Experts & Opinions

May 23, 2019
It was 2017 and I was working at the Black Hat Conference at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. A charismatic sales engineer had a crowd spilling out of his booth and blocking the aisle. His prospects were transfixed – cheering on his command, eagerly leaning forward, ready to do anything he asked. No, he wasn’t doing a raffle, he was using the principles of rhetoric to persuade and mesmerize his audience.  Aristotle defined Rhetoric as “the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion.” He defined the three means of persuasion as ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion)… more
May 21, 2019
Upping your event food game while supporting local chefs is as important as ever. Below we outline step-by-step ways you can try to improve the quality of cuisine at your next event.  Set Clear goals Events definitely have goals, and every person’s goal is different from event to event. Some organizers want to ensure people feel like family and can gather together over their event, while others want their event to feel like an all-out festival. Knowing what you want to achieve before you start researching vendors will not only better shape your approach to the different elements of your… more
May 16, 2019
During our recently held “Social Media for Trade Show Promotions” webinar, we asked attendees a polling question about whether (or not) they were using social media to promote their company’s presence at the events in which they exhibit. The results were a little surprising to me. Of the 223 attendees that answered the poll, only 35 (16%) said that they were active and getting good results for their efforts, and 89 attendees (or 40% of those that voted) said that they had “little to show for it.” Then I thought: what constitutes “good” results? And how are they measuring their results? Is it… more
May 14, 2019
According to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, more than $24 billion is spent annually by U.S. exhibitors on trade show displays, yet 70 percent оf these еxhіbіtоrѕ set no ѕресіfіс оbjесtіvеѕ or goals fоr their exhibits. In 2019, event marketing teams should find ways to become goal-driven, and metrics are the place to start.  There are two types of metrics to utilize: hard metrics and soft metrics. The parameters attached to hard metrics serve as strong indicators and imply action items. Soft metrics are all about engagement and awareness. For example, the number of likes,… more
May 08, 2019
Many of our exhibiting clients tell us they crave trade show ideas on how to attract more visitors to their booth. They want an attraction that makes their booth irresistible for attendees walking down the aisle. Do you want to drive booth traffic, too? Here are six proven ideas you can consider:   Product Demo: Rather than make all their purchases over the Internet, buyers continue to go to trade shows because it allows them to see and touch real products in person. Leverage this strong advantage by demonstrating your products in your booth. Show how your product solves real problems.… more
May 07, 2019
For conference organizers and exhibitors alike, an event is a great opportunity to drive more engagement through social media channels and capture more followers. In fact, industry surveys demonstrate that event planners are actively using social media to engage their attendees.  A recent survey conducted by EventMB found that 89.3% of event planners use social media for pre-event engagement, 49.4% for engaging attendees during the event, and 37.7% for capturing feedback. Planners reported being active on Facebook (88.1%), LinkedIn (80.1%), Twitter (60.4%) and Instagram (58.4%), with some… more
May 03, 2019
How much does your audience’s happiness mean to you? It turns out that attendee satisfaction is an important factor that is too often overlooked by measuring only exhibitor feedback or not asking the right questions on attendee satisfaction surveys.  Events are at least a grueling 2-3 days with constant mental stimulation, lively conversations that cause voices to crack and literally miles of walking. And while attendees are tasked with the sales, promotional or operational goals they have for attending the event, they still need to check in to the day-to-day work and put out the fires that… more
Apr 30, 2019
Small is the new big. When it comes to trade shows and conferences, purposefully smaller B2B events, delightful consumer-esque experiences and more curated thought leadership are all trending in a very big way. For example, Glossy, a content-first B2B conference company for fashion, beauty, e-commerce has had great success producing (and monetizing) intimate dinners for 15-20 execs at a time in order to foster in-person connections. This might seem high-touch, but it provides a very high return for their A-tier attendees, sponsors and industry execs. Large scale trade show organizers are… more
Apr 24, 2019
The Secrets to Becoming a TSNN Top Trade Show If you pulled back the curtain from the Trade Show News Network team over the last few months, you might reveal something like this: busy event bees crunching numbers of square footage, attendance, venue locations and all the secret ingredients that go into compiling our annual TSNN Top Trade Shows list. But what is the recipe for culminating a place on TSNN’s prestigious list? After attending, reporting on or studying these amazing events, we’ve identified one key one ingredient: Each one on the list knows how to create buzz! If you would… more
Apr 23, 2019
Exhibitions are one of the best ways for marketers to gain face-to-face time with both potential customers and business partners, while also offering them a memorable experience. For this reason, many businesses spend a fortune on modular exhibition booths and promotional material in order to maximize the opportunity.  However, one of the best ways to enhance an exhibition, without breaking the bank, is to make intelligent use of push notifications. In this article, we examine their benefits and the various ways they can be used to improve the attendee experience at your next exhibition or… 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.