Experts & Opinions
Nov 25, 2016
You can network in a politically charged world.
The 2016 election in the United States lasted a long time and was an emotionally charged experience for many people. The success of Donald Trump was viewed with surprise by people on both sides of the aisle and the reactions from American’s bridged feelings spanning from excitement to horror.
But the sun came up again and people have returned to work.
The deep divisions between Democrats, Republicans and Independents are real and yet most people interact in a professional capacity with countless others who do not share… more
Comments (0)
Nov 12, 2016
Steady on Superman, fatigue at events is real, and we’ve all had it!
Events and exhibitions can last all day or all night and your business or client requires you to be on your feet and on your best at all times. It’s true, this can be exhausting and dragging yourself through the day, with a constant smile on your face is a real challenge. Yet the best event organisers and coordinators somehow manage it, so what’s their secret?
Here’s some top tips for keeping those eyes open at your next event …
Get to know your venue
Yes, we know it sounds obvious but getting to know every nook and cranny… more
Comments (0)
Nov 11, 2016
"To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often." Winston Churchill
For several years, I have had the opportunity to serve on the Board of Advisors for WATT Global Media, a family-owned publisher/media company for which I worked from 1978 to 2004.
As with any company that had its roots in in print B2B publishing, it has had to expand its vision to include the digital realm and trade shows and events. For a person who has been Old School, hanging on the preferring the printed word, the experience has been enlightening and informative.
One of the major changes the company has… more
Comments (0)
Nov 05, 2016
The exhibition industry has seen huge growth in the past 20 years, driven by economic growth around the world, as the global economy expanded at the fastest pace in recorded history. This happened in part, as a recent article in the British Guardian pointed out, thanks to greater freedom of movement for goods, capital and people. Essentially, globalisation has boosted the growth of living standards for millions of people around the world. And our industry, providing the market places for international trade all around the world, played a vital role in this.
Yet, at the same time, already… more
Comments (0)
Nov 05, 2016
Planning for an outdoor exhibit or trade show requires considering a myriad of factors involving exhibit space, meeting rooms, marketing theme, available hotel rooms, and hundreds of other items both large and small. I’d like to introduce one more: weather.
Although the weather can be an afterthought during event planning, it is a critical component to a successful event and should be used to inform on-site logistics and event planning to ensure attendees and exhibitors are informed and prepared.
Whether there are outdoor exhibits to consider, or delegates traveling from out of town, the… more
Comments (0)
Oct 30, 2016
Readers responsible for organizing professional events, conferences and trade shows know that one of the biggest event planning challenges is registering enough attendees to “fill the house.” In order to do that organizers need to be proficient at various event marketing strategies and perhaps one of the most cost-effective strategies to employ is content marketing.
According to a study released by Curata (a content marketing platform) 88% of marketers use content marketing to promote a product or service in North America, and 75% planed to increase content marketing activities this year. It’… more
Comments (0)
Oct 30, 2016
Staffing for trade shows and events has changed. Before “Big Data” and the proliferation of electronic marketing it was sales people who reigned supreme at the show. Their personality and ability to connect with people were key tools for getting more people into the booth.
Crowd gatherers were big too as it was all about getting people who you did not know to come into the booth and learn all about your company. While salespeople can still be great staffers and people skills are always great, the landscape of trade shows has changed and with that the type of skills needed to staff the booth.… more
Comments (0)
Oct 23, 2016
An age-old debate has finally been resolved – by me, at least, anyway. A big mistake a lot of show organizers and marketing firms make is changing their event’s brand each year. This needs to stop.
Creating a new campaign for an annual trade show or conference is fine. In fact, it’s a necessary way to illustrate what’s new and different about your show. But changing the complete look and feel of your event each year - as many shows do - damages the show brand because it eliminates whatever brand equity you have built.
Think of it this way. What would you think if Starbucks changed its logo,… more
Comments (0)
Oct 21, 2016
Trade show exhibiting can be a little overwhelming, especially if your show is just around the corner and you don’t have a clear trade show strategy. The key to success is careful planning. Exhibiting at an exhibition is very different from attending an exhibition. To drive traffic to your exhibition stand and leave a memorable impression on your visitors, you need to create a detailed plan for your event activities.
1. Choosing the right show
With thousands of exhibitions taking place around the world, it’s important to choose the right one. Exhibitions are a great marketing tool, especially… more
Comments (0)
Oct 15, 2016
There’s no denying how effective promotional products can be for businesses at trade shows – and it doesn’t matter what industry you’re in either. Why? Because the products are designed to get your name and branding in front of people, to help them remember you when they’re in need of your product or service.
Nowadays there is such a wide range of promotional products available to give out at trade shows, so you’ll be able to find something that suits your target audience and your budget.
Let’s start with the classics…
The most obvious choice of promo product for a trade show would be pens.… more
Comments (0)
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.