TED-style Sessions, Live Webcast Add a New Dimension to Western Veterinary Conference
February 27, 2014
How do you drive traffic to the slow areas of a trade show and also engage potential attendees online? Western Veterinary Conference that took place Feb. 16-20 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas solved that problem by streaming live action straight from the floor.
To entice attendees to come back to the floor after lunch, the show launched WVC Live!, 20-minute TED-style presentations that covered topics from Zappos corporate culture to the new products in animal care. For the first time, the talks were streamed online for non-attendees and also made available on the show's Web site.
"The idea of doing a live show initially was very scary," said Manolita Moore, COO at Western Veterinary Conference. "But even thought it was a logistically challenging, everyone worked together and made it a very successful venture. It was the highlight of this year's show."
Another major undertaking was a two-hour live webcast that showcased a specific medical procedure. Participants watched it live and online in real time and asked over 200 questions. "It pushed the boundaries for us and gave people who couldn't attend a taste of what they were missing during the conference," Moore said.
The conference offered more than 1,000 hours of continuing education, another first. The trade show also broke its last year's record for square footage, growing by 18 percent to 117,000 net square feet. Exhibitor count was up about 3 percent at about 500. Attendance also was up about 3 percent at almost 15,000.
"We can't actually grow in terms of space for the next two years," Moore said. "But in 2016 we will gain additional 50,000 square feet here at Mandalay Bay and will be able to expand our programing and exhibit space."
Next year, she plans to continue WVC Live! and potentially expand the hybrid content offerings. With the addition of new space, she hopes to create a pavilion dedicated to technology in the veterinary industry.
After CE credits, new technology was one of the main reasons for attending the event. Dental radiography equipment was on the mind of Dr. Mark A. Peterson, who came to WVC to fulfill his CE credit requirements and also scope out potential future purchases for his practice.
"Things are going better now that the economy is recovering," he said. "We're starting to see people spend a little more on their pets but we're not hiring new staff yet."
Vicki Kolb, with exhibitor 3M Pet and Animal Care, said that their company had a very successful show. "Our team is very pleased with the number of people that stopped by and the kind of questions they were asking," she said. "It's a very enthusiastic group."
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.
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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.
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