Experts & Opinions
Mar 08, 2023
In a recent survey by vFairs, event industry experts were asked what they believed to be the dominant event format long-term: virtual, hybrid or in-person events. Thirty-nine percent of respondents replied that they will be hosting hybrid events going forward. This was the most popular answer, as compared to a 4.5% response of “in-person only” and a 7.5% response of “virtual only.” The remaining respondents plan to use a mix of all event formats.
This may seem unsurprising. Hybrid events have been the talk of the industry over the last two years. But for many event professionals, the word “… more
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Feb 21, 2023
The pandemic brought every business that relied on in-person meetings, from multinational corporations to small local businesses, to a grinding halt—effectively emptying convention centers and shuttering hotels. Though many events were canceled, some organizers created virtual events to keep in touch with exhibitors and retailers, albeit digitally.
Today, life and business are slowly finding relative normalcy. Trade shows are back, and in-person events are on track to gain massive amounts of attendance. Although many people are excited to interact in public spaces with others again, it is… more
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Feb 21, 2023
As soon as I heard about ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) – an AI chatbot program from a company called OpenAI that gives detailed answers to questions in a matter of seconds – my interest was instantly piqued.
I first heard about it when a professor was on the news talking about how students were using it to write assignments and how the professor thought it was easy to tell when the students did.
I also heard a recent marketing podcast on which it was debated if and when the chatbot program could take over basic copywriting duties.
The jury definitely still is out on… more
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Feb 15, 2023
QR codes are proving to be a winning solution for many companies around the world. British Airways uses them to cut down on queues. Italian fashion brand Diesel uses them to authenticate apparel. And video game developer Cygames used 1,500 drones in Shanghai to replicate a giant QR code in the sky that people could scan to access a game.
The point? With QR codes, you can eliminate friction points and show off your creativity. When it comes to trade shows and other business events, QR codes can give attendees a streamlined, engaging experience.
Part of the beauty of using QR codes for… more
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Feb 08, 2023
Everywhere we look, from every cybersecurity firm that is monitoring the situation, the data indicate an ever-increasing level of cybercrime activity. Cybercrime is the ultimate Energizer Bunny—it just keeps going and going with increasing volume. These are data-driving insights. It is not media hype created simply to drive the cybersecurity industry, but rather hard facts seen from all angles and through all lenses and corroborated by both corporate, nonprofit and government measurements.
Have you stopped to ask why this increase continues and maybe more importantly, why cybercriminals are… more
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Feb 01, 2023
Business leaders are increasingly asking their marketing teams to innovate upon key performance metrics—that’s how we create, assess and use measurements to drive superior outcomes. Consumer preferences and trends today are evolving at a rapid speed and frequency. To keep pace, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is needed for organizations to collect data, analyze and extract actionable insights.
Event marketers have long been siloed, operating under the assumption that events were the sole critical touchpoint in a buyer’s journey. That’s no longer the case, as event leaders… more
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Jan 25, 2023
Event marketing looks different than it did three years ago. Virtual and hybrid events have proven their merit and reset attendee expectations. Yet, for all the changes, one fact has remained consistent: It doesn’t matter if an event is offline or online. What matters is the experience it provides.
Many event marketers forget this truth; they assume that events have to “wow” attendees in every way. Unsurprisingly, event marketers panic because they don’t have the resources to keep up with these imagined standards. But although audiences might be awed by expensive theatrics, technology and… more
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Jan 18, 2023
From Dec. 11-13, Expo! Expo!, the annual conference and exhibition of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), was held in Louisville, Ky. My co-founder, Oliver Rowe, and I made the decision to exhibit at the event, as we felt the association and show organizer audience was right for us. Here are four things we learned from our discussions at the event and its content:
In-Person Is Back—With a Vengeance
Not a single planner we talked to was planning virtual events. Everyone’s inquiries related to their in-person annual conference or education session. This is… more
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Jan 11, 2023
In-person events have returned in full force. From Q1 to Q3 of 2022 alone, in-person events held on Bizzabo’s Event Experience OS saw a 724% increase. More than 98% of event organizers intend to host at least one in-person event by year’s end, and most will have planned at least three events in 2022, according to Bizzabo’s recent survey. With this renewed focus on gathering in person, marketers are folding events of all kinds into their demand generation efforts to nurture audiences, grow revenue and drive business outcomes. Read on for three key ways to use events to improve your marketing… more
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Jan 04, 2023
The atmosphere and conversations at the 2022 TSNN Awards, held in November at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, were a welcome transition from the recovery and survival mentality of 2021, as the focus was on the future. Hot topics among the group of hundreds of top trade show, conference and for-profit event organizers included DEI, returning to revenue best practices and tactics to overcome new challenges for enhancing the on-site experience while keeping expenses in check.
However, the most poignant question of the week, in my opinion, was asked by Rich Stone, CEO of EXPOCAD, who asked the… 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.