Jessica Glenn
Jessica Glenn is the Sustainability Manager at Freeman, where she works to raise awareness and develop best practices for sustainability that make financial sense in light of corporate responsibility goals.
Going the Distance: Sustainability and Signage
April 16, 2018
The quality of your graphics can make or break your success at events. But they can also break your budget and put a serious strain on the environment.
In an attempt to grab attention, exhibitors try to out-do each other with the biggest, best and flashiest graphics. The result? An event that rivals Times Square for sheer sensory overload, with out-of-control costs and a negative environmental impact.
It’s time to look at sustainability and how to reduce your graphics clutter.
Out with the old
What materials do you select for exhibit graphics?
If you're still using foam core, then make your way to a new era: foam cores are out and more sustainable, recyclable and high-quality materials are in.
Eco-friendly substrates such as honeycomb or cardboard or even heavy-duty, high-quality paper are not only recyclable, they lend your booth a sophisticated and updated look, impressing attendees.
Increase material longevity
Printing signage is a huge expense, both in material and labor costs, let alone design time. So, do yourself a favor and print materials without specific themes, locations and dates. By keeping your materials less specific, you can use them for several events until it's time for recycling.
Not only will you reduce your waste and save on expenses, you’ll also save time since you won’t need to worry about getting new messaging approved and new materials allocated into your budget. The materials on the market today look great for an extended period with minimal upkeep or cost, so you’ll likely wonder why you didn’t adopt this practice sooner.
Invest in the Future
Get rid of printed graphics and go digital!
Digital signage is flexible and saves production costs. Last minute changes are easy in the digital realm, helping you stay flexible with schedules, sponsor acknowledgement and information direction.
The venue or general service contractor has information about the range of digital signage offered, including sound options, video and screen size. Explore what’s available and put those high-tech elements to work promoting your business and ideas.
Don't Overproduce
Signage can be a major expense for exhibitors and organizers alike when you consider the cost of graphics, labor to distribute and collect, and disposal/storage costs. To reduce your waste and improve your bottom line when it comes to signage, think quality instead of quantity.
Reviewing where you place signage is a great start. How do you know you have too much signage?
If an attendee can see two or more directional signs from just one vantage point, then you’re in overproduced graphics territory. Reducing signage can be a bit nerve-wracking (“What if people get lost?”), so reduce gradually and track results along the way. Digital map stations offer a great way to reduce signage and can be easily updated if exhibits need shuffling.
Being creative and strategic with your graphics can make an enormous difference. Helping the environment and your balance sheet in one fell swoop will have a positive impact on your business, your event experience and your brand. Now that's attention-grabbing!
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
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