16 Embarrassing Signs You Need a New Trade Show Display

September 16, 2012

You can tell when you really need to buy a new car:  Small rust holes merging into bigger rust holes; the billows of smoke from burning oil; the engine that is so loud you have to shout to be heard.

But what about your trade show displays?  What similar clues hint that it’s time to send your display to the junk yard and start over?  You’ll know it’s time if you’ve experienced any of these:

  1. The colors on your trade show booth are out of fashion – again.
  1. All the people in your exhibit photos have big 80’s hair.
  1. Your booth staffers wear bags over their heads.
  1. Your booth staffers keep their backs to the aisles.
  1. Your booth staffers try to stay in the aisle the entire show.
  1. Your booth staffers arrange for all their at-show meetings to take place in the coffee shop.
  1. Visitors to your booth say, “Wow, what a cool retro look!” when that actually wasn’t your design intention.
  1. There is a bird nest in the tower of your trade show booth.
  1. The lights on your trade show display use technology that is no longer available.
  1. Your trade show exhibit uses more duct tape than MacGyver.
  1. Some countries that no longer exist are included in your bulleted list of countries where you have distribution.
  1. The words “keen” and “neato” appear in your exhibit graphics.
  1. You have multiple layers of white-out used to change text on your graphics.
  1. There is more carpet-like fabric than graphic images on your backwall displays.
  1. Your exhibit architecture has a Soviet-era feel.
  1. Attendees to your booth only compliment you on your rented carpet.

If you’ve had to endure any of these embarrassing moments, or experience other similar awkward episodes, perhaps it’s time to investigate purchasing or renting a new trade show exhibit.

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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.   
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