3 Products to Cut Down on Germs at Trade Shows and Events
July 23, 2020
With concern over germs at perhaps an all-time high, event organizers must rethink areas that are traditionally high-touch at conferences and trade shows. These three companies have options to help decrease the risk of spreading the coronavirus at events.
Antimicrobial Handrails
Ad Rail USA — which is working with major events including CES, RECon, AAFP, AWS Public Summit, Microsoft Inspire, NADA, VMWorld and others — has an antimicrobial handrail media that can significantly cut down germs on escalators. The handrail graphics include a special additive in lamination that has been tested effective against 99.9 percent of bacteria, according to Gianni Cotteta, president of Ad Rail USA. The company launched in 2008 for malls and airports, then expanded to convention centers and events about six years ago—but this product is now seeing more interest than ever. “I've been telling our customers about our antimicrobial benefit for 12 years,” says Cotteta. “However, up until now, revenue has been the main focus and key driver for our clients.” The added benefit here is that these handrail graphics can be branded, providing a perfect sponsorship opportunity.
Sneeze Shield Registration Counters
Registration is typically a high-contact situation at trade shows. To make these areas safer, Kansas City-based Liberty Exposition Services has debuted a new design for registration counters with plexiglass barriers as a response to the pandemic. “Our main goal was to ensure that show management, exhibitors and attendees feel safe and comfortable once they step foot on the show floor again,” says Madison Styhl, a sales associate with Liberty. “These sneeze guards create a protective barrier between staff and those who are registering for the event.” The first event to use the new design was at the Interface conference at Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas. In addition, Liberty also offers hand-sanitizing stations, social distancing floor clings and plastic barriers.
Germ-Free Pens
Branded promotional pens are a ubiquitous staple at trade shows, but with the possibility of many hands touching them at registration or in expo booths over the course of an event, they may not be as safe to use or give away anymore. Jackson, Tenn.-based The Pen Guy offers a line of antimicrobial, antibacterial pens made with special additives that help prevent the spread of bacteria and allergens. According to company CEO Gary Austin, having a mindful strategy to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria at live events is more important than ever. “Our special line of antimicrobial and antibacterial pens uses a unique manufacturing process to prevent the spread of bacteria and allergens, and provides you with a creative, health-conscious way to share your business brand and story,” he says.
What new products are you turning to in planning future trade shows to keep your exhibitors, staff and attendees safe? Tell us in the comments below.
Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.
Remodeled Guest Rooms
MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites.
Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation.
Reinvented Luxury Experiences
The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes.
New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May.
Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.
A “New Wave for Mandalay Bay
A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay.
Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options.
From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.
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