Experts & Opinions
Sep 10, 2016
We live in a world of instant gratification, where consumers want targeted information, and they want it fast.
This trend permeates almost every aspect of our lives. Consider our social media accounts – Facebook displays ads in users’ news feeds based on their recent Google searches, and recommendations on who to follow constantly pop up on Twitter.
We consume personalized content on a daily basis (even if we don’t realize it), so it comes as no surprise that the trend is also coming into play at live events. People increasingly expect the events they attend to include carefully curated… more
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Aug 21, 2016
"Items of interest will be located, identified, monitored, and remotely controlled through technologies such as radio-frequency identification, sensor networks, tiny embedded servers, and energy harvesters - all connected to the next-generation Internet using abundant, low-cost, and high-power computing." David Petraeus
The convention/trade show badge is one of the basics for any event. Although the concept is simple (identifying the participant), its role is growing increasingly complex. So what is the function of the badge? Consider that it entails the following:
· … more
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Aug 21, 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 while… more
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Aug 13, 2016
When you are at your trade show booth, the first priority is to engage your audience. Informing them about your company is the next step, but only after they are engaged does it become equally important.
Why? Because a person needs to take interest before they will make any effort to find value in the things YOU want them to know. Instead, let them decide what they want to know and ask you.
When on the trade show floor, the concept of engaging people becomes obvious. You simply want people to check out your booth and learn more about your company. However, when planning before the show, a… more
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Aug 13, 2016
First a few statistics on customer retention to set the stage*:
The cost to acquire a new customer is 5X more than to keep existing ones
80% of your future revenue will come from existing customers
Reducing churn by 5% can increase profits 25% - 125%
70% of customers leave because of poor customer service
For every customer who complains there are 26 others who remain silent
Obviously retaining your current customer base is important. Here are some programs we have seen our customers use to increase exhibitor retention.
1. Encourage… more
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Aug 06, 2016
I recently attended an industry event where I listened to a panel of five exhibitors speak to a room full of show managers. The exhibitors all strongly agreed that their number one need was communication and education.
Communicating information about what tools to use and creating educational opportunities for your exhibitors to understand the usage and benefits will help them to maximize the value of your event and fulfill their company’s exhibiting goals. By giving your exhibitors what they need and when they need it you are helping them to succeed and ensuring that when you call to sell… more
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Aug 06, 2016
When it comes to vendor events, your company only has a small window of time to bring in potential customers and wow them. The staffers at your booth are your first line at these events, therefore success is dependent on their behavior during the event. Even the most carefully chosen booth staffers can end up hurting your event, and then, it’s time to say goodbye. Here are 9 reasons you should fire your booth staffer.
Lateness or Failing to Show Up
The reasoning is simple: if your booth staffers don’t show up, you have a few products on a table and nothing else. The key to success in a vendor… more
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Jul 30, 2016
It’s in the news, and it’s on everyone’s phone. In the last week, I’ve read over a dozen articles about Pokémon Go, and that’s just within the events industry!
Just last night while walking down a normally quiet downtown street, there were groups of people, heads down with their faces aglow – searching for Poke Gyms, Stops, Medals and more.
So I’m calling it now; Pokémon Go is most likely the app that launched a thousand copy-cat apps. So how does a trade show organizer react to what is the first wave of mass adoption of AR? Let’s take a breather from our devices and look at this from a… more
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Jul 30, 2016
Selecting event technology can be a daunting task. If you’re an event planner, there is so much to choose from and so little time. Features, functions, and data outputs are certainly key factors in making a decision, but those come later in the purchase process. To get the right technology, planners should first start with identifying meeting objectives and take it from there.
Identify Macro Objectives
Every meeting has a goal. Corporate meetings could drive more sales, increase customer loyalty, or educate employees. Association meetings may want to educate members, earn revenue, increase… more
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Jul 22, 2016
A lot goes into a successful trade show experience and every business wants to receive a profitable return on their show investment. Aside from the show itself the most important thing to remember is that most of the work for marketing is in the preparation and implementation leading up to the show.
This is particularly true when it comes to the promotional products (baseball hats, pens, cups, etc.) offered in your booth or at any time during the event. By putting adequate time and thought into the process, you can avoid the pitfalls of a poorly executed and costly, promotional… 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.