Christina Hernandez
Christina Hernandez is new media coordinator at GES, where she manages GES’ corporate blog and their social media community.
IMEX America: Two Unique Social Media Strategies
November 10, 2012
Event organizers are never satisfied with the status quo, but always looking for new ways to brand and market shows, and return value for exhibitors and attendees.
We still believe that face-to-face conversation trumps all other communication, but social media is proving to be a valuable complement.
I must admit, I’m a social media junkie. I find myself reading more articles today on industry trends than the gossip blogs I read (more than I want to admit) in college.
IMEX America 2012 was truly an inspiration to me. It showed me new ways to use social media to engage with exhibitors and attendees.
A team member of mine recently wrote about how IMEX America 2012’s trade show model is completely different and it worked.
What did I take away from IMEX’s social media strategy? It was out of the ordinary and a great example for other shows.
Here are my two reasons why:
1. Shared Their Exhibitors’ Stories: IMEX guarantees exhibitors of genuine global buying power on the trade show floor the moment doors open (they’re the largest show in the U.S. that does this). This translated to selling their target exactly what they were looking for. They didn’t have to guess what they think they wanted. IMEX created blog posts about exhibitors and events, tweeted and posted photos of each exhibitor, posted statuses inviting attendees to certain experiences, etc. There wasn’t a guessing game. IMEX told their attendees about exhibitors versus selling exhibitors and attendees their show.
2. Helped Exhibitors Reach Attendees: Yes, IMEX could have simply created a #hashtag for attendees and exhibitors to interact on or shared specific sessions’ information, but instead, they took a drastically different approach. They didn’t bring attention to their own content. Their social media team was on the showfloor sharing exhibitors’ and attendees’ experiences. IMEX shook things up and attracted more organic interactions. The content they pushed helped their exhibitors better reach attendees.
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.
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