Experts & Opinions
May 04, 2013
The EMS team traveled to Orlando, Fla., for the Southeast Acquirers Association’s Annual Conference this past March. While there, we organized a 6-second Vine Video Contest.
My apologies for the redundant structure of that last sentence to those already familiar with Vine. For those who are not, however, @VineApp is precisely that - a 6-second video application streamlined through Twitter, playing on loop upon publication.
We raffled off an iPad Mini at random with the Vine contest we ran at SEAA 2013. Conference attendees could enter our contest by recording a video… more
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May 04, 2013
As many of you know, I write about travel and hotel experiences. Hotels have to work on the user experience as much as we trade show managers do, since that experience can affect your trip, regardless of business or travel. I also write about online reputation management and how important that is. Let’s discuss what happens when those items intersect.
I was traveling to Santa Fe, New Mexico, a trip I have done several times, and I booked my normal hotel, La Posada de Santa Fe, in my usual way – via phone to get a special rate I cannot get booking online. I… more
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Apr 28, 2013
While wrapping up the panel discussion she led at the 7th annual MOD Awards in Las Vegas, Liz Miller, vice president of the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council explained, “The role of marketing is to convert brands into business.” Brilliant in its simplicity. Powerful in its implications. Most marketing and sales leaders – be it the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) or a manager – are in one way or another measured on their contribution to the bottom line.
In most companies, marketing or sales (or both) provide funding for shows and events. Both groups have options… more
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Apr 28, 2013
“80 percent of success is showing up.”
I recently attended a breakfast meeting. I sat at a table with a group of friends, “friends” as defined by Will Rogers: “A stranger is just a friend I haven’t met yet”.
Richard, my new friend to my immediate right, asked what I did for a living. When I described what “trade show lead retrieval” is, he nodded, then offered an observation.
“Ah, the mystery device”, he said. “Mystery?”, I replied. “Yes, it’s a mystery to me. Information is collected, but the mystery… more
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Apr 21, 2013
Zombies are having a renaissance lately, what with the popular “The Walking Dead” T.V. show on cable, and now the romantic comedy “Warm Bodies” in the theaters. But unfortunately, zombies have always been all-too popular at trade shows.
Trade show zombies are those slow-moving, nearly brain-dead attendees stumbling down the aisle. After a few hours wandering a trade show floor, their brains are on overload from the visual and sensory torrent. They’ve lost the mental ability to recognize why they should stop in your trade show booth and… more
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Apr 19, 2013
I love working on a given trade show, whether it is to improve pre-show communication, assess the booth and attendee experience on-site, or give a lecture on post-show lead follow up.
As a consultant, I have been asked several times how to make the best of a consultant’s expertise. The fact that I have been asked about it gave me pause since it is a great question. How should a consultant and a trade show manager work together to have the best possible relationship?
Your consultant is one point of view. Yes, I am starting out with this disclaimer. Your… more
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Apr 09, 2013
Huge news today out of New York City about American Business Media (ABM) merging with the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). I mean HUGE news.
ABM is the venerable 107 year-old b-to-b media association, which states, in their own words, that their “… 200-plus member companies reach an audience of more than 100 million professionals and represent nearly 4,000 print and online titles and over 1,000 trade shows, with more than $20 billion in annual revenues.” By comparison SIIA has 750 member companies.
ABM was ‘the bomb.… more
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Apr 04, 2013
I recently attended a meeting for exhibitors held by a large show organizer about six weeks before their event. The purpose was to give representatives from exhibiting companies a chance to hear presentations from experts on image, social media and tradeshow marketing. They also got live access to vendors of whom they could ask questions and place orders and I was there as the lead retrieval vendor.
After a morning of presentations, there was a lovely sit-down lunch where I had the chance to speak with some exhibitors for the first time. One of them asked a very reasonable question: “… more
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Apr 04, 2013
As I board my plane to Beijing, China, for another corporate event, I realize that working on international projects has taught me so much, from cultural differences to the unique event management processes that vary in each country. The global journeys my team has been invited on are endless and unique.
We’ve taken the specific event I’m traveling to now, from Las Vegas to Madrid, and now we’re on to China. Here are the five tips you should use before you take the big international leap:
1. Visit the venue before the event- I always make sure to fly in… more
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Mar 29, 2013
Instagram, a mobile-based, image-sharing platform that allows users to make images more flattering through the use of various filters, is quickly gaining favor with many trade show marketers, exhibitors and attendees. In addition to the retro-ing of photos, the app provides capabilities to #hashtag images, follow other users and share to mainstream social networks such as Facebook, Foursquare, Flickr, Tumblr and Twitter.
Full photo streams can also be shared to the web via sites such as Webstagram or Followgram. How can your event use Instagram to leverage your current social media marketing… more
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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.