Experts & Opinions
Jun 26, 2024
Around the world, the business events industry is advocating on the issues that matter to our collective future.
Last month, I joined Marsha Flanagan, president and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and Barbara Weizsäcker, secretary general of the European Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEIA) on stage at IMEX Frankfurt for a transatlantic policy and advocacy update.
Two issues were front and center: international travel and sustainability.
Reducing friction in international travel
While ECA has been working to bring down visa wait times for… more
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Jun 12, 2024
Do you have a post-event strategy?
While we pour our time, energy, creativity and strategic thinking into maximizing pre-registrations, there's so much untapped value post-event.
Here are my top five ideas to include in your post-event plan:
Build deeper connections and reward loyalty
Send personalized thank you notes to your event stakeholders, share event highlights and keep them informed about future events. Enroll attendees in a loyalty club and acknowledge their importance to the brand. Appreciate them, and you’ll increase advocacy and future commitment.
Gather valuable… more
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May 29, 2024
Believe it or not, where organizations choose to host their conventions and conferences makes a profound impact on attendees’ health and wellbeing, as we all know too well that our places matter to our overall productivity.
Event organizers invest substantial funds in venue rentals, event coordination and marketing efforts, expecting a return on investment through attendee engagement and satisfaction. However, more often than we like, attendees are greeted with beige, uninspiring spaces that leave them to feel disengaged and dissatisfied. What should have been an opportunity for growth and… more
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May 15, 2024
In the world of trade shows, making an impression isn’t only about what happens during the event; it’s about the anticipation before and the momentum after. This comprehensive approach can transform your trade show experience from a mere exhibit to a powerhouse of long-term growth, partnerships and results.
The importance of both pre- and post-trade show marketing can’t be overstated. Without it, you’re essentially throwing your investment away. It’s like organizing a grand party but forgetting to send out the invites or follow up afterward. Don’t be that host.
Strategies to Boost Pre-Trade… more
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May 08, 2024
Handing out logo plastic pens, USB thumb drives or cheaply produced key chains at trade shows and exhibitions is an outdated practice. Studies show that most giveaways are unwanted, thrown away and end up in landfills. In addition, nearly 50% of consumers feel more favorable about brands that gave them a promotional product if it was environmentally friendly.
That’s why the promotional product industry must continue its efforts to become more sustainable in 2024. Here are five of the most important questions you need to answer before purchasing your next company giveaway:
1. Are they… more
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May 01, 2024
While post-COVID international travel to the U.S. reopened in late 2021, trade show, conference and corporate meeting organizers across the country have not been able to bring all their international exhibitors and attendees to their events in the U.S.
Why? Persistent visa processing delays in many key markets around the world.
Here’s an example: If a would-be exhibitor or attendee from Mexico City applied for a visitor visa for the first time at the local U.S. embassy today, they would have to wait 878 days for an interview with a consular officer.
That’s not 878 days to get a visa,… more
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Apr 24, 2024
Event cancellation insurance is a specialized insurance that provides financial coverage for organizations if they must cancel, postpone, abandon or relocate an event. It is essential for organizations hosting trade shows, conferences, concerts, festivals, celebrations or sporting events to maintain event cancellation insurance to improve their chances of recovering their losses if they cannot hold an event.
Obtaining full insurance coverage is often impossible under the “inability” definitions in these policies, which mean either a “physical inability” (the facility is no longer operational… more
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Apr 18, 2024
Events are a critical part of the corporate ecosystem, and especially the marketing ecosystem. However, as valuable as events are for forming long-term business partnerships and ensuring loyal customers are provided with a unique experience, there are considerations to be made around environmental impact.
On average, event attendees produce over four pounds of waste per day. While event professionals have taken the right steps to reduce their environmental impact, there’s still progress to be made.
While some factors, such as carbon emissions from travel, are difficult to control, there… more
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Apr 16, 2024
As we all navigate the shifting scientific studies, expectations and regulations around business and sustainability, environmentally-focused events stand out as lighthouses of innovation and green practices.
What are environmentally-focused events? These are trade shows, exhibitions and conferences that aren’t just events. They’re opportunities. They’re your chance to dive into the world of sustainable events to learn, connect and come away inspired. Let’s walk through the highlights of these events and discover how you can bring their insights into your work.
1. Discover Renewable… more
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Apr 09, 2024
As events continue to be a hub of excitement and collaboration for many, it’s important to be aware of the impact they present. Understanding the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced and how much waste is being expelled during an event is just one of the steps in creating a more sustainable path going forward.
Sustainability is more than environmental action, it has four pillars. Environment is one focus area and the other three focus on Human, Social and Economic improvement.
While attendees can try their best to be cognizant of these and refrain from wasting what they don’t… more
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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.