $20 billion in annual revenues.” By comparison SIIA has 750 member companies.
ABM was ‘the bomb.… more
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Apr 04, 2013
I recently attended a meeting for exhibitors held by a large show organizer about six weeks before their event. The purpose was to give representatives from exhibiting companies a chance to hear presentations from experts on image, social media and tradeshow marketing. They also got live access to vendors of whom they could ask questions and place orders and I was there as the lead retrieval vendor.
After a morning of presentations, there was a lovely sit-down lunch where I had the chance to speak with some exhibitors for the first time. One of them asked a very reasonable question: “… more
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Apr 04, 2013
As I board my plane to Beijing, China, for another corporate event, I realize that working on international projects has taught me so much, from cultural differences to the unique event management processes that vary in each country. The global journeys my team has been invited on are endless and unique.
We’ve taken the specific event I’m traveling to now, from Las Vegas to Madrid, and now we’re on to China. Here are the five tips you should use before you take the big international leap:
1. Visit the venue before the event- I always make sure to fly in… more
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Mar 29, 2013
Instagram, a mobile-based, image-sharing platform that allows users to make images more flattering through the use of various filters, is quickly gaining favor with many trade show marketers, exhibitors and attendees. In addition to the retro-ing of photos, the app provides capabilities to #hashtag images, follow other users and share to mainstream social networks such as Facebook, Foursquare, Flickr, Tumblr and Twitter.
Full photo streams can also be shared to the web via sites such as Webstagram or Followgram. How can your event use Instagram to leverage your current social media marketing… more
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Mar 23, 2013
While at Exhibitor2013, I had the opportunity to sit down with three project leaders from EP&M International: Amy Williams, Colleen McClaine and Tracy Allen. The topic was trends in the Asian trade show market and what to consider when developing your domestic booth, taking tips from the Far East.
Similar to what we are seeing domestically, there is a movement in Asia to incorporate a European look with clean lines, less copy and eye-popping images. White dominates the look of the Asian trade show, adding to the idea of ample space. There is a focus to cater to a… more
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Mar 23, 2013
“The trade show business must be dying.” The lawyer, whom I had just met at a reception, was convinced that the Internet was making trade shows unnecessary. "Why Should I Attend a Tradeshow?"
Trade shows were an important marketing channel 25 years ago …100 years ago. In fact, trade fairs were a means of conducting business in medieval Europe. I believe that they are important today and will continue to be for many years. The day may come when some aspects of trade shows can be conducted effectively via the Internet. Who knows how virtual reality will change… more
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Mar 14, 2013
I recently found myself with an Amazon gift card burning a hole in my pocket. I reached out to some of our trade show industry veterans and asked them what was on their bookshelf or Kindle that’s had an influence on their work.
Here is a run down on the books they shared with me and why they think you should read them.
Thank goodness for the ease of one-click ordering.
Lee Anne Orange, Special Projects Manager at AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology
Book: Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration by Scott Doorley & Scott Witthoftby
Why you should… more
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Mar 11, 2013
There has been a lot of debate recently over a questionable blog post in Inc. I am sure all of you already know the blog – how to leverage a trade show without actually paying for it was the basic premise. Here is the article link in case you missed it: “How To Commandeer a Trade Show: 4 Tips” by Don Rainey. It bothered me on a lot of levels, but there were two main things that stuck out.
First, it guided our colleagues with newer companies that they do not have to work hard to grow their business. It actually promoted using other companies’ hard-… more
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Mar 09, 2013
I was reading an interesting article in the New York Times this week about resolutions falling by the wayside. A quote about what resolutions should do grabbed my attention, “They can inspire you and help you keep the bigger picture in mind.” 2013 will be a year of empowering my career and personal life and completing the goals that I set for myself. On the lighter side of New Year’s resolutions I’ve decided to take some of the hassle out of travel.
In our business, travel is a prerequisite and never seems to end. I always think about ways to lessen the stress and… more
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Mar 02, 2013
The Minnesota Chapter ofMeeting Professionals International hosted a full day of learning called iConnect. I had the honor of being the kick-off keynote and the "Conference Catalyst", but also was able to sit in on several educational breakout sessions.
Doug Chorpenningfrom the Wet Paint Group hosted an interesting discussion called “Don't Put Your Event Before Your Brand.”
His talk was thought provoking, as it pointed out that logistics are not enough for planners. Below is a mix of his shared ideas combined with my own two cents:
Event participants expect… more
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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.