SWAG 2.0: How Companies Are Reinventing Event Giveaways

Submitted by lpsavas@tsnn.com on Tue, 10/19/2021 - 10:30

Remember the good old days when millions of Americans got on planes and went to trade shows in every corner of the country? It was one of the most effective ways for people to connect and get deals done, and it was also an amazing tool for companies to build and promote themselves by giving away branded items that people would take home and use.

4 Impressive New Convention Center Developments to Watch for in 2021 and Beyond

As the industry returns to face-to-face events, rest assured there will be no shortage of spectacular spaces in which to convene. With the array of new and expanded convention centers that have opened this year and are on track to debut in the near future, this seems to be one of the most prolific periods of new construction the industry has seen.

Emerald’s Hervé Sedky, Tarsus Group's Douglas Emslie Receive Top 2021 TSNN Awards Honors

Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky and Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie will be celebrated for their incredible advocacy, support and achievements in the trade show industry at the 2021 TSNN Awards Dec. 1-2 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

Sedky has been named the 2021 TSNN Awards Industry Icon Award honoree, given to an individual in the trade show industry who has displayed exemplary leadership.

Leaders Meet in Singapore to Call for Reopening of Business Events in Southeast Asia

Regional government representatives from Southeast Asia, trade association leaders and major global exhibition organizers joined together Oct. 5-7 at the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore for the Joint Leadership Summit (JLS), aimed at paving the way for the return of in-person exhibitions in the region.

Launching Successful Running Shows Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint, According to Raccoon Events CEO Mike Seaman

While some exhibition companies are doubling down on fine-tuning their existing events and waiting for 2022 to re-launch their in-person experiences, some are seeing this challenging period in our industry’s history as the perfect time to debut brand-new trade shows for underserved markets.

4 Health-Screening Solutions to Streamline Verification for In-Person Events

Ensuring the health and safety of attendees, exhibitors and employees working at host venues has become a paramount priority as the industry returns to in-person events. An increasing number of organizers are opting to implement COVID-19 vaccine mandates or negative test requirements in addition to several other health and safety measures. With these trends, the need for streamlined ways to verify proof of health status electronically is on the rise.

The Exhibition Industry’s Missing Link: Moving Data with Ease

Submitted by ltenny@tsnn.com on Thu, 10/14/2021 - 12:48

If you and I have a business conversation lasting much more than five minutes, there’s a good chance the subject of data is going to come up. I’m sorry, I just can’t help myself! I simply love the fact that data makes the world go ’round. For an IT professional, it’s been the steroid that has really juiced the entire technology industry. Now, if you look at what’s going on in the consumer/commercial SaaS world, it’s flabbergasting how data is enabling innovation and growth. In actuality, though, it’s not simply the existence of data by itself that drives value.

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.