Experts & Opinions

Jun 11, 2019
Audiovisual is a critical—albeit often overlooked—component of successful events. Depending on what the planner needs, an event’s AV may appear invisible or it can take the spotlight. Either way, every event needs some kind of AV.  AV providers come in as many shapes and sizes as there are kinds of events. There are large and small companies and in-house and independent providers. Event planners should evaluate these options as carefully as a venue and caterer.  Each event you hold should fit into your organization’s long-term strategy and mirror the brand’s image. A good AV company will… more
Jun 05, 2019
A trade show website is a critical part of the overall event experience. It promotes the event, drives attendance, generates awareness, and maintains interest afterward. Following are five trade show website must-haves to ensure your event gets the extra boost it needs to succeed. 1. Develop a Strategy Within the Greater Strategy Other than word of mouth and email, your website is the primary communication vehicle that potential attendees, exhibitors and sponsors will use to learn about your event. Thus, having website-first mentality — including the development of a clear, measurable… more
Jun 03, 2019
Attend any major B2B or B2C event today and you might think you were heading onto a Hollywood set, with bright lights, lively audio, captivating video and where interactivity abounds.  On the horizon and already on display at some leading-edge trade shows and conventions are new trends such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and advanced online ticketing and registration. These existing and emerging event technologies are paving the way for more successful events and overall enhanced experiences for event planners, exhibitors and attendees.  Where the real… more
May 28, 2019
A lot of people are genuinely “exhibiting.” They have a product and it’s on display. Look at it. See it’s brilliant innovation. See what our company has done to advance the industry’s technology a light year ahead. The future is here: look at it. And when you’ve seen enough of the future, you may continue on to the rest of the trade show. That’s exhibiting. The ultimate goal is showing off your stuff. It’s an expensive goal to achieve – most 20 x 20 booths will spend at least $175,000 (including booth construction) to get people to look at their stuff. Businesses understand, however, that… more
May 23, 2019
It was 2017 and I was working at the Black Hat Conference at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. A charismatic sales engineer had a crowd spilling out of his booth and blocking the aisle. His prospects were transfixed – cheering on his command, eagerly leaning forward, ready to do anything he asked. No, he wasn’t doing a raffle, he was using the principles of rhetoric to persuade and mesmerize his audience.  Aristotle defined Rhetoric as “the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion.” He defined the three means of persuasion as ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion)… more
May 21, 2019
Upping your event food game while supporting local chefs is as important as ever. Below we outline step-by-step ways you can try to improve the quality of cuisine at your next event.  Set Clear goals Events definitely have goals, and every person’s goal is different from event to event. Some organizers want to ensure people feel like family and can gather together over their event, while others want their event to feel like an all-out festival. Knowing what you want to achieve before you start researching vendors will not only better shape your approach to the different elements of your… more
May 16, 2019
During our recently held “Social Media for Trade Show Promotions” webinar, we asked attendees a polling question about whether (or not) they were using social media to promote their company’s presence at the events in which they exhibit. The results were a little surprising to me. Of the 223 attendees that answered the poll, only 35 (16%) said that they were active and getting good results for their efforts, and 89 attendees (or 40% of those that voted) said that they had “little to show for it.” Then I thought: what constitutes “good” results? And how are they measuring their results? Is it… more
May 14, 2019
According to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, more than $24 billion is spent annually by U.S. exhibitors on trade show displays, yet 70 percent оf these еxhіbіtоrѕ set no ѕресіfіс оbjесtіvеѕ or goals fоr their exhibits. In 2019, event marketing teams should find ways to become goal-driven, and metrics are the place to start.  There are two types of metrics to utilize: hard metrics and soft metrics. The parameters attached to hard metrics serve as strong indicators and imply action items. Soft metrics are all about engagement and awareness. For example, the number of likes,… more
May 08, 2019
Many of our exhibiting clients tell us they crave trade show ideas on how to attract more visitors to their booth. They want an attraction that makes their booth irresistible for attendees walking down the aisle. Do you want to drive booth traffic, too? Here are six proven ideas you can consider:   Product Demo: Rather than make all their purchases over the Internet, buyers continue to go to trade shows because it allows them to see and touch real products in person. Leverage this strong advantage by demonstrating your products in your booth. Show how your product solves real problems.… more
May 07, 2019
For conference organizers and exhibitors alike, an event is a great opportunity to drive more engagement through social media channels and capture more followers. In fact, industry surveys demonstrate that event planners are actively using social media to engage their attendees.  A recent survey conducted by EventMB found that 89.3% of event planners use social media for pre-event engagement, 49.4% for engaging attendees during the event, and 37.7% for capturing feedback. Planners reported being active on Facebook (88.1%), LinkedIn (80.1%), Twitter (60.4%) and Instagram (58.4%), with some… 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.