Experts & Opinions

May 02, 2015
Obviously, the traditional approach to trade show marketing is to pay your fees, gather your promotional items and head off to setup your booth. Your business’s marketing presence will be based, for the most part, on a 10’ x 10’ slice of relatively expensive event real estate. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with this approach – it’s what most of us do when the right event rolls around, one that appeals to the right audience for our products or services. But it’s not the only way to do a trade show. With smart investments and advanced planning, your business can knock it out of the park at… more
May 02, 2015
You’ve just nailed it: a flawless hour-long webinar. But, now is not the time to mark the project a success and move on. While the leads are still hot, it’s critical to pounce on the information supplied by the webinar attendees to drive your sales and ensure your ROI. Sure, a webinar is designed to distribute valuable insight about your products and services, but just as important is obtaining information from customers before and during a webinar. Buried in those nuggets of information are insights into who is interested in your products and services, and sometimes even why. Thank Them: So… more
Apr 23, 2015
Recently, we saw the rise and fall of Indiana’s now infamous Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). What began as a quiet, state-level policy soon erupted into the most hotly-contested debate in the United States. RFRA initially specified that government could not "substantially burden" a person's ability to follow their religious beliefs, unless there was a compelling interest in imposing that burden or government could do so in the least restrictive way. For many, the legislation left too many possibilities for legalized discrimination against the LGBT community. Guided by the belief… more
Apr 19, 2015
Look around at any trade show or conference, and you’ll see attendees with their heads down and their eyes locked on their phones. This isn’t surprising considering that Americans spend 162 minutes on their mobile devices every day. What is surprising is just how many brands are missing out on this opportunity to engage their target audience during event sponsorships. Creating a second-screen experience is a noninvasive but highly effective way to take your sponsorship to the next level. In preparation for the American Music Awards of 2013, for instance, Coca-Cola leveraged its sponsorship by… more
Apr 17, 2015
We’ve all been to trade shows where exhibitors try to outdo each with the biggest booth and the most state-of-the-art gadgets to draw in a crowd. As much attention as these display systems receive, sometimes it is smaller, more intimate and personal settings that attendees will remember over how many trinkets and brochures they collected. Having fancy giveaways and booths do not necessarily mean you will stand out to potential buyers, it just shows you spent more money. Attendees love knowing that they are listened to, that their space is respected, and that they will not be pressured to buy… more
Apr 10, 2015
I attended SXSW in Austin last month, and one of the most interesting sessions was the panel discussion around proximity marketing and the use of LTE Direct. This is a new mobile technology that will be launched in the next couple of years.  It allows ‘passive discovery’ as you can be constantly searching for new interests, information or activities/deals.  And there are several unique features that are key to how you market your event. Mobile phone as the beacon, and WI-FI agnostic:  This technology is unique in you do not need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect.  This not… more
Apr 10, 2015
Your booth space is reserved. It’s in a great location on the show floor and has the potential for maximum exposure and foot traffic. Now is the time to create your lead management plan to drive traffic to your booth. A solid plan for your next event starts well before the first badge is scanned in your booth. Capturing the lead is only 10% of the equation. By taking advantage of educational and marketing opportunities, you are ensuring a successful event. The business-to-business exhibition is the marketing channel of choice among brand marketers who include this channel in their marketing… more
Apr 04, 2015
With today’s modern technology, we communicate in so many different ways – text, email, chat, tweets, and the list goes on. Even in the marketing world, a huge portion of our interactions are through these newer, more remote channels. Yet every year, thousands of people still choose face-to-face marketing and interaction, by visiting or exhibiting at trade shows. In-person communication at an event or trade show can be much more valuable than an email campaign or social media interaction – assuming you get that communication right. You typically only get one chance to help an event-goer… more
Apr 04, 2015
Trade shows can be a very positive and lucrative experience for many businesses. There are numerous benefits such as networking, marketing and business development. Before you decide that you’re going to have a booth at the next nearby trade show, however, it’s good to figure out what the process is going to cost. There are a number of hidden costs that make it difficult to figure out exactly what a show will cost, but here are a few simple guidelines and ideas to help you get a general idea of what various aspects of the trade show experience might cost. 1. Fixed Costs     … more
Mar 28, 2015
Not so long ago, you could get by with a basic event website that managed to check off all the boxes for who, what, when, where and why so long as the color scheme matched the logo. For better or worse, the days of those “floating brochures” are done.  Now, sophisticated attendees and exhibitors expect more –and given the available technology and potential for lead generation and conversions, there’s no reason not to give it to them! Here’s where to start: Current Content By necessity, a lot of event websites launch before full information is available. The idea is that updates will be… 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.