Experts & Opinions

Jul 31, 2024
On May 30, the largest group of trade show industry leaders and advocates ever met with policymakers from 25 states on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC for ECA Legislative Action Day. While the industry has been gathering on Capitol Hill since 2014, momentum has been growing in recent years as the industry continues to embrace the importance of advocacy to our ability to drive economic growth, support job creation, and support small businesses into the future.  Why Legislative Action Day?  The late Senator Mike Enzi famously observed, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” As the… more
Jul 17, 2024
With trade shows and events, almost every detail matters – including the choice of swag. Our curiosity about preferences and deciding factors drove us to gather data and understand this topic more deeply. To that end, we at CLI surveyed more than 250 professionals in North America and Europe to uncover trends and guide marketers in using their swag dollars wisely. We’re happy to share some of the high-level results here. Overall, we are at a pivotal moment for event planners and marketers alike – where budgets are tight, and attendees are more demanding. A Shift Towards Sustainability and… more
Jun 26, 2024
Around the world, the business events industry is advocating on the issues that matter to our collective future.  Last month, I joined Marsha Flanagan, president and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and Barbara Weizsäcker, secretary general of the European Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEIA) on stage at IMEX Frankfurt for a transatlantic policy and advocacy update.  Two issues were front and center: international travel and sustainability.  Reducing friction in international travel  While ECA has been working to bring down visa wait times for… more
Jun 12, 2024
Do you have a post-event strategy? While we pour our time, energy, creativity and strategic thinking into maximizing pre-registrations, there's so much untapped value post-event. Here are my top five ideas to include in your post-event plan: Build deeper connections and reward loyalty Send personalized thank you notes to your event stakeholders, share event highlights and keep them informed about future events. Enroll attendees in a loyalty club and acknowledge their importance to the brand. Appreciate them, and you’ll increase advocacy and future commitment. Gather valuable… more
May 29, 2024
Believe it or not, where organizations choose to host their conventions and conferences makes a profound impact on attendees’ health and wellbeing, as we all know too well that our places matter to our overall productivity.  Event organizers invest substantial funds in venue rentals, event coordination and marketing efforts, expecting a return on investment through attendee engagement and satisfaction. However, more often than we like, attendees are greeted with beige, uninspiring spaces that leave them to feel disengaged and dissatisfied. What should have been an opportunity for growth and… more
May 15, 2024
In the world of trade shows, making an impression isn’t only about what happens during the event; it’s about the anticipation before and the momentum after. This comprehensive approach can transform your trade show experience from a mere exhibit to a powerhouse of long-term growth, partnerships and results. The importance of both pre- and post-trade show marketing can’t be overstated. Without it, you’re essentially throwing your investment away. It’s like organizing a grand party but forgetting to send out the invites or follow up afterward. Don’t be that host. Strategies to Boost Pre-Trade… more
May 08, 2024
Handing out logo plastic pens, USB thumb drives or cheaply produced key chains at trade shows and exhibitions is an outdated practice. Studies show that most giveaways are unwanted, thrown away and end up in landfills. In addition, nearly 50% of consumers feel more favorable about brands that gave them a promotional product if it was environmentally friendly. That’s why the promotional product industry must continue its efforts to become more sustainable in 2024. Here are five of the most important questions you need to answer before purchasing your next company giveaway: 1. Are they… more
May 01, 2024
While post-COVID international travel to the U.S. reopened in late 2021, trade show, conference and corporate meeting organizers across the country have not been able to bring all their international exhibitors and attendees to their events in the U.S. Why? Persistent visa processing delays in many key markets around the world.  Here’s an example: If a would-be exhibitor or attendee from Mexico City applied for a visitor visa for the first time at the local U.S. embassy today, they would have to wait 878 days for an interview with a consular officer.  That’s not 878 days to get a visa,… more
Apr 24, 2024
Event cancellation insurance is a specialized insurance that provides financial coverage for organizations if they must cancel, postpone, abandon or relocate an event. It is essential for organizations hosting trade shows, conferences, concerts, festivals, celebrations or sporting events to maintain event cancellation insurance to improve their chances of recovering their losses if they cannot hold an event. Obtaining full insurance coverage is often impossible under the “inability” definitions in these policies, which mean either a “physical inability” (the facility is no longer operational… more
Apr 18, 2024
Events are a critical part of the corporate ecosystem, and especially the marketing ecosystem. However, as valuable as events are for forming long-term business partnerships and ensuring loyal customers are provided with a unique experience, there are considerations to be made around environmental impact.  On average, event attendees produce over four pounds of waste per day. While event professionals have taken the right steps to reduce their environmental impact, there’s still progress to be made. While some factors, such as carbon emissions from travel, are difficult to control, there… more
Partner Voices
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.