Experts & Opinions

Feb 07, 2019
As the proud marketing director of TSNN and the celebrated TSNN Awards, I know real connections are the lifeline of our industry. But how acquainted are we, really?  Healthy relationships — business or otherwise — are essential to success. They require genuine, respectful connections and a few foundational characteristics. We all know this, yet when was the last time you got down to the nitty-gritty of truly investing in the people around you? I don’t mean simply online or being distracted by your device while “talking” to someone face to face; I mean slowing down enough to engage in the… more
Feb 05, 2019
Another month, another trade show. Your company attends so many, they should have the process down to a science. And yet, it often feels like people are reinventing the wheel with each show.  Unfortunately, you’re not alone – this is a very common story! But here’s the good news: This is exactly the type of situation where Trigger Systems can be super useful! Trigger Systems, Explained First things first: What’s a Trigger System? Don’t worry, you haven’t been living under a rock – Trigger Systems are something that we kinda made up. In its most basic form, a Trigger System is a… more
Jan 31, 2019
The new year is in full swing and it’s time for you to make your mark in the exhibition world with show-stopping stand design, excellent customer service and innovative ideas. But before you can start deciding or where or what to exhibit, you need to be clear on what you hope to achieve. By resetting your exhibition goals for 2019, you can more efficiently develop your exhibition strategy and measure its success. I’ll take you through a simple process to help you determine what type of goals you should be setting and how you can develop them. What type of goals should I have? Exhibitions… more
Jan 29, 2019
Thanks to technology, the trade show space continues to evolve. From digital mapping and augmented reality to IoT and predictive analytics, event marketers have a plethora of tools at their disposable to make their events more impactful than ever. While significantly less flashy than an immersive VR environment at your booth, one tried and true way to impact the ROI of your event is through strategic events and meetings.  Whether they include engagements between executives, subject matter experts, prospects, customers or analysts, strategic meetings help drive business forward. Strategic… more
Jan 24, 2019
Personalization, pops of punchy color, elevated tech features and rich, supple fabrics and textures are all new trends in furniture design that we’ll be seeing in 2019.  Color and pattern trends that will dominate the year include warm toned seating and earthy and energetic color pallets. Mixed materials, Modern Industrial Chic with luxe fabrics and details, and upgraded tech all top the list of design trends in the new year.  Custom events that speak to your client’s unique aesthetic and brand story are paramount in 2019. Make your client and your event stand out with personalized elements… more
Jan 22, 2019
Today’s speaker marketplace comprises literally thousands of speakers who are potentially available as a keynote or featured speaker for your association’s events. How do you know if you are making the right choice before you commit to a speaker and perhaps paying a very large speaker fee?  Here are some myths and truths when it comes to selecting your keynote or featured speaker. Myth No. 1: The higher the speaker fee, the better the speaker. Speaker fees are based on two things: 1., The demand for a given speaker and 2., the perceived demand that the speaker feels exists and how much… more
Jan 17, 2019
It is another year of planning your annual trade show and it’s time to start calling the same exhibitors to see if they will register again. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. You aren’t asking them if they are getting value, if they are getting leads or closing business on those leads. Is it time to ask yourself if you need to reimagine the way you run your show?  Even if your number of exhibitors hasn’t decreased, it still may be time to be thinking about the longevity of your event. We all remember what happened to Blockbuster! Here are some ways that you can reinvent your trade show to increase… more
Jan 15, 2019
Event professionals at trade shows and exhibitions expect a display of seamless integration of the latest event tech. Event tech trends have evolved at a rapid pace continually in the past few years, creating ways for the new tech to accommodate in the events industry.  The events industry welcomes the dynamic and new elements of surprise that raise the attendee engagement at exhibitions. “Around 80 percent of planners embed a tech requirement in their initial request, but with a growing understanding of technology’s role in delegate management, feedback and ROI, that figure is rapidly… more
Jan 10, 2019
The use of Virtual Reality (VR) at exhibitions is growing but so is the cost and the complexity. So how do you use VR with your exhibition and how do you do it without spending all of your budget? To find out, we’re looking at what VR is, why that matters for exhibit stand builders and how you can use VR in your booth and manage the cost. We also look at VR in use to give you some inspiration for your next event. What is VR?  Virtual Reality builds or recreates spaces digitally. What makes VR exciting is what you can do in these spaces, which is almost anything. The equipment required for… more
Jan 08, 2019
Technology evolves faster every day and that’s a great thing when it comes to the event space. This rapid innovation means there are new event technologies available at a constant pace, bringing new ways to collect data, engage audiences, manage details and more. But how can event professionals stay on top of these new offerings and figure out what best applies to their needs and challenges? Read on for our predictions on what’s ahead when it comes to digital and event technology in 2019 and beyond. Be sure to read all the way to the end, where you'll be able to cast your vote for the… 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.