Is Intelligent Engagement at Convention Centers a Trade Show Trend?

April 17, 2019

Arlene Shows

Arlene Shows (yes – that’s her real last name!) is the Marketing Director for TSNN & TSNN Awards and a passionate networker in the events industry.

Why should all event profs stay on top of industry trends? Here’s a solid reason: Business to business trade shows generate a significant amount of revenue for business, consumers and e-commerce globally, and it’s expected to grow past nearly $16.8 billion by 2021, according to PwC.

It’s our job at TSNN to report these tips and trends to our audience, especially when it involves how event professionals interact and engage with the world around them.

Recently, we were inspired by a webinar discussing how to maximize ROI on venue experience with intelligent digital technology, produced by Samsung SDS.

We were educated by an impressive group of speakers; Joseph Lanners, director of customer experience and innovation at Samsung SDSA; Hugh Sinnock, president of HKS Strategies; Jenelle Brewer, director of customer experience at Las Vegas Convention Center; and Joaquin Quesada, deputy director of sales and services at Anaheim Convention Center.

Now, we’re inviting you to take a deeper dive with us into ways to optimize exhibition halls and meeting rooms with this technology to improve engagement.

This content will not only help you provide a better customer experience but also provide an opportunity for you to maximize revenue for every show.

5 Key Takeaways (Listen to the full webinar recording below for a broader education):

1. Venue renovations are on the rise and attendees are engaging with new technologies; they’re succeeding with some, not succeeding with others.

2. Trade show industry growth and a strong economy enable convention centers and venue operators to invest in new and emerging technology. For the first time since 2008, the industry has surpassed the pre-recession growth rate for all major indicators and is tracking closely with GDP.

3. Technology and digital signage trends are adding the most value for hospitality experts (and the convention and event industry) including dynamic “infotainment,” wayfinding through geolocation, and smart ad sales.

  • Convention centers are working on incorporating wayfinding systems to create a seamless and cohesive customer journey.
  • Smart ad sales technology is creating additional revenue sources for venues, thereby supporting expansion and renovation efforts.

4. Ultimately, technology is having an impact on every major area of the business on both the customer experience side and behind-the-scenes venue management.

5.  Exhibitors have an expectation for more, whether it be bigger, better or faster, and venues are expected to deliver.

Thanks to the convention center executives and thought leaders who discussed how they’re innovating their spaces and creating better visitor experience by leveraging technology – please continue to inform us!

Listen to the free webinar here.

Samsung SDS is a paid advertiser with TSNN

 

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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.