New Tech Tools Help Planners Along Each Stage of an Event
November 25, 2020
With virtual elements taking an increasingly prominent role in the events industry, new digital technologies continue to emerge to aid planners with the various components involved in a meeting or exhibition.
Here are four recently launched tools that help organizers in everything from site selection and exhibit booth design to networking and awards.
IFEMA Virtual Site Tour
Madrid-based IFEMA launched a new digital tool that offers a 360-degree virtual tour of the indoor and outdoor spaces, rooms and halls at its Feria de Madrid and IFEMA Palacio Municipal meeting venues. The new technology, created with Recorrido Virtual and available on any device, also allows meeting planners to book and reserve space and receive comprehensive advice throughout the process from IFEMA staff without having to travel to the site.
Convey Services Cloud Exhibit
Convey Services expanded its Cloud Conventions platform with the launch of Cloud Exhibit, the digital version of a custom trade show booth. “Large corporations and big sponsors asked us to develop a way for them to have a custom exhibit inside any virtual event space,” said Bruce Ahern, founder of Convey Services. “They didn't like the flat environment many virtual environments provide.”
The new universal, portable, virtual Cloud Exhibit environment was designed to improve branding and enhance the attendee experience for companies sponsoring or exhibiting at any virtual event, regardless of the platform used. Cloud Exhibit also can showcase products and services by selectively displaying from a collection of formats and assets to match every audience.
Glue Up Speed Networking Tool
Glue Up (which recently changed its name from EventBank) debuted a new Speed Networking Tool designed to help businesses and professionals connect in a virtual environment. The new platform boasts a fully immersive virtual networking experience that allows clients to host meet-ups, exchange business cards and socialize with one another all online and all in one place.
“This feature is like speed dating for professionals,” said Olivia Ji, president and co-founder of Glue Up. “Instead of looking for a date, you are looking for a person that will help expand your business, professional goals, increase revenue, etc.”
Evessio Awards Room
Recently launched by Evessio, the Awards Room was designed to provide an ideal hybrid experience by combining physical and digital award ceremonies. “Our aim was to create a product for organizers that has it all in one place,” said Thomas Howie, COO of Evessio. “We believe it really does offer a truly global extension to their event brand.”
The Awards Room allows organizers to invite audiences from anywhere in the world and provides sponsors with exposure throughout the ceremony regardless of whether they are in the room or on the screen. The platform also allows networking opportunities and sponsor package ideas, among other tools.
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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