Experts & Opinions
Jan 19, 2021
Pivot. Virtual. Digital. Hybrid. Unprecedented: the buzzwords of 2020.
If you’re like the team at RED VELVET, these terms are on the tip of your tongue this year. Our conversations revolve around the idea of “evolving the event experience,” challenging norms and coming up with new plans that still hit the mark of creating a satisfying, successful and effective event experience no matter the format. We’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly while exploring arenas and platforms.
One thing has become abundantly clear: we are much wiser now to the fact that a “perfect” event, live or virtual,… more
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Jan 15, 2021
I had the honor of facilitating a Buzz Session at IAEE’s Expo Expo 2020 entitled “Going Virtual” — an apropos name given that this was the first fully virtual Expo! Expo! Along with serious questions I posed to the group, I also had a bit of fun by beginning the poll with the following question:
“If your experience of going virtual was an animal, which would it be?”
As you can see from the responses (at left), the transition to virtual was a real beast in many ways.
It’s safe to assume that the Snake, Sloth, Warthog and Shark selections were not necessarily indicating positive… more
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Jan 13, 2021
As we head back into live events, we’ll see many changes in how each one is fulfilled. One very important aspect for exhibitors to prepare for is how attendees feel about stepping back into public spaces, specifically large events like trade shows. This is why it’s important to start contemplating hybrid events.
What’s a Hybrid Event?
A hybrid event allows for trade shows, conferences, meetings, and other types of events to combine a live, in-person aspect with a virtual/digital component. While your live event is going on, you’ll also have the ability to reach attendees in a mirrored… more
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Jan 11, 2021
Let’s not sugarcoat it, the past 12 months have been difficult for everyone, especially the industry closest to our hearts: the business of meetings and events. It is easy to find ourselves a bit dejected and perhaps a bit confused. There was no rule book written for a year like 2020, and there’s no clear guide to move us forward in 2021. However, we’ve weathered storms together in the past, and we will move through this and dare I say, end up better than ever. With a little perspective and positivity, 2021 can be your best year yet! Let’s talk about the 3 “R’s” that seem to be a common theme… more
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Jan 06, 2021
It's an understatement to say that by many measures, this was an unusual and challenging year for us all. However, to be fair, I watched some TV series that I would never have considered and hope to never see again. Especially if they involve "big cats."
How many live events were canceled in 2020 and will not be held even through the first part of 2021? On a personal level, we all know people, friends and colleagues who lost jobs. Even worse, there is a high likelihood that a great many of us have personally suffered financial loss, even if we were fortunate to maintain employment.
Our… more
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Jan 04, 2021
The year that was 2020, a cataclysmic and unprecedented year for the global trade show industry, is almost behind us. But as the inaugural virtual Expo! Expo! gets underway and its attendees look to the New Year with trepidation, we must also look at positive reasons the events of the past year have forever altered the trade show industry’s landscape.
With the global suspension of large crowds, efforts to find remote solutions for business events were doubled in 2020. Practices previously marginalized by conventional face-to-face event organizers, such as online live streaming, social media… more
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Dec 22, 2020
Experiential marketing events are slowly making their way back into our lives. This is a good thing, provided that the events are well-planned and adhere to local health and safety guidelines. The best experiential marketing activations are the safest ones. Although it might seem difficult, there are ways to ensure your COVID-19 brand activations and experiential marketing provide a healthy balance of safe and fun.
When Good Activations Go Bad
Of course, not all events can balance safety with celebration. Over the summer, when people were tired of staying at home and missing out, the… more
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Dec 17, 2020
It has been a challenging year for everyone but your team needs their morale boosted now, more than ever. If you’ve bravely taken on the responsibility of planning the office holiday party this year but are struggling to come up with last-minute ideas, look no further!
Read on to find out some out-of-the-box ideas to host the best-ever party for your team.
Move your celebration to the virtual space
Vet for a virtual event platform that has a user-friendly interface and scope for in-depth customizations. Also consult with your event-tech partner whether they have features such as a… more
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Dec 15, 2020
You’ve undoubtedly been hearing a lot lately – and not just in this space – about the COVID-19 pandemic giving rise to something often described as the Zoom Era. Virtual events, you see, have been a necessary function of maintaining public health, social distancing and general decorum. Whether it’s a work meeting, symposium, classroom or concert, we’ve all been dutifully doing our part to suck it up, hunker down and log on. For now.
But there’s an implication weaved into that outlook – an assumption that we’ll soon go back to the way things were. We’re here to tell you: Don’t hold your… more
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Dec 09, 2020
Being part of an event, whether virtual or in-person, takes energy, time, money and resources, and some businesses struggle with deciding if a show is a good fit or even the right decision at all.
Use these tips to figure out what kind of industry event is right for you, how and where to look for them and why they are crucial.
Do You Share The Same Target Audience?
When you hear about an upcoming function, you can browse through their marketing materials and website to find out further details. Of course, you’ll want to consider facts like when it is taking place, but your main concern… 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.