Experts & Opinions

Mar 12, 2016
Once your event is over and everyone has gone home, your job isn’t finished.
After all, an event’s ROI isn’t immediately measurable. It can take up to 10 weeks after the show for a prospect to take action. During this period, your ability to create touchpoints will determine whether prospects decide to take meetings, review literature, or provide a RFP opportunity.
Post-event engagement is also important for gaining feedback on the success of your event. There are two questions to keep in mind for your attendees: Did they learn something new? Are they likely to participate in an… more
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Mar 12, 2016
You’ve heard it before, “branded giveaways are a great way to make an impression at trade shows.” While I agree with this notion, I think it can be a little misleading. Branded swag will, of course, make an impression on trade show attendees, but it may not always be the impression you intend. Perhaps your last giveaway ended up in the convention center trash cans because the gift did not resonate well with your target audience.
Promotional items that are too generic, or swag that does not offer some sort of benefit to recipients, tends to be ineffective. So how can you get more bang for your… more
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Mar 05, 2016
Exhibiting your product or service at a trade show is an investment of time, energy and money. Because long days on the exhibition floor can be gruelling, establishing a plan of action and covering the bases prior to your next trade show is imperative. To make sure you get the best results, decide what you can do before the show to ensure your success and take pressure off during show time.
Trade shows are a perfect opportunity to showcase your service or product to an audience that has already done the pre-selection process for you. Trade shows are special because you have a… more
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Feb 26, 2016
Push notifications are commonly used by mobile apps in every industry to engage users with real-time messaging. Mobile devices are a crowded space, however, and understanding the best way to leverage push alerts is vital to ensure attendees continue to accept communication from trade show hosts and enjoy real value in return. The following concepts go beyond the basics such as event promotion and last-minute updates to focus on creative options best suited to maximize benefits for hosts and attendees alike.
Utilize Deep Links
Standard push notifications are effective for quick alerts… more
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Feb 26, 2016
The start of the year is always a good time to look ahead. Here is a brief look at five trends affecting our industry – trends that we at UFI believe will be discussed and debated in 2016:
The state of the global economy
This, of course, always belongs on such a list. Our latest UFI Global Barometer shows a mixed outlook for the exhibition industry. The barometer, based on a survey sent to leading organisers worldwide, shows positive turnover expectations in 2016 for the large majority of companies in North America and Europe – with the notable exception of Russia.
In Asia-Pacific, the… more
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Feb 20, 2016
When Reebok first announced its sponsorship of the Ultimate Fighting Championship last year, the alliance, to me, felt reminiscent of exclusivity deals the NBA, NFL, MLB, and other global sports leagues typically sign with established fitness companies.
However, there were a few important twists that made it different, including the revenue structure and approach to apparel. Most of all, the brand’s impeccable timing made the deal really shine — both as an important marketing move for the company and as a case study on timing for the broader marketing community.
In a culture… more
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Feb 20, 2016
Marketers who browse trade show calendars can be quickly overwhelmed by the array of choices, both in the U.S. and around the world. As a trade show exhibit firm, we hear the same question over and over: What shows are best for my industry? We wish we had an easy answer, but the truth is that you have to do a lot of legwork before you can answer that question accurately.
We recommend a four-step process for determining the best trade show exhibitions for your business.
1. Develop a marketing plan with measurable objectives.
2. Define your best… more
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Feb 13, 2016
Chances are, you’ve attended trade shows and conferences. You’ve walked the aisles, heard the speakers, and networked. Then it’s your turn. Your company has asked you to represent your company at the next trade show. Although I was able to learn a lot from walking trade shows and asking others for advice, there’s so much to learn and often, key pieces of information are overlooked. Here are 9 things I wish I knew before exhibiting at a trade show that will hopefully help any “newbies” exhibit like a pro!
1. Give yourself double the amount of time you think you need to prepare.… more
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Feb 13, 2016
The entertainment industry can teach marketers a lot about incorporating fandom into a company’s strategy. From Beliebers to Kardashian followers, America is the land of the superfan. Diehard aficionados are the first ones to download a new album, tune in to the latest episode, or buy a concert ticket. But the fandom phenomenon isn’t limited to the entertainment industry.
In other spaces, fandom equates brand advocacy, a power that can’t be underestimated. That passion and sense of community can yield a sort of citizen army for brands. Apple, for instance, wasn’t really… more
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Feb 06, 2016
With constant enhancements in technology and the continuous fight to remain competitive, there has been a surge in ways to increase event revenue. With this surge we are seeing a dramatic shift in the way content is being consumed at events. Virtual and hybrid events in the form of conferences, job fairs, and trade shows are becoming the norm, adding a new approach to traditional events.
If you’re thinking about hosting one yourself, here are 5 benefits to going virtual.
1. Extend the Life of your Event
One of the most helpful elements of a virtual event is the fact that it has an… 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.