Voting for TSNN's Inaugural "Best of Show" Is Open!

October 8, 2011

We were so thrilled to receive several amazing submissions that we decided to choose FIVE nominees for TSNN’s inaugural “Best of Show” award.

It’s pretty simple – Please fill out the form located HERE. One vote per e-mail is allowed. Voting closes Oct. 25 at 12:00 a.m. EST.

The winner will be announced at the 2011 TSNN Event Excellence Awards Nov. 4-6 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in D.C. For more info please visit www.T-awards.com.

Here are the five nominees:

AIBTM - The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition
European and Asian markets, but they decided to take a chance on launching in the U.S. market at their recent show held in Baltimore. Some of the highlights of the event that brought together buyers and suppliers in the meetings and events space included a thorough buyer qualifying process with a commitment to meet with at least eight suppliers; a dedicated CEO education program was offered that had an overwhelming response; several high-end networking functions, including 1,300 tickets given away for a U2 concert, as well as Visit Baltimore hosted reception; and more. The result was more than one-third of the exhibitors rebooked onsite for the 2012 show, which was called a “staggering success” and buyers also gave the event high marks.

America's Health Insurance Plans' Institute 2011
AHIP recently experienced a very successful first run incorporating QR codes into their event. This medical industry event drove traffic to their mobile app with QR codes, allowing attendees to easily access session, speaker and logistic information. The QR codes were established and printed on clear peel-and-stick labels affixed on signage during move-in. Using the stickers, rather than printing on graphics, gave the client last-minute leeway for QR code changes and hence provided peace of mind. They also instructed attendees (via cards handed out onsite and general show signage) how the QR codes could benefit them and how they worked. As a result, Attendees commented how pleased they were to see the organization embracing new technology tools. 

Craft & Hobby Association’s 2011 Winter Conference and Show
Despite a severe hit to the craft and hobby marketplace during the past few years, which impacted the Craft & Hobby Association's Winter Conference and Show, the association took several steps to make its 2011 show a success. Some of those steps included renaming the show to emphasize the conference component, aggressively marketing the new location in Los Angeles, recruited celebrity crafters, a TV studio on the showfloor, a matchmaking component and much more. As a result, the show saw overall growth in exhibitors and showfloor size, as well as drew strong attendance. 

International Converting Exposition (ICE) USA
In the middle of a tough economy, Mack Brooks Exhibitions took a leap of faith and launched a new show serving the converting industry, which is a step before the packaging process. The lead U.S. event in this space CMM International had shrunk drastically, so Mack Brooks bought it, renamed it and then had to resell it through a strategy called the “ICE Mentality” as the go-to place for the converting industry. An advisory board was established and the show got to work putting together a unique experience for attendees/exhibitors at the show, including an icebreaker party with a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, golf tournament, huge ice sculpture, icebreaker breath mints and ICE-branded clothing products were sold, to name a few.  As a result, Mack Brooks said the event was a “smashing success”.

Outdoor Retailer
According to Nielsen Expositions’ show management for Outdoor Retailer, the show has revolutionized the trade show business by taking the old b2b, order-writing buyer/seller platform and transforming the 30-yr-old show into an experience that flows from b2b transactional to a b2c experiential must-attend event. From innovative treatments like the Business Community Zones, Adventure Theater and Design Competition to the online tools deployed like the show’s Mobile App, Show Planner interface, 'LiveFrom' video clips and our new customized OR Hub interface, the show has enabled attendees to get more out of the show experience, and network like never before with like-minded but disparate market players. By designing the floorplan with key adjacencies, the show fosters partnerships among the different vertical market forces in the 'zones'. The show enables this not only on floorplan, but digitally with key media partnerships and programs that simultaneously deepen core business connectivity and increase peripheral market opportunity for all stakeholders in Outdoor. As a result, the show has seen significant growth and looks to grow even more into the future.

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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.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  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.