Experts & Opinions

Nov 01, 2019
Event production is an incredibly diverse and creative field, bringing together many moving parts, each with their own requirements and needs. From efficiency and organization to keeping a cool head under pressure and expertly managing time, the list of skills needed to produce a seamless event — no matter how big or small — is long. At the core, it’s all about respect, Here are some of our top tips on how to work smarter with vendors to deliver the best events possible. Be kind to everyone. This one is pretty self explanatory, but something that is so important. Treat others the way you’d… more
Oct 30, 2019
When you search for a printing company across the globe, there will be so many to choose from that it could become really difficult to decide which company to get in touch with. You will find there are national-level as well as local companies offering the same service. Here are a few important points that will help you select the right company to ensure your printing and designing task is completed successfully.  Analyze the Quality of Work You will be able to analyze the quality of work by examining samples of their previous assignments. A few things to check would be color consistency,… more
Oct 22, 2019
The year 2020 is almost here, and one of the most urgent issues across all industries, including events, is sustainability. The events sector is gradually learning to take an integrated approach to organizing more earth-friendly events, taking into consideration the full range of relevant aspects, from waste reduction and recycling to resource use, transportation, choosing a sustainable venue and suppliers, and more. One way to boost event sustainability is by using available technology, as well as being open to embracing upcoming technological changes. The events industry is already… more
Oct 22, 2019
Doing trade shows right requires that you make hundreds of correct decisions and actions over the several months before, during and after your event. It means choosing trade show activities that will boost your presence and advance your goals. It also means avoiding certain trade show activities that will ruin all your hard work. These activities are common pitfalls that too many previous exhibitors have fallen into. Do too many of them, and you will waste your marketing investment.   Here are 10 trade show activities to avoid: 1. Booth staffers looking at smartphones Few things will make… more
Oct 17, 2019
You’ve heard me talk a lot about the event waste problem in my articles. But have you ever wondered how much waste your event is actually generating? For the most accurate answer, the best thing to do is have a sustainability consultant come out to your event to measure. But for a quick estimate, I’ve come up with an easy formula you can use to estimate your event’s waste footprint. Based on the waste measurement data I’ve collected from 12 events over the last two years, I’ve determined than an event generates an average of 1 pound of waste per attendee per meal. Meals are typically the… more
Oct 17, 2019
If you’re not using Facebook advertising to reach potential sponsors and exhibitors for your next event, you should be. You can use the social media platform as an effective tool to gain key contact information for sponsorship and booth leads for your next event, either through Facebook Lead Ads or your website contact form page. How to Target Potential Sponsors and Exhibitors Start with an email list of past sponsors and vendors emails, as well as prospects who were interested but did not convert into sponsors or exhibitors. Next, you’ll want to create audiences of the people visiting… more
Oct 10, 2019
Looking for ways to keep your events fresh and vibrant? Styling with furniture and décor that follow the latest color trends of the year, such as berry hues, soothing greens and earth tones, are sure to take your event to the next level. To successfully leverage on-trend color schemes and styles, follow these three tips: Add a Retro Flare with Earth Tones  Try incorporating organic, natural shades for a throwback event ambiance. Mid-century and Danish modern seating that features soft velvet fabrics in rust orange or coffee-brown offer a comfortable spot for guests to relax in style. Throw… more
Oct 08, 2019
It is interesting to me how many trade show exhibitors are shocked that no one stops in their booth, yet they have done nothing to promote or even attract passers-by to it. In the age of constant visual stimulation, social media and short attention spans, we as trade show and event marketers must plan more if we intend to attract new prospects to our booth at an event.  Below are some simple steps that you can take to increase your chances of meeting, engaging and connecting with new prospects at your next trade show. Here are some things to consider when preparing to draw visitors to your… more
Oct 03, 2019
This is the second article in a two-part series. Read the first part here. We already know that trade shows alone — while a valuable addition to brands’ marketing repertoires — might not be delivering the results they have in the past. Many marketers are tracking trade show attendance rather than concrete sales metrics to justify hefty show investments. But in an overly saturated marketing sphere, face-to-face conversations are key to brand survival. How do we remedy this return on investment problem? Don’t just think outside the box — think outside the convention center. Besides making an… more
Oct 01, 2019
Trade show prep is exhausting as you scramble to get swag ordered, booth materials packed and meetings set. One task you don’t want to forget about in the midst of all that is creating content. The right piece of content is a great resource that you can use to drive brand impressions with attendees during the event—using a QR code or the like—or after, with value-based follow-up emails. Ultimately, the right content allows you to engage attendees during and after the show in service of driving leads and sales. Consider the following pieces of content and how they can fit into your trade show… 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.