Blogs

Jan 16, 2018
CES is the world’s largest technology show, if not the largest trade show across the globe. More than 170,000 industry professionals attended this year’s CES in Las Vegas for the annual unveiling of all the latest tech products, from voice-controlled smart homes to transparent trucks. They toss around fancy words like “futurism” and “pioneering thinkers” to describe world-changing innovations. Did we mention the Sony robot dog? While the show always impresses the average consumer, there is incredible new technology that can change the landscape of how you exhibit at your next show or how you… more
Jan 11, 2018
No. 5: Ask for a discount. If you don’t ask, you won’t get. Discounts are everywhere in the trade show industry. But they aren’t always stamped with the word, “DISCOUNT!” in big red letters. When you’re working with your show vendors, always ask them how to obtain cost savings and the best value. They may offer discounts to new clients to incent you to try their services or have package deals, volume discounts for multiple shows or be willing to meet or beat other quotes you have solicited. Many exhibitors don’t bother to ask about vendor discounts and leave a lot of cash on the table just… more
Jan 09, 2018
Tech helps the brand experience world go around, from audio-visual solutions to the latest innovations in digital marketing. Tech is precise, mathematical and useful. It can be eye-catching and fun, too. But ultimately, tech is just part of the show organizer machine that powers event marketing and sponsorship. Stop the engines for one second. What if I told you event tech, at its best, can make shows more personal and create deeper connections between you or your sponsors and audiences? It seems counterintuitive but it’s true. Good tech makes events more human. Ready to put some octane… more
Jan 04, 2018
Social media isn’t just for sharing selfies or tweeting 140 characters anymore. We use it every day to stay connected to family and friends, read about current events, and feel included in events and stories from across the globe. Facebook has found a way to encourage user involvement with its new feature, Collaborative Stories. This recently launched feature is in addition to its already popular Stories function. Users of Facebook groups and Facebook events will be able to contribute to a story that will be visible only to other members of that group or event. Collaborative Stories shared… more
Jan 02, 2018
You’re either with the robots or you’re not with the robots – choose wisely. The robot revolution is coming and it will impact the event space. Well...maybe not in 2018, but there are certainly technology trends that event professionals should be aware of in their strategic planning for 2018 and beyond. To help organizers prepare for the future, we put together a blog series that will cover the top trends we’re seeing and insight on how to make the most of new technologies for your events. One of the top overall event tech trends we’re seeing for 2018 is engagement. But what does that mean… more
Dec 21, 2017
No. 4: Add 10% “slush” to your exhibit budget. I’ve found that there are two kinds of corporate budgets: The “it-would-be-nice-if-you-hit-this-number” kind and The “if-you-go-over-this-amount-your-job’s-in-jeopardy” kind (Well, maybe not your job, but maybe no bonus or promotion?) If you don’t know which budget method your company subscribes to, this is a good time to have a heart-to-heart talk with your boss about your exhibit budget and company policy on managing it. Since the only figure we know for sure when we sign up for a show is the cost of booth space (usually on a square foot or… more
Dec 19, 2017
With all the detailed planning that goes into major trade shows, conferences and other large events, often overlooked is one segment of attendees that does need some special attention: individuals with disabilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 53 million adults in the U.S. have a disability. Their disabilities, however, don’t stop many of them from attending events. Event planners know this and are much more focused today on creating accessible events. Still, there’s more that can be done. From the venue selection and preparation to the use of certain… more
Dec 15, 2017
There are several benefits associated with investing your time and energy in expanding the marketability of your product via a trade show. Trade fairs are powerful marketing systems that can bring new customers to your roster while maintaining your current relationships with your brand loyalists. It’s one of the only times where there will be a concentrated presence of international buyers, sellers and investors in one place in such a short period of time. In addition, trade shows provide an insight of the market and industry, introduce you to the latest innovations and trends of your… more
Dec 13, 2017
If you are anything like me, you barely carry cash anymore. Credit and debit cards have become the main method of payment these days so cash isn’t necessary. Other advances in technology, such as PayPal and Apple Pay, have proven this to be true, too. With cashless payments gaining momentum and technology being developed to cater to this trend, it’s time that the event industry catch-up. Attendees already have enough to remember and worry about at an event, so having a few bucks on them to purchase lunch is probably the last thing they are thinking about. Make It Easier for Attendees Our… more
Dec 11, 2017
Reducing landfill waste is a major challenge for any trade show, and very often event organizers and venues face the difficult question of where to even start. In our experience, one of the most impactful strategies to address is directing a greater focus towards donation and reuse within the exhibit hall itself. For some real-world inspiration on this front, the IMEX America exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events, held annually each October at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, features several innovative approaches towards exhibit hall donation and reuse which have… more
Partner Voices
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