Experts & Opinions

Oct 17, 2019
You’ve heard me talk a lot about the event waste problem in my articles. But have you ever wondered how much waste your event is actually generating? For the most accurate answer, the best thing to do is have a sustainability consultant come out to your event to measure. But for a quick estimate, I’ve come up with an easy formula you can use to estimate your event’s waste footprint. Based on the waste measurement data I’ve collected from 12 events over the last two years, I’ve determined than an event generates an average of 1 pound of waste per attendee per meal. Meals are typically the… more
Oct 17, 2019
If you’re not using Facebook advertising to reach potential sponsors and exhibitors for your next event, you should be. You can use the social media platform as an effective tool to gain key contact information for sponsorship and booth leads for your next event, either through Facebook Lead Ads or your website contact form page. How to Target Potential Sponsors and Exhibitors Start with an email list of past sponsors and vendors emails, as well as prospects who were interested but did not convert into sponsors or exhibitors. Next, you’ll want to create audiences of the people visiting… more
Oct 10, 2019
Looking for ways to keep your events fresh and vibrant? Styling with furniture and décor that follow the latest color trends of the year, such as berry hues, soothing greens and earth tones, are sure to take your event to the next level. To successfully leverage on-trend color schemes and styles, follow these three tips: Add a Retro Flare with Earth Tones  Try incorporating organic, natural shades for a throwback event ambiance. Mid-century and Danish modern seating that features soft velvet fabrics in rust orange or coffee-brown offer a comfortable spot for guests to relax in style. Throw… more
Oct 08, 2019
It is interesting to me how many trade show exhibitors are shocked that no one stops in their booth, yet they have done nothing to promote or even attract passers-by to it. In the age of constant visual stimulation, social media and short attention spans, we as trade show and event marketers must plan more if we intend to attract new prospects to our booth at an event.  Below are some simple steps that you can take to increase your chances of meeting, engaging and connecting with new prospects at your next trade show. Here are some things to consider when preparing to draw visitors to your… more
Oct 03, 2019
This is the second article in a two-part series. Read the first part here. We already know that trade shows alone — while a valuable addition to brands’ marketing repertoires — might not be delivering the results they have in the past. Many marketers are tracking trade show attendance rather than concrete sales metrics to justify hefty show investments. But in an overly saturated marketing sphere, face-to-face conversations are key to brand survival. How do we remedy this return on investment problem? Don’t just think outside the box — think outside the convention center. Besides making an… more
Oct 01, 2019
Trade show prep is exhausting as you scramble to get swag ordered, booth materials packed and meetings set. One task you don’t want to forget about in the midst of all that is creating content. The right piece of content is a great resource that you can use to drive brand impressions with attendees during the event—using a QR code or the like—or after, with value-based follow-up emails. Ultimately, the right content allows you to engage attendees during and after the show in service of driving leads and sales. Consider the following pieces of content and how they can fit into your trade show… more
Sep 26, 2019
This is the first article in a two-part series. Trade shows continue to be good places to build buzz and impress decision-makers. But do all trade show appearances generate the returns needed to make the trip worthwhile? The Consumer Electronics Show works because it’s an “in” place for seeing products and being seen. Its success is due partly to serving such a niche audience (and the fact that it’s held in Las Vegas doesn’t hurt). Decision-makers and influencers attend CES to raise their brand’s profile and share their prophetic vision of the market’s future needs. CES continues to… more
Sep 24, 2019
If your company or association is attending a trade show or hosting a conference, you’re probably thinking about the swag you want to give to attendees. While it may seem like the easiest box to check off your list, your event swag says a lot about your business!  The quality of your swag reflects your brand. And since attendees are inundated with free giveaways everywhere they go, it’s important to choose standout tchotchkesthat lure attendees to your booth. Your company-branded swag may be the only thing that can draw potential clients to a booth for a conversation and trigger a memory of… more
Sep 19, 2019
If you’re new to exhibiting and unfamiliar with the different lead retrieval solutions on the market today, you might be tempted to rent the system provided by the trade show instead of purchasing your own. While that may seem like the simplest and most convenient option, you might not realize how this path of least resistance could end up negatively impacting your ability to capture quality leads – and your bottom line.  Let’s examine some of the pitfalls of renting a show-provided lead retrieval system and why purchasing an independent solution is your best bet. A One-Size-Fits-All… more
Sep 17, 2019
Have you optimized your booth’s walk-by experience? When trade show attendees walk by your booth or display, it only takes them an instant to decide if your booth is interesting. This instant impression, sometimes called a thin slice, can make or break the success of your exhibition. In order to have a good instant impression, you need two things: To get people’s attention To communicate value Getting Attention You may notice that the lion’s share of foot traffic at trade shows typically goes to those who can command attention. If you’re not naturally gifted with magnetism though, don’t… more
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.