Experts & Opinions

Jan 23, 2020
Business conferences and live events are a booming sector, with demand growing and growth showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, consulting firm AMR International predicts that the U.S. exhibition market will grow 3.5 percent through 2022.  With growth comes competition among event organizers to bring attendees the best, most seamless digital experience. As event organizers aim to provide the most cutting-edge customer experience, many are turning to technology to enhance even the most mundane tasks. According to a survey by Bizzabo, 86 percent of event marketers believe that technology… more
Jan 21, 2020
No. 8:  Spoil your onsite exhibit staff.  The morale of your on-site exhibit staff is your secret weapon. A happy team is a productive team. And the happier they are, the more positive their interactions with be with your prospects and customers who’ll remember their in-booth interactions with your uber-professional staff. This memorability is what will linger in your prospects’ minds long after your exhibit is back in its crates after the show. What are you doing to make your on-site exhibit team comfortable with their show participation — mentally and physically? Since we’re in show biz… more
Jan 16, 2020
This season, explore mixed materials, rustic themes and bohemian accents for on-trend designs your attendees will love. Infuse your space with what event designers, exhibit planners and trend experts are calling “Mediterranean Craft style,” featuring eclectic elements and woven textures to achieve a sophisticated, yet relaxed curated look.  Here are a few tips to help you incorporate Mediterranean Craft style trends at your next event or exhibit: Mix and Match Textures Contrast is key when it comes to Mediterranean Craft, so don’t be afraid to mix and match textures. Try blending velvet… more
Jan 14, 2020
When it comes to marketing at trade shows, many brands turn to promotional products that are useful and appealing to the public and that can also help build up awareness and drum up business. And while there are clothing items, toys, water bottles, pens and numerous other products to consider, tech gadgets are something that exhibitors should definitely be using as swag. Why? First off, this is a tech-driven world, full of devices: About 85% of adults own cell phones. Over 60% of those who fall into the category of Gen X or Baby Boomers own desktop computers, while most younger generations… more
Jan 08, 2020
One of the best tools trade show planners have in their toolbox is a strong relationship with their audio-visual provider. AV brings a trade show to life with dynamic lighting, sound and interactive experiences that engage and excite attendees, letting them know they are somewhere special.  Everyone Wants a Moment to Shine No matter the makeup of an audience, you need to keep in mind that it’s full of real people, not just the labels of attendees, exhibitors and sponsors. People tend to have similar interests and desires, which include being seen. “In my experience, people generally want… more
Jan 02, 2020
In Explori and UFI’s 2018/19 Global Visitor Insights Report supported by SISO, 13,000 trade show visitor responses were analyzed and 135 countries were represented to create the largest study of trade show experience. The findings suggest six key indicators of future success for trade show organizers. With themes such as festivalization, sustainability and personalization, it is clear that the industry is ripe with innovation.  Here are the six things trade show organizers should consider in the coming year and beyond to continue attracting and retaining keen visitors. 1. Strike a balance… more
Dec 17, 2019
Offering clients and vendors tickets to sporting events, concerts or resorts has always been a welcome and fun way to strengthen and nurture business relationships. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act added a major twist on this long-standing tradition of deducting client entertainment expenses on business tax returns. This may have limited some options, but there are still many opportunities to host outside of the trade show. It’s always important to focus on what really adds value for your clients. For some, it might not be entertaining. For others, it’s still an important part of a complete… more
Dec 16, 2019
Because I’m a sustainability consultant, you may assume that I believe in human-caused climate change. Until recently, I’ve avoided talking much about climate change to my professional audience, because I want to avoid being polarizing or political. First of all, if you’ve made this assumption, you’re correct — I do believe, based on the consensus of thousands of scientists, that human activities are changing our climate. However, I no longer believe that climate change is a political issue. I wouldn’t even call it an environmental issue. It’s an everything issue. The growing instability of… more
Dec 12, 2019
What’s worse than your swag being abandoned on a booth counter is your swag being thrown in the garbage on its way off the trade show floor. Not only is this a waste of your planning efforts and marketing dollars, but it’s also really bad for the environment. Think about all of those wasted foam squishy balls, plastic pens, paper pamphlets and post-it note pads waiting to be shipped off to a landfill. If we’re going to work on reducing, reusing and recycling in every other facet of life and business operations, we should also work on reducing waste at trade shows, too. There are hundreds of… more
Dec 10, 2019
Wondering how to improve your trade show planning? Use these three tips to throw an event that drives interaction between exhibitors and attendees. On the surface, trade show planning looks easier to do than organizing other types of events. Take SpinGo’s “20 Powerful Stats on the Value of Trade Shows and Expos.” The numbers make it look like exhibitors and attendees can’t wait to meet each other: 88% of exhibitors want to raise brand awareness. 72% of exhibitors want new sales leads. 92% of attendees want to see new products (81% have buying authority). But two troubling stats haunt… 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.