Experts & Opinions

Mar 18, 2017
Just like any other check-up, understanding the health of your vendors matters because you rely on them to support and execute important aspects of your business. Your event technology vendors are no exception, since the health of their company or platform does impact your entire event ecosystem. The event technology space has been rife with layoffs, mergers and acquisitions and sun-setting of products that are currently in use by event organizers. These business decisions are not unusual, but do have an impact on your team’s strategy and goals. So how can you protect yourself from getting… more
Mar 15, 2017
Most marketers know that digital and event technology is a must-have for events and brand experiences. But did you know that it’s mission-critical for organizations looking to engage Millennials and Gen Z? In fact, 53% would rather give up their sense of smell than give up their technology. With the digital stakes so seemingly high when it comes to younger audiences, how can marketers incorporate the right mix into their events and brand experiences? Here’s a short list of event technology best practices for marketers looking to engage Millennials – while ensuring they retain all five senses… more
Mar 11, 2017
Most event marketers or exhibitors understand the importance of engaging with their attendees. But what if you took the plural “attendees” and started using only the singular form “attendee”? Imagine the impact your event would have if you were able to put your focus squarely on each individual person. One thing is certain: you would have a captivated, loyal audience and the opportunity for a serious competitive edge. With the help of touchscreen and intuitive interface technology, like the solutions from MultiTaction®, it is getting much easier to give your attendees the individualized… more
Mar 10, 2017
The trade show is over. Now what? Trade shows present the perfect opportunity to introduce your brand to new customers and re-engage with existing ones. Once the trade show is over, it’s important to maintain that great momentum by continuing to build on those relationships and building sales. Here are three ideas you can use to increase sales after the trade show ends. 1. Track Leads and Stay Connected Via Email Put all of the contacts you made exhibiting at a trade show to good use and stay in touch through the entire sales cycle. Marketing outreach via email keeps your brand relevant with… more
Mar 02, 2017
In Globalization 1.0, which began around 1492, the world went from size large to size medium. In Globalization 2.0, the era that introduced us to multinational companies, it went from size medium to size small. And then around 2000 came Globalization 3.0, in which the world went from being small to tiny. Thomas Friedman, author and futurist Many U.S. trade shows are having to cope with consolidation in the number of both exhibitors and attendees. Globalization is a reality and its effects can make or break a trade show depending on how organizers adapt to changing paradigms. This… more
Feb 28, 2017
So, you’ve decided to be an exhibitor at a trade show to network with prospective buyers and discover new opportunities. This is the easy part. However, before you spend your time and money building out a booth, make sure you’re choosing the right trade show(s) for your business. Here are three quick steps to help you choose which events you need to be a part of. Establish your goals Are you looking to launch a new product, raise brand awareness or simply network with buyers in your industry? No matter what you wish to accomplish by being an exhibitor at a large trade show, it’s important to… more
Feb 23, 2017
Sponsorship data has been a hot topic for years and continues to play an important role in the events and exhibitions industry. It’s clear that sponsorships are here to stay! Which is why it’s so important to learn how to utilize collected data so you can make informed business decisions. Most event professionals recognize the importance of data collection, but they also know and understand how overwhelming it can be if processes are not set in place. Chances are you are collecting sponsor data every year at your shows, such as: Who’s coming? What are they sponsoring? How much are they… more
Feb 21, 2017
Technology is infiltrating every aspect of our lives. From the moment we wake up to the moment we get ready for bed, most of us interact with some sort of technology. While I am in the business of face-to-face events, we can’t deny that the explosion in new technologies makes our lives easier while facilitating growth and connectivity in our businesses. Additionally, much of today’s innovation, even in the most traditional industries, is coming from adapting digital technologies to improve on existing products. With that in mind, I have compiled a list of some of the most popular technology… more
Feb 17, 2017
If you are like most exhibitors, you have screens, monitors and tablets in your booth … but you aren’t really sure how to best use this powerful digital tech to create more impact. According to a 2015 white paper Tech for Trade Show Exhibitors from Skyline Exhibits and Access Intelligence, most exhibitors are still putting PowerPoint slides or their own websites on the screen.   That’s probably because they don’t know how easy it is to create content that will go beyond websites and PowerPoint and generate more leads and sales. So here are 8 better ways that you can use your… more
Feb 16, 2017
Continuing the digital education, virtual reality officially arrived at the event industry at Convening Leaders. At the already bustling TechCentral, crowds eagerly awaited their turn to wear virtual reality headsets. A picture may say a thousand words, but the looks on participants’ faces after a virtual reality demo told a thousand experiences. When applied to brand experiences, virtual reality will allow planners to take simulated tours of a site or explore how various design approaches look in a specific space. Marketers can employ the technology to show how their product or service works… 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.