Experts & Opinions

Feb 27, 2018
Quite often event organizers struggle with tight budgets and see getting an event app as a luxury they cannot afford. “This year we can’t make it, our budget has been approved and closed” or “We don’t have the budget for it this year” or “Maybe next year.” Any of those sound familiar? If you’re an event organizer, you probably have said those things more than once in your life and indeed those are perfectly understandable statements. However, in this post, we’ll try to present this issue from a bit of a different perspective. Getting an event app doesn’t have to be a cost at all. It can and… more
Feb 26, 2018
Events can cause considerable waste and a significant consumption of resources, like electricity and water. With the impact events can have on communities that host them and on the environment, event planners want to be mindful of this impact and increase sustainability efforts at events. First, we must understand the environmental, economic and social impact of the event before we can find ways to incorporate sustainability. Once you have identified the impact of your event, this can inspire ways for your event and its attendees to give back or go green. For example, your event can choose… more
Feb 22, 2018
If you’ve gone spelunking through our Trade Show Stars blog archive, by now you’ve gathered that training staff is your best asset to stand out at your show, get better leads and have a whole lot more fun at the show. It benefits everyone: attendees, show organizers, your company and even other booths. I’m writing some extra content around these topics because reflecting on all the show aspects that improve make training seem like a no-brainer. Let’s start with attendees. To quote Jay Z (loosely), “they could’ve been anywhere in the world, but they here with you.” We should appreciate that.… more
Feb 20, 2018
Exhibiting at ExhibitorLive provides the opportunity to unleash your most creative skills to promote and exhibit your products and services to a receptive audience that is excited about new stuff! As you prepare during the show countdown, it’s odd to know that you probably have the same feelings as your clients as they prepare for their shows. Your default setting is just to turn up, put on a good show and everyone will be happy! We quickly snap out of that mode, though, because this is the one show that delivers the perfect audience. In fact, it’s a tonic because those investing in… more
Feb 15, 2018
We saw a lot of trends emerge within the trade show circuit in 2017. Virtual and augmented reality became ubiquitous, mobile technology was used almost everywhere and even Amazon’s Alexa found its way to a more corporate setting. Brands upped the ante by bringing experiential marketing to new levels with pop-ups galore while offering niche entertainment and culinary offerings. The bar will only continue to rise and the stakes are getting even higher in this nearly $13 billion industry. According to a recent Bizzabo survey, 63 percent of marketers plan to increase budgets and participate in… more
Feb 13, 2018
Whether you’re a fan or not, it’s hard to miss the hype around the biggest football championship of the year. And this year’s coverage has been particularly interesting with a spotlight on first-time host, Minneapolis. Unlike previous metropolises like Houston and San Francisco, Minneapolis/St. Paul had some hurdles, including fewer traditional event space options and frosty conditions. But the Twin Cities capitalized on its “Bold North” strengths to become the ultimate Super Bowl hub with a wide lineup of memorable experiences in and outside the big game. The bonus for a smaller market like… more
Feb 09, 2018
Whether it’s making a list and checking it twice or end-of-year recaps and wrap-ups, winter is the season of lists. At Derse, much like when it comes to events, we’re all about preparation. So, we’ve scoured the internet for opinions and predictions on event marketing trends for the coming year. These predictions from Chief Marketer, Entrepreneur, Forbes and more, combined with our knowledge from the past year and our expertise in aiding companies with events, exhibits and experiences led to our own list. Here are the trends to look out for in event marketing over the next year.   Quality… more
Feb 07, 2018
Event organizers know that balancing tech trends with the realities of business and budgets is a challenge. Roll something out too early, or to an audience that doesn’t fit, and it can easily fail. Hold back on new tech and your event can feel dated. So how do you make sense of “bots” and voice-activated technology like Amazon Alexa? Well, the first place to start is understanding the difference between a new trend and a new technology. Bots, AI (artificial intelligence) messaging apps and voice-activated search are here to stay. This is not a "trend" – it's a technology. There is a… more
Feb 04, 2018
Do you know the infamous John Rice? If you’ve been in the trade show business for any length of time, chances are you do. And if you don’t – maybe it’s time you change that! Why, you ask? First of all, John is fun and second, he’s the guru on all things trade show-related (that’s what happens when you’ve spent close to 25 years in this industry…)! Basically, John is an event expert (he has witnessed it all) and knows how to listen carefully while wrapping his head around business models and goals for CVB’s, venues (all sizes), technology companies, suppliers (all kinds), marketing agencies… more
Feb 01, 2018
The right speaker can help change an average conference or event into a memorable one. Approaching your speaker selection process with a purpose can lead to increased attendance, a more inspired audience and a higher profile for the event. You might think of a well-chosen guest speaker as the exclamation point to the content provided by your executives or presenters. Plus, the right speaker with proper motivation can help attract more attendees. Finding an Amazing, Magical Guest Speaker But how do you find this amazing, magical guest speaker? Before you start searching YouTube, you need to… 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.