TSNN Webinar: The Future of Trade Shows - Technology, Competition and the Customer Experience

May 10, 2016

The digitization of events, as well as the proliferation of platforms, applications, and devices designed to “retool” traditional trade shows, is proceeding much more quickly than many are prepared for.

In his forthcoming book, “Future of the Tradeshow Industry, the Modern Digital Tradeshow (MDT”), Francis Friedman dives deep into digital transformation, increasing competition from online marketing channels and private corporate events, and the need to redouble efforts on improving the customer experience.

In this TSNN Webinar, moderator Michelle Bruno will lead a discussion with Friedman and two experts, Andrea Bahr, vice president of exposition and events at the Texas Restaurant Association, and Dahlia El Gazzar, speaker, trainer, consultant, and event-technology thought leader at Dahlia +. The panel will address the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation and event technology.

Attendees will come away with insight on:

·         What’s happening to the traditional trade show model
·         Technologies that can and will radically change trade shows
·         A roadmap for managing change and addressing challenges
·         Business opportunities, revenue streams, and reset buttons

Registration page: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/10/14870

When:  Thursday, June 9, 2016 1:00-2:00 PM Eastern Time

Moderator:

Michelle Bruno is a writer, blogger, and technology journalist. She develops content and content strategies for event-industry technology companies at Bruno Group Signature Services (brunogroup.com). She writes about event innovation at Fork in the Road blog (forkintheroadblog.com) and publishes Event Tech Brief (eventtechbrief.com), a weekly newsletter and website on event technology.

Guest Panelists:  

Francis J. Friedman is a professional marketer, and branding and business-building expert. He is a recognized futurist in the tradeshow and events industry through his writings, speaking and chairing of a number of industry “future-focused” task forces and committees. He has been a senior tradeshow industry consultant for more than 25 years. His forthcoming book, Future of the Tradeshow Industry, the Modern Digital Tradeshow(MDT), discusses the ongoing digital transformation of the tradeshow model.

Dahlia El Gazzar is a speaker, educator, consultant, and marketer who is laser focused on event technology. As the Brand Visionnaire, Idea Ingiteur and Netweaver at Dahlia +, she develops marketing strategies for event-technology providers and startups, and speaks to audiences on how to integrate the latest technology tools into the event planning process. She has developed interactive training on iPads and mobile apps and provides assistance on a range of technologies at her very popular in-event TECH bars.

Andrea Bahr, CEM is vice president of exposition and events at the Texas Restaurant Association. She has extensive experience in social media, digital marketing, event-technology applications and systems, content management, project management and public speaking. She has held positions at dmg events USA, the Society of Petroleum Engineers and SPE’s Offshore Technology Conference, and the Texas Association of Appraisal Districts. She specializes in researching and recommending cutting-edge technology, including floor plan management, mobile apps, registration platforms, networking, and lead retrieval, to improve the event experience for attendees, staff, exhibitors, and sponsors. She is active in a number of industry organizations, where she leads efforts in education and mentorship.

Cost: None! Courtesy of Signature Boston/MCCA and Onstream Media.

Add new comment

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.