Experts & Opinions

Jun 05, 2018
Due to recent attacks on public events, it is becoming increasingly important for conferences and events to review their security. As the Head of Security of Swedish security and luxury hotel At Six in Stockholm, I have created six tips on how to achieve more secure public meetings and events. There is an increased need and demand for security hotels due to the many tragic incidents in the last years. Security issues need to be more prioritized in the hotel and conference industry today. As a meeting place for large groups of people, we must do our utmost to ensure their safety as much as we… more
May 31, 2018
I love the challenges they bring. I love the successes we share.I love the people they embrace. I love the anticipation from standing there on opening morning, through months and thousands of hours of hard work from everyone involved, to see people turning up. To see people walking in, with their own little face of excitement about what they're going to see today.Which leads me on to my point for Global Exhibitions Day 2018. People.GED is a day chosen to celebrate our industry and tell people on a global scale how great we are. How diverse we are. How exciting we can be! It's also a day for… more
May 30, 2018
For many corporate marketing or event departments, getting approval to add employee headcount is close to impossible. You may only have enough work to justify a part-time resource, or your events may be seasonal. Hiring a contract event manager can be a great way to make sure you get what you pay for, without excess overhead. What — you have some doubts? Let us guess: “But will they do as good of a job?” “How hard will they work if they’re not officially part of the company?” Important questions, certainly. Of course, you want to hire professionals who believe that “do good work” is a… more
May 24, 2018
Organizing and planning your business expo or event is difficult enough, let alone trying to get people to show up! Unfortunately, relying on the distribution of flyers, mail invites and word-of-mouth will not guarantee you the results of a successful event. Luckily, utilizing the power of social media allows you to expand your audience reach and generate buzz about your event online. Here are some social media tactics that have remained relevant, as well as upcoming trends to be aware of: 1.The Facebook basics With over 650 million active users, this is a slice of the pie you can’t afford… more
May 22, 2018
There’s no one secret to success when it comes to pulling off a successful trade show. Your preparation, goals, staff and presentation all contribute to your success and it pays to reflect on what you did well and where you can improve for the next time. A properly thought-out and well-written post-show report will be your blueprint for an improved showing in the future. Prepare and Take Notes Trade shows can keep a person very busy, there are a lot of things that need to be done and you’ll probably have a lot on your mind. Make an effort to find some time to write some notes over the… more
May 17, 2018
This is the third in a series of articles by Core-apps about Event Tech Trends Event organizers know the event app landscape continues to evolve. From changes in the Apple App Store to a continuous flood of startups, products and services penetrating the marketplace. Event organizers have no shortage of options to get an app out there, but one element of event app creation that should be consistent regardless of the platform is the user experience and the creative execution.  Here are some tips event organizers should consider as they work with their app team on the best possible UX (user-… more
May 15, 2018
As most of you know from the countless reminders online, the GDPR is the focus of much concern in the trade show industry. What is the GDPR and why is it relevant to you? The General Data Protection Regulation is a regulation in the EU law on data protection and privacy. The aim of the GDPR is to give more protection to an individual’s data in the digital age. In the trade show industry, the focus will be on the collection and processing of attendee data. And yes, even if you are a U.S. company, this regulation will likely affect you. If you do business with a company based in the EU or… more
May 10, 2018
Professionally, I’ve struggled with titles and their role in society for as long as I’ve been in the workforce. Rationally, I get the need for them – for many, it defines their career advancement as well as their ability to make company decisions and accountability.  Personally, I’ve always believed that it’s not necessarily the title of the individual that is important but rather what that person is capable of delivering – which frequently coincides but not always.  Society as a whole, however, has elevated the title of CEO to the point where I haven’t been comfortable accepting the title… more
May 08, 2018
Savvy event organizers have been keeping their eyes and ears glued to the news lately.  In addition to the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming right around the corner and now with the Cambridge Analytica and Facebook controversy, event organizers are facing their own challenges when it comes to collecting and protecting event data.  Because they collect so much data from and about their attendees, organizers now face pressure to protect that information, while making sure everyone understands what data is collected and why. Collecting any kind of event data today… more
May 03, 2018
Fresh out of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh (AIP), I joined the Rochester-based Giltspur Exhibits in 1976 when I heard that they needed another pair of hands to join their design department. I knew nothing about the exhibit industry at the time, but dove in, got up to speed and never looked back. My career took me to GE and later inspired me to create Creatacor alongside Russ Percenti. Design is in my blood and that’s really what a successful exhibit or trade show is about: delivering great design, effectively. The No. 1 aspect of the industry that has changed the most during my career is… 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.