Experts & Opinions

Aug 24, 2014
Before jumping into these 7 problems that can be solved by trade show display rentals, I’d first like to dispel a major myth about trade show exhibit rentals. Some may equate rentals with boring or basic displays and imagine an attendee pointing and discussing how generic their booth is or how much it looks like that other rental over there. Fortunately, rentals have come a long way, running the gamut from basic portables to practically custom exhibits. Used well, trade show rental displays can fit a variety of needs and solve some basic problems. Now, to the problem solving! 1. Your… more
Aug 15, 2014
I recently was at the Women In Travel conference,  which had a focus on networking and connecting in order to promote and learn.  Since the focus of the conference was around the idea of connecting, I was very happily surprised with the spin it took on the traditional way of engaging. Networking across industry and title, boundaries:  This particular organization wanted to reach anyone who works in travel, regardless of whether they are a travel agent, or work with a corporation.  The other unique point was that everyone was networking together. There were no boundaries… more
Aug 15, 2014
Standing out at trade shows when there are dozens of trade show booths trying to grab the attendee’s attention is easier said than done. The most memorable exhibits are those that have a personal touch that is both unique and matches the theme of your booth. There are plenty of ways to do this without spending hundreds of dollars. Here are several ideas to create a booth that will attract a crowd and stand out above the competition. Have a Consistent Theme Trying to promote too many different products or services can be confusing and overwhelming to attendees. Instead of pulling their… more
Aug 09, 2014
A substantial contributing factor to the greenness of your trade show is the venue itself. Many convention centers are making huge strides to streamline recycling and reduce water consumption while an increased emphasis on green construction processes allows a complex to be green throughout. There are a lot of factors that will help you zero in on the ideal venue for your event, but consider how green a venue itself is before booking. Here are 10 of the top green locations for your next trade show in no particular order. 1.      Raleigh’s Convention Center boasts… more
Aug 09, 2014
Great exhibitors are not necessarily the biggest brands, the biggest booths, or the ones with the biggest budgets. And they certainly are not the ones who are the busiest. Great exhibitors are identified as much by what they avoid as what they do. They have the insight and character to say “no” to their bosses and their colleagues when asked to make poor choices – and they take the time to educate their teams on what makes other choices better. Great exhibitors avoid: 1. Exhibiting at more shows than they can do well Just as it takes a lot to make a house a home, it takes a lot to… more
Jul 30, 2014
The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) is the world’s premier exhibition for the gaming industry. The show is sponsored by Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which is the U.S. association dedicated to serving business and public affairs needs of companies, publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, PCs and the Internet; and is managed by IDG World Expo.Each year, without fail, E3 draws tens of thousands of professionals (47,000+) to experience the future of interactive entertainment. Some of the most influential people who lead the most… more
Jul 30, 2014
Content, as we know, is not only king, but also the cornerstone to any marketing strategy. But creating a large amount of dedicated content for each and every event can be time-consuming, strenuous, and ultimately costly.What’s needed is a way to leverage content that already exists, and what better way to do that than crowdsourcing? Crowdsourcing content means taking content being written about your event, from your event or related to a participant in your event. It’s created by your event audience and is therefore the best way to get their attention.Like many brands today who let their… more
Jul 27, 2014
I write many articles on social media, content marketing and how to engage with your customers, which are all great strategies for shows, exhibitors, and attendees to educate and generate new leads. All of these initiatives are viable and aimed to deliver quicker results. Now, I would like to focus on a more “under-the-hood” or long-term internal workings strategy to keep people coming back well after the show has ended using SEO. Most people are under the impression that search engines deliver answers, when in fact, they deliver search results that you can control, allowing you to come up… more
Jul 22, 2014
A powerful message I received early on in life about time management is that it doesn't matter if you wear a $10,000 Rolex or a $29 Mickey Mouse watch - we all have 24 hours in a day. And, for the new Smart Phone generation, who no longer wear timepieces, the point is the same - we all have the same 24 hours - no more, no less and you can't buy time, sorry Rolex!So why do we feel less productive at times and more productive at other times? A lot of this has to do with priority alignment. The key being that we align our priorities (the most important task) to our desired outcomes (… more
Jul 21, 2014
You probably have heard the question many times: “Why exhibit at trade shows?”   And you’ve likely answered the question from the standpoint of how trade shows help your company in the marketplace.  Yet there’s a lot more to it than that.Here are 4 sets of benefits trade shows offer, at all levels of your professional life:How Trade Show Helps You:  Whether you are working your trade show booth, attending keynote sessions, or just meeting people in the aisles, trade shows provide a fertile ground for advancing your career.  You learn more about your clients, prospects… more
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.