Experts & Opinions
Oct 30, 2020
The 2020 global pandemic has caused brands to rethink their approach to event marketing. Due to health guidelines, most in-person events have been canceled for the foreseeable future; yet, the event channel is still required to fill the sales funnel. As such, we have seen the “Big Pivot” to virtual to help reach the marketplace.
As brands and organizations wade into this new virtual event environment, it is important to examine how established learning theories and an emerging framework for addressing virtual audiences can inform the creative design and experiences delivered through virtual… more
Comments (0)
Oct 27, 2020
It’s Q4 2020, and B2B managers of events, demand generation and field-marketing activities are planning next year’s campaigns and customer-engagement activities. The question on their minds: when will events be back to “normal?”
I think it’s safe to say that large gatherings of people involving flights and hotels will not be happening anytime soon. However, 2021 events and customer meetings, virtual or otherwise, must be planned and budgeted. What should you do?
While B2B marketers depend heavily on event marketing, most B2B enterprises have turned from in-person to virtual events.… more
Comments (0)
Oct 21, 2020
From the clearing of skies in polluted areas of the world as we moved into COVID-19 lockdown, to some of the worst wildfires in the West and tropical storms in the southern and eastern United States, to societal unrest, it has become painfully clear how our actions (and inaction) are affecting our climate and humanity. While it’s all a bit overwhelming, there are actions that we in the events industry can take to contribute to meaningful change for the environment and communities.
Developed in 2015 by the United Nations, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to… more
Comments (0)
Oct 19, 2020
Looking for way to keep your exhibit spaces inviting and warm, yet safely designed? With innovative designs, you can still create a beautiful space with safety and function top of mind. To successfully plan a safe environment, follow these tips:
Facilitate movement through design.
Promoting socialization while safely distancing will be an obstacle for planners, though not impossible. For good measure, limit the number of attendees on the floor with extended hours, timed entrances and personal appointments. Both physical and mental cues will help attendees flow through the trade booths and… more
Comments (0)
Oct 15, 2020
The year 2020 has turned the world of virtual events upside down. How can you make connections when you can’t bring people together? With traditional events like fundraisers, workshops and conferences on hold for the foreseeable future, it’s time to get creative.
With so many of us working from home, constant Zoom meetings are the reality. Anyone who’s been on video chats all day long knows that they can get boring and repetitive. But if you can find a way to capture your audience’s attention, and to keep them engaged throughout an event, interactive online events are possible.
The world… more
Comments (0)
Oct 12, 2020
I’ll be the first to admit that the experiential marketing space hasn’t always been the pinnacle of environmentalism. Air travel emissions, elaborate, one-time use sets, wasted food and beverages — even a single pre-pandemic event could impact our environment in startling ways.
The impetus for sustainability has never been stronger. Many people are still quarantining and social distancing, and the planet has felt notable effects, including reduced carbon emissions and clear waterways. Because of this, people are pledging to “flatten the curve” when it comes to climate change. They saw how… more
Comments (0)
Oct 08, 2020
For the past few months, Go LIVE Together has been a primary voice advocating on behalf of the trade show industry, which has been profoundly impacted by COVID-19. #WeMakeEvents and #GoRedforEvents are other events industry efforts that have tried to garner some local and national attention. Many of us now are wondering what we can do to drum up even more publicity in mainstream media.
This time-pressing need for advocacy led #Expochat-seasoned moderator, Stephanie Selesnick, president of International Trade Information, and special guests Amie Cangelosi of mdg agency and Leah Mendes with… more
Comments (0)
Oct 06, 2020
Running a live event requires the ability to manage many moving parts. You’re trying to control logistics, entertain your audience and ultimately get people to associate their positive experiences with your company. The goal is for them to feel like they have “gotten to know” your brand and have built a rapport with it, just as they would with a person.
Engaging attendees is such a crucial part of that brand-building process that 39% of live event professionals agree it is the most important element of a live event. To foster that level of interaction, you must incorporate engaging elements… more
Comments (0)
Oct 01, 2020
Event marketers have long specialized in creating unique one-to-one engagement between brands and attendees. Enabling that same engagement digitally, however, requires a clear understanding of attendees’ digital behaviors.
We have to account not only for the nature and volume of the content they will want to consume in an online environment, but also their preferences and expectations for the environment itself. The five best practices below will help you design a digital event platform that delivers on just that.
1. Start with Sitemaps and Wireframes
In an online world, we’re bombarded… more
Comments (0)
Sep 28, 2020
Sunny days are upon us, followed by star-studded nights. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you could bring your typical indoor event outside? The answer is you can…but you need a plan! Focus on how to make the most of the great outdoors, so every one of your attendees can feel safe and engaged.
COVID-19 Planning Guidelines:
Sweat the Small Stuff.
If you are planning an outdoor event, you still need to consider:
Lighting: Do you need it? What kind of light is best – LED, pinpoint, or overhead? Work with your venue’s A/V specialist to discuss options.
Sound: Do you need microphones and a sound… more
Comments (0)
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.