Experts & Opinions
Jul 02, 2020
Events, as we know them, have changed, but the power of a live event still lies in the emotional impact of making authentic human connections. To achieve that in our new reality, your brand needs to show attendees that you hear and see them — even if your event is virtual.
Yet too many attendees end up feeling invisible because event planners are still falling short of designing truly inclusive events, according to a recent study from Meeting Professionals International. For example, there’s a general lack of event materials or translation services available in languages other than English… more
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Jun 30, 2020
The sudden onset of remote work has impacted companies and organizations across the United States and around the world.
It happened almost overnight. The COVID-19 pandemic led business offices to close their doors and employees to find a way to conduct their work from home. We all went from congregating in meeting spaces and around cubicles to interacting “face to face” via our computer screens. For the past few months, we’ve found ourselves catching glimpses of each other’s homes, hearing dogs barks, and listening to children yell and laugh during video conferences. While we’ve never been… more
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Jun 24, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic — and the quarantines, venue closures and travel bans that accompanied it — has instantly affected the events industry. It arrived like a natural disaster, altering organizers’ lives and causing everyone to enter emergency mode.
The initial impact was quick: About 16% of event staff underwent a pay cut, and more than 30% of organizers postponed their events and trade shows until 2021. But the decision to hold, cancel or reschedule events was just the beginning of a new reality. Industry professionals are frantically trying to pivot into virtual spaces and offer… more
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Jun 23, 2020
At a trade show, we used to say you have three seconds to capture the attention of someone walking by your booth. But in a virtual event, engagement isn’t just earned once. You have to earn it again and again.
The past few months have reshaped the events industry, but now is the time to accept changes and retool. Virtual events might look a little different, but the goal is the same: to tell your unique story.
While most live events have exclusive access to their venues, virtual spaces are shared with a barrage of distractions. Between email notifications, news and streaming services, it’s… more
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Jun 18, 2020
As the meetings and events industry continues to navigate the shifting post-pandemic landscape, planning and integrating the multitude of health safety updates will become essential to the successful return of in-person meetings and events. Attendees will require reassurance that the venue and event organizers take adequate precautions to execute social distancing best practices to keep them safe. Going forward, it is the event planner's responsibility to ensure events are prepared and to communicate important health safety information to their participants.
As groups begin this monumental… more
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Jun 16, 2020
Virtual conferences have now taken a firm hold in the event world, and as organizers grapple with the challenges of recreating physical experiences online, one of the main obstacles they face is boosting monetization.
While the conference experience is no doubt a different one when shifted online, that doesn’t mean it delivers any less value. In fact, in many aspects, digital events can provide new and exciting opportunities for attendees, sponsors and organizers alike, which all stem from its virtual nature.
Virtual conferences require the same amount of planning, creativity and hard work… more
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Jun 12, 2020
Diversity at events encompasses more than just race and ethnicity. It includes people of different generations, physical abilities, genders, education levels and more. When everyone is welcome, more inclusive events result in greater conversation and insights, increased community and a broader, more engaged audience.
Last year at Greenbuild 2019 in Atlanta, I had the opportunity to hear George Bandy Jr., Chief Sustainability Officer of Mohawk Group, speak. He said, “We have a profound sense of responsibility to believe in humanity and nature and advance our shared mission of a more… more
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Jun 10, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the events industry. We know it’s unlikely that it will just be “over” and things will “go back to normal.” While it’s disheartening to think of what we’ve lost as an industry, we have the exciting opportunity to build a new and better events model. Once in-person events return, building a hybrid meetings model could position your organization for even greater success.
A virtual component added to your in-person experience, whether it is part of a single large annual event or separate stand-alone virtual conferences that connect stakeholders throughout the… more
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Jun 04, 2020
The COVID-19 crisis has forced physical events all over the world to go digital for the first time. Tasked with making this approach work, many event organizers are now seeking innovative ways to recreate in-person engagement in a virtual environment.
While this is no doubt a challenge that requires a carefully thought-out strategy, there is considerable potential for driving interaction and audience participation within digital conferences. In fact, research has shown that 47 percent of people are more likely to ask a question at a virtual event and 37 percent are more likely to speak to a… more
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Jun 02, 2020
Bringing events back, whether they are trade shows, conferences or entertainment, is crucial to restoring vitality to the overall economy and the industry we love.
I live and work in Las Vegas, which hosts some of the most amazing trade shows and conventions, like MAGIC, COSMOPROF North America and IMEX America, attracting exhibitors and attendees from all over the world. Not only do these shows bring in the tourism Las Vegas enjoys, but they also provide employment for more than 100,000 workers in a multitude of different service, hospitality, production and construction industries in… more
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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.