Karen Romano
Karen Romano, director of sales, Delta Region at GES, has over 20 years experience in the trade show industry encompassing facility, exhibitor and vendor sales.
Helping Small Companies Navigate Exhibiting
June 30, 2012
I’ve always appreciated our industry’s effect on the economy. It’s a fact, whether you work in facility management, show management or as an official services provider, the trade show industry positively impacts the U.S. and world economies.
As long as buyers exist, we’ll continue to have B2B and F2F opportunities – and trade shows are the best option for companies to market themselves and their products.
Unfortunately, many small business owners don’t see the value of investing their resources in trade shows (and a show organizer can tell you it’s one of the toughest sales obstacles to overcome).
Managing through the downward spiral of the U.S. and world economies has become a common necessity for businesses these past few years – especially “Mom and Pops.”
I’ve observed show organizers seeing 20-25 percent annual turnover in their exhibitor base. A majority of these are the 10×10 exhibitors or the “Mom and Pops.” The cost to small business owners to market their services or products isn’t as simple as pulling out the checkbook.
Sometimes, parting with the cost of doing a trade show is an emotional decision and could be the difference of whether or not their books stay in the black.
How can we, as trade show professionals, assist beginners in navigating their way through the financial expectations of exhibiting? It’s not that trade shows can be expensive – they ARE expensive.
Trade show costs, combined with a bad economy are forcing the smaller, 10×10, first-time exhibitors to reassess their participation. Through education, the first-time exhibitor can learn what to expect and how to maximize their investment.
Show organizers and service providers can help them plot a course of action and help them to assess the value of their decision. This creates a “win-win” for everyone. Most importantly, this interaction helps us to understand exhibitors’ concerns and ensure that their investment will pay-off.
Conventions and trade shows will always be one of the most valuable marketing decisions a small company can make.
Nowhere else can small businesses meet thousands of buyers looking to spend money. The fact is, companies who continue to market themselves and their products through tough economic times are the companies that survive.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment