Experts & Opinions

Nov 24, 2021
As vaccination rates continue to rise and people return to their “normal” lives, many event organizers and venues are thinking about how they can continue to protect the health and safety of attendees. Some organizers and venues have also expressed a desire to help promote the vaccination effort, as the more people who get vaccinated, the safer events will be.  A number of events, such as the HIMSS21 Health and Safety Hub that took place in Las Vegas in August, have required in-person attendees to be fully vaccinated. Similarly, some concert and sporting venues like Madison Square Garden in… more
Nov 23, 2021
We all love when a project is successfully completed on time, on budget, as envisioned and of course, with a huge return on investment. It’s even better if we can take all the credit for it, but let’s be honest, it takes a strong team of skilled individuals to pull this off. There are hundreds of moving parts, each with its unique intricacies, that make it impossible for one person to do it all. Some of the best projects that I’ve worked on are a result of the team in place and talents that everyone can bring to the table. Lending Support I’m not an estimator, or a project manager, or a… more
Nov 18, 2021
Moderators can be key in any hybrid, in-person or virtual event experience. They keep attendees focused, ensure chats run smoothly and enhance speaker content.  The Client Success team at JUNO has supported hundreds of online conference sessions for emergency room physicians, e-sports experts and event pros. This first-hand experience with various speakers offers insight for future planning. We sat down with Marjorie Scarff, senior manager of client success, for a quick Q&A to understand best practices for moderating a session and why it’s important. First off, what or who is a… more
Nov 16, 2021
Businesses have relied on trade shows for B2B marketing for nearly 200 years, and it’s easy to see why. These exhibitions allow companies to network, discover new leads and form partnerships. The more connections you make, the more likely you are to turn a profit and become a respected brand. Up until this point, these shows have been largely in-person events. Now, however, event organizers are taking a different approach, with a plan to increase spending on virtual events and trade shows by 37% and 30%, respectively. Thus, online expos will likely remain for the foreseeable future.   This… more
Nov 11, 2021
What exactly defines a “technology company?” Wikipedia says it’s an electronics-based business related to internet-related services, software, yadda yadda. There’s no doubt that Apple, Samsung, Dell and Amazon are tech companies. But let’s consider Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, which are all classified in that category. They are categorized as such, given that their services are delivered online or through mobile and their revenue is generated by selling data or access to information. Makes sense. On the other hand, these companies offer the ability for people to connect, communicate and… more
Nov 09, 2021
The coronavirus outbreak ended social gatherings and events as we know them, seemingly overnight. Now almost two years into this pandemic, we’re realizing just how important events are to our personal and professional lives, and we want them back. In June of this year, as the vaccine started to make its way around the world, the events industry started to see signs of recovery, and attendee confidence was on the rise. But that quickly unraveled with the emergence of the Delta Variant. It’s now clear that the pandemic isn't over just yet and that the rules of engagement are still very much… more
Nov 03, 2021
Video is now at the forefront of social sharing, networking and business marketing. It’s driving immense growth on nearly every social platform. Instagram, once a photo-focused app, just recently shared that they’re moving away from photo and leaning into video content. It’s no secret that the reason videos perform well on so many platforms is because of the entertainment they provide. While technology grows and preferences shift, video has quickly become a definite must to catch the eyes of potential buyers. This push for video doesn’t just stop at digital viewing. You guessed it—it’s… more
Oct 31, 2021
As the trade show industry started coming back to life over the summer and everyone collectively held their breaths hoping beyond hope that the attendees would show up – something very unexpected happened. The attendees arrived in force – ready to buy and in good numbers – but what actually was missing in a lot of cases were the exhibitors. We all know marketing budgets were slashed and the uncertainty around whether attendees would be at a show or not, along with some corporate travel bans, all are reasons exhibitors may not have been on the floor. But – we need to help them understand… more
Oct 28, 2021
As digital experiences continue to make waves in this ever-changing industry, the idea of a “venue” may take on a new shape. Everyone is familiar with in-person venues, but the idea of a completely different venue experience online is going to have a huge impact on how events will look and operate moving forward. All-in-one software platforms have really become digital venues for gathering people together. Like physical venues, there are strategic decisions to be made about what venue is chosen. No one tries to cram 3,000 exhibit booths in a hotel ballroom, instead, planners contract… more
Oct 26, 2021
Professionals have valued in-person events as a reliable way to make connections and network — and 68% of marketers say it’s hard to offer those opportunities in a virtual world. This challenge presents a massive opportunity, with 66% of event planners calling out the need to learn how to design digital event experiences for the future.  An Allied Market Industry Research forecast predicts that the event industry will reach nearly $1.553 billion by 2028. The shift to virtual and hybrid events will help drive the anticipated 11.2% of compound annual growth between 2021 and 2028. As we look… more
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.