Brendan Bowers
Social Media Strategist with Electronic Merchant Systems in Cleveland, Ohio.
Maximize Your Next Trade Show Experience with a Vine Contest
May 4, 2013
The EMS team traveled to Orlando, Fla., for the Southeast Acquirers Association’s Annual Conference this past March. While there, we organized a 6-second Vine Video Contest.
My apologies for the redundant structure of that last sentence to those already familiar with Vine. For those who are not, however, @VineApp is precisely that - a 6-second video application streamlined through Twitter, playing on loop upon publication.
We raffled off an iPad Mini at random with the Vine contest we ran at SEAA 2013. Conference attendees could enter our contest by recording a video with us, offering their opinion on a predetermined theme.
I filmed the videos at our EMS booth with those who entered our contest.
While I did spend more time than expected explaining Vine - as well as recording multiple takes when necessary - the net result provided residual value for all involved.
Below are four reasons why.
1. Vine helped make personal connections at the trade show: The biggest obstacle we had in recording the vines was completing each one within the 6-second time constraints. In saying as much, however, that obstacle also provided the ultimate icebreaker.
We joked while filming as many takes as necessary to complete the Vine. Not one person gave up without finalizing their video. The process never took longer than five minutes, either, and created an easy follow-up point for later conversations.
2. Valuable content was created by collaborating with industry experts: At the conclusion of our vine contest, we left the trade show with value-added content later used to feed multiple online platforms. This same format could be translated into any business, obviously, and provide residual value on many levels.
The video content could be later used to recap the trade show experience by populating blogs, for example, along with company Web sites and Facebook pages in addition to the initial post on Twitter.
3. Vine can help your company standout at a trade show or conference: Even people who chose not to enter our contest made a point to say “It is cool that someone is doing this.” While everyone else was awarding prizes by drawing business cards at random from a fishbowl, we were using a cutting-edge social media application that was fun to engage.
People are more likely to remember that one company who was using new tools in a creative way - at trade shows in particular - than they are those who are doing everything the same.
4. Vine provides a cross-promotional opportunity for all involved:Operating out of the dual role of cameraman and movie director, I suggested to each person that they begin by saying “My name is X (first name only) with X (company name) …” before speaking to the contest theme.
We tried to feature the corporate branding they were wearing in the video whenever possible. The vines were tweeted out to also include the Twitter handle of each person or company involved whenever applicable. This was met with additional retweets and mentions, and as a result, increasing social impressions for all involved.
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