Tech News

May 01, 2016
What are Twitter Trends? A trend on Twitter refers to a keyword or a phrase - usually hashtag driven - that is currently popular for a given user’s demographic. According to Twitter, “Trends are determined by an algorithm and, by default, are tailored for you based on who you follow and your location.” Trends enable Twitter to provide presumably ‘meaningful’ and ‘relevant’ content to its users. If you have a nascent event, you may be wondering if there’s any way you can leverage these to put your brand in front of an as yet… more
May 01, 2016
What if you had a tool that helped attendees navigate the show floor so they can find exhibitors more easily; one that helped attendees connect with each other in more meaningful ways; and one that improves feedback on things such as session surveys? Sound good? Using technology, it doesn’t have to be a ‘what-if’. Beacons - pieces of hardware that use battery-friendly, low-energy Bluetooth signals to transmit messages to a smartphone or tablet - are revolutionizing attendee experiences. Several show organizers have deployed beacons at their events and are measuring the… more
Apr 24, 2016
Audience response has been around for thousands of years. Remember the movie Gladiator? Thumbs up or thumbs down was the ancient audience response system (or ARS). Clapping or booing is another form of it. Technology has done a great job taming ARS in recent years. Colleges and conferences often use clickers that attendees can interact with to give their opinion or answer to yes-no or multiple choice questions. The problem is that conferences are by nature social environments. Audience response, then, would be social too. With all the fun social media tools now available, you'd think… more
Apr 24, 2016
Audience response has been around for thousands of years. Remember the movie Gladiator? Thumbs up or thumbs down was the ancient audience response system (or ARS). Clapping or booing is another form of it. Technology has done a great job taming ARS in recent years. Colleges and conferences often use clickers that attendees can interact with to give their opinion or answer to yes-no or multiple choice questions. The problem is that conferences are by nature social environments. Audience response, then, would be social too. With all the fun social media tools now available, you'd think… more
Apr 17, 2016
Meetings Professional International will use the DoubleDutch platform, a provider of mobile event apps and event performance analytics, to power the mobile app for five editions of its signature conferences – World Education Congress (WEC) and European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC) – during the next three years. Through the DoubleDutch platform, the MPI global community will have access to the full suite of mobile event capabilities. “We couldn’t be more excited about our collaboration with a renowned events association such as MPI… more
Apr 17, 2016
Meetings Professional International will use the DoubleDutch platform, a provider of mobile event apps and event performance analytics, to power the mobile app for five editions of its signature conferences – World Education Congress (WEC) and European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC) – during the next three years. Through the DoubleDutch platform, the MPI global community will have access to the full suite of mobile event capabilities. “We couldn’t be more excited about our collaboration with a renowned events association such as MPI… more
Apr 10, 2016
At a recent workshop for our clients, we asked attendees what impact mobile devices have had on their exhibits sales processes. In response, many of them mentioned how having an online contract for their events, specifically one that is responsive to multiple device platforms, has helped sales executives to process transactions anytime and anywhere. Some show organizers have roaming teams that walk the show floor on the last day of the event, to visit exhibitors that missed their booth selection appointment. With the contract already pre-populated in the system, all that an exhibitor needs to… more
Apr 10, 2016
At a recent workshop for our clients, we asked attendees what impact mobile devices have had on their exhibits sales processes. In response, many of them mentioned how having an online contract for their events, specifically one that is responsive to multiple device platforms, has helped sales executives to process transactions anytime and anywhere. Some show organizers have roaming teams that walk the show floor on the last day of the event, to visit exhibitors that missed their booth selection appointment. With the contract already pre-populated in the system, all that an exhibitor needs to… more
Apr 02, 2016
InformEx is the home of chemistry innovation. This dynamic event has been held for more than 30 years to build partnerships among buyers and sellers of fine and specialty chemicals. The three-day event fosters profitable partnerships and innovation in the high-value chemical industry. To support the valuable partnership development that is such a cornerstone of this event, the show organizers added a2z’s Connect™ to the event’s offerings this year. Connect is a cloud-based networking solution that facilitates matching exhibitors and attendees with like-minded… more
Apr 02, 2016
InformEx is the home of chemistry innovation. This dynamic event has been held for more than 30 years to build partnerships among buyers and sellers of fine and specialty chemicals. The three-day event fosters profitable partnerships and innovation in the high-value chemical industry. To support the valuable partnership development that is such a cornerstone of this event, the show organizers added a2z’s Connect™ to the event’s offerings this year. Connect is a cloud-based networking solution that facilitates matching exhibitors and attendees with like-minded… 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.