Experts & Opinions
May 30, 2017
Organizers are constantly looking for any edge to grow their shows. But those who plan and consider the Second-Year Quotient can experience a big difference – both to the bottom line and attendee satisfaction. “2YQ” can be strategic planning factor that is based on the likelihood first-time attendees will return to the same event in the future.
Driving return attendance is a hot button issue for event organizers and it has a lot to do with a
first-timer having a good experience. There are many ways to ensure first-timers have a good
experience and your event technology can be a major… more
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May 25, 2017
Each time you sell your products at a trade show display, you put in a lot of effort, time and money. It is, therefore, paramount to find all ways of maximizing that investment.
Your primary objective should be on how to create an attention that will remain even after the show, no matter how small your budget might be.
Custom trade show displays do not have to be very expensive, but they have to be creative, smart and memorable. Here are some tips you can follow to ensure that you have an affordable and fruitful custom trade show display.
Use Simple Lighting System
Illumination is usually… more
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May 23, 2017
Most of us have heard a variation of this question at some point in our lives: if everyone else jumped off a cliff, would you do the same?
The point of this rhetorical question was meant to drive home the concept of exploring your own path rather than following in the footsteps of others. It was great advice but as marketers, many of us find ourselves following the industry pack and landing on the hard ground of unoriginality.
Best practices exist for a reason. They lay the foundation and give marketers a solid starting point. But we live in an increasingly competitive age where consumers… more
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May 18, 2017
My company has been providing shipping and transport cases for the trade show industry for many years. As such, we’ve operated out on the periphery, which has given us a unique perspective. We get a “big picture” view of industry movements and trends a bit earlier than specialized companies more deeply entrenched in industry segments.
The Industry Is Taking a Greater Toll on Earth’s Resources
Through the years, I’ve watched the industry evolve in several ways. For example, the number of cases per show (and the case sizes) has continued to increase along with greater booth design complexity.… more
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May 16, 2017
During the recent SISO CEO Summit, I presented to delegates some highlights from my white paper: How to structure the events organizer of the future. Essentially, it’s a survival checklist that every event organizer should follow.
Why? Because right now, the business of organizing events is being tested. Exhibitors and attendees are asking for more. The digital revolution is encroaching on the event industry and competition is intensifying. Making structural changes – even those that challenge the status quo – within the organization will enable event organizers to thrive in an era of massive… more
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May 12, 2017
Good news for trade show organizers: According to a recent Attendee Acquisition Benchmarks and Trends Study, 66 percent of organizations are expecting increased attendance in 2017.
So, while this optimistic outlook is encouraging, how should you go about getting your share of this increased attendance? In other words, how do you grow your trade show?
Target Executive-Level Professionals. A study by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) indicated that the majority of first-time attendees at trade shows are executive-level professionals who have the authority to make… more
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May 09, 2017
You know that your booth staffers are one of your most valuable, if not the most valuable asset when exhibiting at a trade show or hosting a business event. However, you may feel like you have little to no control over how they perform at the show. Yet, by selecting the right staffers, offering appropriate incentives, recognition and training, you can be sure they will rise to the challenge and become excellent brand ambassadors for your company.
Make Staffers Accountable
For example, if you have no accountability for the leads or connections that they make at the trade show, they… more
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May 04, 2017
“Video Killed the Radio Star,” by The Buggles rang through my ears as I sat and pondered the future of this dynamic industry we work in – the Events Industry. All of us who are truly ingrained in it bring our own unique perspectives to this enigmatic topic. But most, I think, will agree with me when I say that our great industry will not “go gentle into that good night.” No matter what tests potential challengers – be it second screen distractions or virtual reality – pose, face-to-face interactions will always have more value than what any digital means can provide.
Let’s focus on just one… more
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May 02, 2017
Of all the types of event data we deal with at Bear Analytics, attendee verification data is one of the least exciting, but failure to understand who truly attends your trade show, conference or event robs your logistics and marketing teams of critical insights that can fuel event growth and more sophisticated forecasting and marketing.
Do you know how your event’s AOV coding is generated? Do you know, for sure, which registrants actually attended your last show?
Most large trade shows adhere to the Advance/Onsite/Verified (AOV) framework when it comes to verifying that a registrant actually… more
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Apr 25, 2017
Some of the most innovative and influential ideas for brand experiences come when people with diverse perspectives come together. We believe in “intersectional design thinking” – the power of bringing together diverse viewpoints to solve a challenge or think creatively about an opportunity.
But the act of bringing people together doesn’t always result in breakthrough thinking. The difference between a great brainstorm and a KILLER brainstorm is not leaving it to chance. As a facilitator, there are five important pieces to the brainstorm puzzle you can use to guide the… more
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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.