Experts & Opinions

Sep 12, 2015
Imagine an environment built solely to bring collaborators and competitors together from diverse industries — a space perfectly suited to helping them achieve their business goals. What would it look like? Traditionally, it was beneficial for businesses — and, indeed, entire industries — to build hubs in convenient locations to serve regional markets. Germany could be considered the grandfather of the exhibition. In the Middle Ages, Germany naturally became a society that encouraged market-style meetings for people to display their wares in one common place. It was an economic catalyst for… more
Sep 12, 2015
When it comes to trade show booths, size isn’t everything. Though a large and intricate booth space can be enticing, small booths can still make a big impact. With a little preparation, you can do a lot with the small space you’ve paid for to grab the attention of those passing by and get them to stop by your exhibit. Below are some ways to make a big bang with a small booth space at your next trade show: It’s All in the Lighting Much like it does for an actress or model, proper lighting makes a big difference for small trade show booths. Without adequate lighting, your brand will… more
Aug 30, 2015
1. Not doing your research. Before you sign up for a trade show, make sure it’s the right one for you. Know ahead of time whether the people that will be attending are your target audience and whether you think the investment will pay off. Make sure you know about the registration dates, size of booth and which competitors will be there.  The more you know and the more prepared you are, the less stress you’ll have to deal with 2. Not knowing why you’re attending. Once you choose to attend a trade show, analyze what you want to get out of it and set some goals. Are you trying to… more
Aug 30, 2015
Especially if you’re taking an integrated marketing approach, your customers need to be driving the decisions your company makes. Otherwise, your brand could risk becoming irrelevant—or, worse, offensive—to your audience. Just look at Puma’s promotion of its Italy jersey for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. It set up “confessionals” across the US and encouraged people to kneel before the “altar,” snap pictures and share them on social channels with the hashtag #StartBelieving. Unfortunately, the stunt coincided with Ash Wednesday, and Puma’s poor timing didn’t go over well with its audience. Customer… more
Aug 23, 2015
These days, Hollywood seems to be producing more sequels than original stories. That’s because movie sequels have proven to be big moneymakers, and, as a result, the movie industry has adjusted its priorities accordingly. Movie fans have displayed an intense attraction and engagement toward stories and characters who live long lives on the big screen. That made me wonder: Can we use the same power of sequels to breathe new life into our marketing campaigns? The Power Of The Sequel Carrying a storyline through multiple sequels is not an easy task, but it can be a lucrative one. Stories that… more
Aug 23, 2015
Consistently putting together successful events is something that even the best event management companies sometimes struggle with – after all, there are so many variables in each event that can decide its ultimate success or failure that even years of experience can’t guarantee that everything will go smoothly. But while the events industry might seem rather unpredictable, it does not mean that it can’t be boiled down to a science. In fact, there are certain characteristics of a successful events agency that are always present in the organization process of the best events. So for those who… more
Aug 15, 2015
The idea of going zero waste at a trade show is a pretty interesting notion and can be an intense undertaking. A recent study by Statista found that 18 percent of U.S. exhibiting companies felt it was possible to exhibit at a trade show while maintaining a goal of zero waste. It’s disheartening to see this number is so low, and unfortunately this low number means most people are not attaining a zero waste exhibition experience. With some careful thought and planning it is possible to go zero waste at a trade show. Here are 5 ways you can work to reach this goal. 1.    … more
Aug 15, 2015
A great event management team will do their absolute best in covering all the bases for their event(s), especially when it comes to fulfilling needs and satisfying both clients and end users. As 2015 is the Year of the Attendee, these needs are something important to consider prior to, during, and even after an event has ended. Below are a few ways to help meet attendee needs. 1: CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY: ENGAGEMENT The pre-event chatter is essential in getting to know the type of attendee, what attracts them to the event, and how they plan on taking their acquired knowledge with them… more
Aug 09, 2015
Exhibitions and trade shows can be very productive events for businesses, but it is important to get the experience right in order to make the most of these kinds of opportunities to present your brand and products. 1. Choose the Right Exhibition: Attending the right exhibition can help you to reach out to the right audience, to make useful connections, and to focus on the right industry or geographical location, but spending time on the wrong event could be a serious waste of time and resources. It is essential to research an event before you decide to exhibit there so that you can be sure… more
Aug 01, 2015
A trade show display is a big investment and most businesses don’t want to just throw that money away. But sometimes the law of diminishing returns sets in. That $60,000 booth that made such a great impression 10 years ago may be giving off a bargain basement vibe today.  It can be tough to know the best route to take. As a result, many companies just leave old exhibits sitting in storage, accruing storage charges without getting any benefit. What can you do to make the most of your existing exhibit? First, ask yourself a few questions to evaluate the impression your exhibit is making… more
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.