Experts & Opinions
Aug 06, 2016
I recently attended an industry event where I listened to a panel of five exhibitors speak to a room full of show managers. The exhibitors all strongly agreed that their number one need was communication and education.
Communicating information about what tools to use and creating educational opportunities for your exhibitors to understand the usage and benefits will help them to maximize the value of your event and fulfill their company’s exhibiting goals. By giving your exhibitors what they need and when they need it you are helping them to succeed and ensuring that when you call to sell… more
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Jul 30, 2016
Selecting event technology can be a daunting task. If you’re an event planner, there is so much to choose from and so little time. Features, functions, and data outputs are certainly key factors in making a decision, but those come later in the purchase process. To get the right technology, planners should first start with identifying meeting objectives and take it from there.
Identify Macro Objectives
Every meeting has a goal. Corporate meetings could drive more sales, increase customer loyalty, or educate employees. Association meetings may want to educate members, earn revenue, increase… more
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Jul 30, 2016
It’s in the news, and it’s on everyone’s phone. In the last week, I’ve read over a dozen articles about Pokémon Go, and that’s just within the events industry!
Just last night while walking down a normally quiet downtown street, there were groups of people, heads down with their faces aglow – searching for Poke Gyms, Stops, Medals and more.
So I’m calling it now; Pokémon Go is most likely the app that launched a thousand copy-cat apps. So how does a trade show organizer react to what is the first wave of mass adoption of AR? Let’s take a breather from our devices and look at this from a… more
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Jul 22, 2016
A lot goes into a successful trade show experience and every business wants to receive a profitable return on their show investment. Aside from the show itself the most important thing to remember is that most of the work for marketing is in the preparation and implementation leading up to the show.
This is particularly true when it comes to the promotional products (baseball hats, pens, cups, etc.) offered in your booth or at any time during the event. By putting adequate time and thought into the process, you can avoid the pitfalls of a poorly executed and costly, promotional… more
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Jul 16, 2016
Can you design anticipation? Get people so excited about your event that they are literally counting down the days until it kicks off?
That’s how I felt leading up to this year’s Coachella — and it got me thinking about brand experiences. Statistics show that our current generation puts much greater value on experiences and events than ever before. But what makes certain events stand out? How can you amp up your hype?
Based on my recent experience at Coachella, here are a few tips to maximize attendee anticipation for your next event:
The Whole Package
Part of the… more
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Jul 16, 2016
Unique trade show ideas and promotional concepts can help make your booth exhibit an amazing experience and sought after destination for attendees at your special event, trade show and convention.
Successful exhibitors are constantly on the lookout for new, creative marketing concepts that differentiate their display areas from the competition and attract crowds that ultimately convert into new sales revenue. Stick out from the sea of other exhibition booths and provide your attendee with instant excitement and value.
Listed below are three activation ideas that can be… more
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Jul 07, 2016
I am a serial networker, and I am guessing you have heard this before from many others, but in my case, it is absolutely true.
Networking has been a staple of business development since the dawn of time, and it has been covered extensively in a good number of articles, blog posts and talk shows.
Many of us have different approaches when it comes to expanding our web – be it for business or personal use. There’s a myriad of choices on how to approach networking; no wonder there’s a new blog post or web article published about it in what seems like a daily basis!
Recently, I was at a… more
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Jul 02, 2016
As experienced trade show and conference planners know, the bar has been set higher for the marketing return on investment (ROI) their events deliver. A great venue in a great city no longer suffices. Now, the expectation is that event sponsors and exhibitors will be able to measure performance and improve attendee engagement in order to gain a measurable ROI on generated leads to justify show spends. One way they are achieving this outcome is through the application of sophisticated attendance tracking solutions, such as self-monitored scanners and now beacon technology.
Capturing Actionable… more
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Jun 25, 2016
So much business is based on the belief that we should do whatever we can within legal limits to make as much money as we can. Ben & Jerry's was based on values, and we try to operate a business that not just sells ice cream but partners with all our stakeholders - whether that's suppliers or customers - to bring about a more sustainable world. -- Jerry Greenfield
When I took over management responsibilities for the International Poultry Expo (now the International Production & Processing Expo), my association president who had previously been the show manager told me that managing… more
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Jun 25, 2016
I’ve seen many changes in the tradeshow industry in the last 30+ years. With the advent and accelerated use of technology, the way we register attendees for an event has changed dramatically. One thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of face-to-face events and the need to build attendance for an event, which is the key to selling booth space and signing exhibitors. Show managers are faced with this challenge for every event.
While attendees are enthused about their experience at your current event, now is the time to leverage that excitement and begin to build attendance for your next… 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.