Experts & Opinions
Apr 21, 2017
Recently, I was reading a blog for sales professionals: 4 Trends Dominating Customer Engagement That Sales Teams Need to Know About. It highlighted the fact that customers are more informed than ever about the product or service you (the sales professional) are attempting to sell them.
The information age has increased the transparency of the consumer -sales person dynamic. This transparency also, logically, applies to your competitor’s product/service(s). The standard practice today is to Google everything before getting on the phone with you or your company. You… more
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Apr 21, 2017
So, how do we do this? Before you can personalize anything, you need to know who you are talking to. As usual, the champion (and yet at times the thorn in any marketer’s side) is DATA. You need to know and collect as much information from your exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees as possible. I know that this is no easy feat if one is new to digital marketing but start by taking baby steps.
Take a look at your current databases and lists. What information do you already have that can help you know your email recipients on a more personal level? I bet you know their first name! This then… more
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Apr 15, 2017
Sept. 11, 2001. That is the day that set the stage for the new psyche of America for the 21st Century. Vulnerability and fear are now played upon by politicians and the average American now realizes how fast things can change. I happened to be attending a workshop in Midtown Manhattan on 9/11 and I saw first-hand how fast the atmosphere of a fast-paced, cosmopolitan hub can change. In a matter of hours, the demeanor of the populace of the entire city went from business as usual to that of a silence procession heading home knowing that the future is uncertain and will never be the same.
At… more
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Apr 14, 2017
Event professionals know all too well the pressure to increase revenue each year. Budgets get tighter, costs are cut and yet the attendee experience is expected to improve – and so is attendance!
So how do organizers balance this list of competing priorities while still increasing event revenue?
One solution is to find additional revenue where no one is looking.
For instance, by adding a few creative sponsorships, you can generate extra revenue without compromising the attendee experience. These kinds of sponsorships can fund other aspects of your meeting which you would not be able to afford… more
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Apr 07, 2017
Everyone has an opinion. In our industry, one of the most talked about subjects today is lead generation and ROI. There are a lot of posts, blogs and commentary about the subject that have been doing the rounds with a large proportion of those people adamant that their way is right.
Here’s my way …
I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Event Tech Talks panel discussion titled Lead Generation 2.0 and ROI. I really enjoyed the session and I think because everyone has their own (strong) opinion on the subject, you could literally talk about it for hours.
I don’t think any definitive… more
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Apr 05, 2017
Virtual reality is a really hot topic right now in the events and social marketing industries. Though it certainly isn’t the first time VR burst onto the scene (remember the 1990s?), it seems the technology has finally caught up enough with programmers’ imaginations for there to be a real buzz and genuine consumer interest.
Like any event technology though, it’s important that virtual and augmented reality (AR) are aligned with event goals and are not simply a shiny distraction. If utilized properly, virtual experiences should seamlessly integrate into the event and help promote unique brand… more
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Mar 31, 2017
Companies spend a lot of money and time creating a unique and compelling exhibit or event presence that will make them stand out and connect with potential and existing clients. There is another way to stand out and to garner attention for your company and for your brand, and that is to have someone in the company speak at the event.
Speaking at an event can seem daunting and, depending on the size and quality of the audience, some question if it is worthwhile. While you may have reasons not to speak, I would argue that there are also many benefits to your company and to you. As… more
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Mar 30, 2017
Creating a great brand experience and creating great content are not distinctly different activities. A successful brand experience maximizes all the ways you can engage attendees, setting the stage for them to interact, network and share information. And as they say, content is king.
Content is a natural extension of any brand experience, whether that’s the thought leadership shared during the experience itself or content that attendees generate around an event when they are inspired and engaged. It allows for a deeper, lasting connection and creates value for attendees. It is a… more
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Mar 23, 2017
Custom displays are not supposed to cost much. But that's not what is reflected in the current market, where prices of many trade show displays are nearly equivalent to that of a house.
It still is possible to customize your trade show display without having to pay much. Here are some of the tips you can follow to avoid spending much money for your trade show displays.
You Will Need to Upgrade the Graphics
Trade show displays mostly use graphic panels that can be easily interchanged. This can allow you to promote various brands and services in between the events. For you to change your booth'… more
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Mar 22, 2017
One size fits all may work for hats, but it won’t work for events. Attendees expect event content – and its marketing – to address their specific needs and challenges. They won’t take the time to sift through generalized marketing to find what they’re after and they’ll likely skip your event entirely if it doesn’t resonate.
So how do you speak their language, address their pain points and pique their interest?
What are Attendee Personas?
That’s where personas – sometimes referred to as buyer or marketing personas – can help. Personas are fictional representations of a particular audience… 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.