Experts & Opinions
Oct 14, 2016
Storytelling, User-Generated Content, Virtual Reality... The global event series, Social Media Week is known for covering a range of exciting topics of relevance to our industry. Video, however, is one trend that really seemed to jump out at me as part of the London installment.
Many of the speakers, including representatives from brands such as Facebook and National Geographic, stressed that incorporating video into social is the way of the future. It’s an effective tool for the events industry, as it enables us to promote our client’s events in an engaging way… more
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Oct 07, 2016
From seasoned event organizers to novice marketers, everyone measures event ROI differently. Organizers and meeting planners are often looking to better understand the big picture and are searching for ways to prove ROI while improving their programs.
But each organization has unique goals and objectives. And an event measurement strategy should be as unique as the event itself.
There are, however, certain universal aspects that should be part of every trade show or event measurement plan to ensure a healthy, vibrant, successful program year after year. Instead of looking at metrics… more
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Oct 07, 2016
As someone who grew up in the 60s and 70s, I consumed a lot of sugar. I mean A LOT. Kool-Aid, popsicles, Shasta pop, ice cream, breakfast cereal, and every Hostess snack from Twinkies to Ding Dongs (perhaps the best product name ever!). Sugar and salt (S&S) balanced an endless dinner-time diet of casseroles and salads with mayonnaise. It was a great childhood.
The sugar feeding frenzy wouldn’t have been complete without packaged cookies. My mother called the shots when it came to cookies, which meant she bought store or off-brand cookies most of the time. But occasionally, she would… more
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Oct 01, 2016
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” - Warren Buffett
What is the price of exhibit space for your show? Pricing is both an art and a science, and in the process one has to take into consideration a variety of factors. First and foremost in developing a pricing strategy is to scope out the competition. Then one has to take into consideration all the factors that go into both the budget for the show and also the budgets of the respective exhibitors.
In the past, I have always been weary of dramatic price increases and have chosen a strategy of incremental increases. With this… more
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Oct 01, 2016
For years, trade show giveaways have been used to foster goodwill and generate leads with potential clients and prospects. However, since giveaways have become commonplace at shows, do they still have the same impact they once did? How can a reboot to your giveaway strategy impact your show presence and fully capitalize on the benefits of exhibiting?
Here are a few things to consider when refreshing your trade show giveaway strategy:
Tell Your Brand Story. A giveaway without a connection to your brand will just get lost in the shuffle. Even the coolest giveaways will fall flat if the attendee… more
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Sep 24, 2016
A few years ago, a veteran sales consultant, who has walked hundreds of trade shows over the years, shared this top 10 list of do’s and don’ts for sales representatives on the trade show floor.
1. Fishbowls that overflow are just a slow “no” waiting to happen.
2. You’ll never make a significant sale selling to “Seemore, the info gatherer.”
3. If your prospect can’t convince you that they have a problem and are committed to fixing it, don’t waste your time at the show or after.
4. Schedule an… more
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Sep 24, 2016
Whether or not your brand has established eco goals or objectives, there’s a lot of value for the planet, for your brand and for your prospects and customers in going green at trade shows. Here are 5 tips and eco-friendly ideas to use at your next trade show.
1. Stand Out with a Full-Color Custom Reusable Bag. Design “THE” bag everyone wants to grab at the show. I have seen this done many times before. If you work with the right people and make use of the many ways that you can use a custom reusable bag for marketing, your brand can offer an eco-friendly “gift” that will work for your… more
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Sep 16, 2016
Hotels and airlines know their repeat customers and recognize them for their loyalty. I’m a million-mile flier and my card says it. Customers like recognition for their commitment to a brand and it makes them feel valued. Do you know your repeat customers, your alumni attendees, and do you demonstrate the fact that you value their loyalty?
Why are your alumni attendees so important to your event? Your alumni are far more than just repeat customers and event attendees. They are your brand ambassadors, biggest supporters, and in many cases their word-of-mouth promotion of your event can be one… more
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Sep 16, 2016
Healthy growth
The U.S. remains the world’s biggest exhibition market, valued at $12.8bn in 2015.
In a year when many of the exhibitions markets experienced a slowdown or decline due to macroeconomic difficulties (e.g. Brazil, Russia, Turkey) or security issues (France), the US outperformed the global exhibitions market and registered a healthy 3.5% year-on-year growth in 2014/15, driven by both price and space sold:
- US booth space prices have increased on par with other mature markets driven by overall macroeconomic recovery and ever increasing… more
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Sep 10, 2016
The hot topic these days is utilizing storytelling for connecting with our audience and prospects. Most of us in the events industry have heard a lot about storytelling, but may not understand the how or the why specifically for sales. Many times, in sales, we tend to take the traditional route of showcasing the features and benefits of a package. That is not always helpful in getting a prospective client to form a strong connection with what we are offering. Let’s take the leap, break the mold and incorporate storytelling in our narrative to sell a bit differently. Here’s why.
The Human Mind… 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.