Trend Spotting and How It Affects Your Trade Show
June 23, 2012
I recently read a post on trend spotting in terms of catering your next show/event from Key Events. Now you may ask, so how do the newest drinks really translate to my booth? Well, let me do some explaining and see if you agree.
First trend: more hard alcohol. I honed in on this trend first. Hard alcohol is being offered at more events versus the standard beer and wine. What that means to the trade show manager: Budgets are getting a bit looser. Companies are allowing hard alcohol at their events, which costs more because of the cost of the item and beer and wine can be self-serve or a volunteer, whereas hard alcohol typically requires a bartender to mix the drinks. If they have more dollars in their pocket for that, they probably have a better budget to buy things they need for their business, or they are moving in that direction.
Second trend: local cuisine and drinks. I found this trend interesting. The event goer is looking for a local (and new) experience. What that means to the trade show manager: Showing the same thing in the same way could alienate your attendees more now. They want to experience something different from what they are familiar with, and if you work some unique aspects into your booth, you could see an increase in traffic, which gives your booth more sales play. My blog earlier this week talked to infographics - this would be a great trend to try and see if you get more engagement in your booth. Whatever you try, be sure to do something that is appropriate for your booth concept and authentic. They will spot something staged a mile away.
Third trend: Mixology cocktails. This is where the bartender does an elaborate show to mix the drink. What that means to the trade show manager: Your attendees are looking for a full experience, and want the whole show. Before, attendees had one day, maybe two, to get through a trade show, and they had to do it oftentimes on their own since budgets were cut back. I would suspect you will see attendees with a bit more time to spend at the show (maybe not the whole duration, but not three hours either) and they want to have a strong booth experience they can relay back to their team. This is where your demonstration is key: it needs to be interactive, engaging and relevant. This is certainly not a place to skimp. You may have more time with your attendees in the future so don't waste it.
Start seeing what other trends are out there and see if it gives you any insight into your potential attendee.
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.
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