Experts & Opinions
Jan 25, 2017
“The minute you think you've got it made, disaster is just around the corner.” – Joe Paterno
It has been almost a year since I passed on the management responsibilities of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) to my successor. It was 7 a.m., and the 2016 show was due to open at 10 a.m. I was in the show office when I hear the plaintive cry from my successor to follow him. As we entered the exhibit hall, we see a huge waterfall coming from the ceiling. A tube in the facility’s HVAC had frozen the night before and cracked, with the resulting 20-minute downpour soaking one of… more
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Jan 20, 2017
With more and more conference and event organizers competing to attract participants, it is important to use every strategy available to “get the word out”. Conference and event speakers are a largely untapped resource.
Many keynote speakers and breakout session facilitators have extensive and active networks both on and off-line. By enlisting the aid of speakers to reach out to their existing connections, event planners can tap into an unmined pool of potential attendees.
Here are 6 ways to engage speakers and facilitators in pre-event marketing. No matter what strategies you select it is… more
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Jan 17, 2017
Health Care trade shows in the U.S. are currently in a period of re-adjustment. In a (recent industry study), research indicated that in the latter half of 2015, shows that are on an annual schedule (excluding outliers) took 0.6% less square footage of exhibit space than in the first half of 2015, had 1.9% fewer exhibitors, and attendance was down by 1.2%. The city of Chicago hosts two of the nation’s largest shows, Atlanta hosts two large shows and Las Vegas hosts one huge show and several smaller ones. Other top medical shows take place in Orlando and various cities in California. If you… more
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Jan 13, 2017
What makes a modern marketing event memorable?
Is it when a brand trots out the same ole' tactics to deliver the same ole' message to the same ole' people? Or is it when a brand breaks from the norm to boldly leverage forward-thinking tactics into engagements and strategies that captivate an audience in new and exciting ways?
I think you know the answer to that question.
Today's consumers see thousands upon thousands of marketing messages every single day — and they're quickly learning to ignore the stale ones that catch them at inopportune moments. That's why,… more
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Jan 10, 2017
Thanks to #TBT, we don’t have to go far for a glimpse at the days gone by. If you’re old enough to remember the 1980s and 1990s you’ll remember fads like: Members Only jackets, acid-washed jeans, leg warmers, neon everything and especially big – big hair, big shoulder pads and big boom boxes.
Looking back now, we laugh about all these horrible fashion don’ts. But we often forget that just as many fads during these two decades were technology related. Thankfully, the 1980s and 1990s gave us major technologies like the personal computer, CDs, mobile phones and game consoles that we still use… more
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Jan 06, 2017
Renting a display for a trade show has gained popularity over the years, with many people preferring to use them to add a fresh look to their events. The trade show display rentals are one of the most demanded booths in the market. Many businesses have discovered that renting a display is easier, more convenient and economical than buying one. Smash Hit Displays avails a variety of trade show displays and a whole lot of accessories that come along with your booth. Rentals are entirely appropriate for all types of shows ranging from a single event to multiple events that happen at different… more
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Jan 03, 2017
"Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes." - Oscar Wilde
The lead quote of this column is all too true for me. I do not know how many times I have awakened in the middle of the night to face the challenges of things omitted in the logistics of a trade show or the realization that I possibly have made a wrong decision for a critical aspect of planning.
The lightbulb of experiencing “experience” turned on when reading an article in the stalwart publication of my generation, AARP-The Magazine (December 2016). In the article “Why Advertisers Ignore You” (referring to the older… more
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Dec 26, 2016
For your most important trade shows, a rental booth can help you make the biggest impact without busting your budget. If you go to one or two shows a year where you use a larger-than-usual exhibit space, incorporating rental booth materials, rather than purchasing a custom exhibit that you will only use once or twice, may be your smartest choice. When considering your trade show budget, you have to take into account all expenses, not just the booth. While you may want to look as big as your competitor and get all your messages across to your market, your budget will likely be a limiting… more
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Dec 24, 2016
We are observing an emerging trend with exhibitors. More and more are moving away from having the generic candy dish to serving “real” food and offering beverages to their visitors at the booth. From something as simple as offering a branded bottle of water, coffee or tea, higher end chocolate, sandwiches or even a full sit down meal at some shows in Europe. People get tired and hungry walking a show. Many people travel from distant places to attend, and there are few things that are better when you are jet lagged and tired than free food.
There are some things that… more
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Dec 17, 2016
You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. Johnny Cash
IAEE does an excellent job bringing thought-provoking keynote speakers to its Expo Expo and this year’s line-up continued the tradition. The kick-off keynoter was Phil Hansen, an unconventional artist who challenges himself artistically combining traditional art, the electronic media, unconventional art media materials and interactive experiences connected to specific art projects.
As… more
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.