Experts & Opinions
Feb 16, 2022
An event organizer’s priority is everyone’s health and safety. The Delta and Omicron variants certainly raised concerns as they seemed to pop up overnight. The good news is that events, even large-scale trade shows, have been staging for well over a year now—successfully and safely.
Our good friends at Freeman and Epistemix commissioned a study last year and found that “risks of COVID-19 infection at events were as much as eight times less than the metro area where they were being held.” The study went further in stating, “In-person business event participants are more likely to be… more
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Feb 10, 2022
As we enter year three of a global pandemic that upends plans from one minute to the next, marketing events remain a highly challenging endeavor. We thought vaccines would bring us back to normal by 2022, but once again, we find ourselves resetting our expectations about event outcomes at this moment. Maybe we won’t see the pre-2020 crowds just yet, but they’re coming, and maybe we do need virtual aspects of our events as much as we value the in-person connections. So now, we ask ourselves as marketers in these constantly uncertain circumstances, how do we convince our audiences to move… more
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Feb 03, 2022
Long, long ago (2006) in an industry far, far away, Clive Humby, a British mathematician and data science entrepreneur, stated “Data is the new oil. It’s valuable, but if unrefined, it cannot really be used. It has to be changed into gas, plastic, chemicals, etc., to create a valuable entity that drives profitable activity; so data must be broken down, analyzed for it to have value.”
In today’s event-tech-centric world, it’s relatively easy to generate new data, but in my opinion, much harder to refine it into profitable assets that fuel your business. This is not dissimilar to oil itself.… more
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Feb 01, 2022
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the event industry has seen a complete 180 in operations, with in-person events being forced to move to virtual in response to safety protocols. And now, hybrid events are catching on as a way to provide the best of both worlds. With these changes, event managers are turning to new tools and event software to ease the often quick transition and offer the best overall experience for their audiences.
New practices and technologies can introduce trial-and-error challenges that get in the way of creating the ultimate experience for audiences. Here are three… more
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Jan 27, 2022
What’s in a brand? Well, a lot of things! More than just a logo, a brand encompasses your message and your reputation. It’s both tangible and intangible. It’s not meant to be finite, but rather to grow as your company grows. To stand the test of time, your brand should be able to evolve, responding to your customers’ needs and thinking ahead to “what’s next?”
The pandemic has pushed a lot of companies to adapt to new circumstances. No doubt it also made some of those companies rethink their brand.
So, how do you know when it’s time to reevaluate and refresh some or all of your company’s… more
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Jan 25, 2022
Have you ever tried getting rid of things in your closet? “Editing” is big right now, and Instagram and Netflix make it look easy and productive. Revisiting clothes you haven’t worn in a while is an overwhelming task (“But what if I need this yellow sweater I haven’t worn in eight years for a potential theme party that I have not been invited to?"). It’s easier to move something to the back of the closet and shut the door, especially when many of us have been living in sweatpants this past year.
Looking at your non-engaged email audience is very similar. You may be marketing your event or… more
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Jan 20, 2022
We are seeing the “Great Resignation” take hold, as employees are suddenly realizing they have more options and are demanding better lives for themselves and their families.
Commutes are out the window in favor of remote work arrangements, as many employees can now conduct their jobs from anywhere, and cities are being forsaken for suburban and even rural areas, with key buying priorities changing from the transport links to the Wi-Fi strength.
I kept this in mind when a remote working opportunity presented itself, and I moved from the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C. to relatively… more
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Jan 18, 2022
With the continually rising impacts of climate change, the demand for sustainable energy alternatives is more pressing than ever. Every industry faces a range of challenges when going green. Without a thoughtful strategy, even staging an event can contribute excessively to emissions. Event preparation is complex to begin with, especially with the new imperative of powering events in a greener way. Thanks to new technologies, there are several ways that events can achieve this goal. Whether it be a concert, a sporting event, a trade show or a conference, events can rely on new sustainable… more
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Jan 13, 2022
There’s been a lot of talk lately about the use, or misuse, of QR code data by marketers. It’s a valid argument, albeit familiar, in the context of data privacy. Most people are aware that QR codes aren’t new, but they are back in the spotlight. This is due to a variety of reasons, the top ones being the acceleration of QR codes during the pandemic and the eventual dissolution of third-party cookies.
Throughout the pandemic, QR codes proved to be the easiest way to conduct touchless transactions such as ordering food or paying a bill. Now, they’re a primary way for managing how attendees… more
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Jan 11, 2022
Regardless of what type of event you’re holding, you need to meet your registration goals. While events may continue to look different for the foreseeable future, we have found many of our solid marketing tactics and strategies are still effective and will help move the needle in this evolving event landscape. Here are our top tips to increase your registration:
Set and amplify multiple deadlines
Use rate increases to drive urgency, incentivize and to create micro-campaigns within the overall campaign cycle. With a long campaign cycle, customers can easily lose interest and engagement, but… 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.