Experts & Opinions
Nov 02, 2013
You may be surprised at the Booth Staffers Behaving Badly that goes on at trade shows. Or, maybe not, since you’ve had to endure it yourself; staffers so bad they were actually dragging down your corporate image, losing more business than they brought in.
Unfortunately, there always have been, and always will be bad booth staffers. Here’s a rogue’s gallery of unprofessional perpetrators:
1. The Networker: The Networker spends most of his booth staff shift talking, but instead of having concise conversations with clients and prospects, he whiles away the… more
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Oct 25, 2013
Like many in our industry, I spend more time on the road than in the office, and I know the importance of working seamlessly regardless of my physical location. Recently, I read an article in Forbes that gave some really great advice on what every business traveler should carry. The writer shares that business travelers are bringing their own gear to be self-sufficient wherever they go. To stay on top of this technology, here are five things that business travelers should never be without according to Forbes:
1. Personal Wifi- Hotels and airports are famous for gouging visitors on internet… more
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Oct 25, 2013
Nervous that perhaps your trade show program suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder? Well, it’s certainly possible.
Usually it’s sales and marketing people like us who manage our companies’ trade shows, and we’re notorious for having more than a touch of A.D.D. Marketing people need that endless curiosity that sparks creative marketing ideas, and sales people are known for doing whatever it takes to get the sale – and then going on to the next sale before all the details are nailed down on the first one.
However, A.D.D creates a distinct downside to your trade… more
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Oct 19, 2013
To: Event Manager
From: The Boss
Subject: Need Your Support.
I need you to support company wide inventory audit in (city) the week of (worst possible week for you – you’re preparing for your biggest show). Our group has to send someone to help staff it, and even though it has nothing to do with marketing, I picked you because you’re so good with numbers. Not sure who your roommate will be, but someone will contact you. Please read and adhere to attached list of Dos and Don’ts.
Thanks,
The Boss
P.S. Have a great audit!
If you received this email how would you respond? How do people… more
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Oct 12, 2013
Tradeshow organizers are generally an easy-going group of folks. They are jovial, fun and even occasionally well-mannered. The massive exception here is when you are talking to them about things like attendance, labor rules, revenue and … I am whispering here … keeping rooms in the block. Yes, that latter topic will typically unleash a diatribe on human behavior theory and the decline of Western civilization. It’s like herding cats, they will tell you.
The good news is that attendee behavior can be influenced when it comes to keeping rooms in the block. I have found that… more
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Oct 12, 2013
I am so excited about my lecture on augmented reality (AR) at EventTech in Las Vegas. While preparing, I found some data on AR, which provided some great info, but I wanted to take that a bit further, and analyze the ‘so what’.
Smartphone and tablet sales will increase to 1.2 billion this year, with a prediction of over 2 billion by 2015. Analysis: AR uses smartphones and tablets as the device medium. With more smartphones and tablets showing up on your show floor, you have a much larger pool of attendees who can tap into AR. And if they can tap into that… more
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Oct 05, 2013
Attention all exhibitors, I feel your frustration and completely get it now. Working at GES has really opened my eyes to how much time, effort, blood, sweat and tears go into exhibiting at a show or in some cases, (for most of you reading this), multiple shows a year. Do you ever feel like our efforts go unrecognized?
Welp, I must say that as anyone in marketing, event planning and in our industry in general knows, this is our reality. When the “A” leads are coming in, lots of praise is going out, but other than that, zilch, zero and a big ol’ nada. What if I told you there… more
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Oct 05, 2013
I’ve heard folks in their 20’s and 30’s complain about how exhausted they are from staffing an exhibit. I doubt very much that Walt Bentson, a retired IBM division vice-president, would complain or, for that matter, even be exhausted from booth duty.
Some months ago I wrote a couple of posts, one of which made the case for staffing your exhibit with “seasoned” personnel, the other advocating the use of “yoots”, as Cousin Vinnie would refer to a younger generation. Which is more valuable on the showfloor, the supposed skill and wisdom of we elders,… more
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Sep 27, 2013
One of the most important things you can do for your exhibitors is to add value, right? Adding value for your exhibitors can also mean a better bottom line and a healthier environment at the same time. I have written before about how tradeshows are second only to the construction industry in producing waste, but there is always room for improvement. The good news is that we can all take steps to create greener tradeshows for our attendees and they will thank you for it and even pay a little extra for the privilege of doing so.
Say It with Eco-Signage
Offer to create signage with eco-… more
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Sep 27, 2013
In the fast-paced environment of planning and executing an event, any number of crises can arise, from a natural disaster to equipment failure or an interruption in internet connectivity.
With B2B exhibitions representing 39.2 percent of B2B marketing budgets in 2011,* the largest amount of any other marketing channel, the need to secure an event and the event’s data for your attendees is crucial. (*Source: CEIR: The Spend Decision: Analyzing How Exhibits Fit Into The Overall Marketing Budget.)
Here are 6 steps you can take to minimize the risk at your next event:
1. … 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.