Guy Zwick
Guy Zwick is the owner of Highway 85 Creative, creator of unique and inspiring displays, graphics and custom exhibits.
5 Ways to Cut Waste at Your Next Event
March 13, 2018
If you're going to exhibit at a trade show, then you need to bring your A game. More importantly, you need to ensure that you spend as little as you can while still making the biggest possible impression on those you meet. So, while it's a good idea to bring some extra business cards and that pop-up display that catches the eye of every passerby, here are some things you should avoid doing in order to cut down on the amount of wasted material, time and effort at your next event.
1. Useful Promotional Giveaways
If you're going to offer a promotional product, it's important to make sure it's memorable, useful, and that people are going to have it in front of their faces on the regular. So, while a pen or a pad of paper is perfectly functional, neither of those stand out. If you want people to remember you, offer them something quality. A USB thumb drive with your company logo on it, for example. A t-shirt with a cool design. Maybe a shoulder bag for a laptop. Whatever you use, though, make sure it's sleek, memorable and most of all, that people who take one are going to want to keep it.
2. Shipping Costs
If you do a lot of events in a year, chances are you have a pretty good setup for your booth. Chances are even better that you have all that stuff shipped to the event, rather than trucking it there yourself. However, if you're shipping your wares to an event, and then paying to have it shipped back to the office afterward, you may be flushing money down the toilet. Instead, have your event materials shipped to your next event. This will require a little extra legwork, and making sure you're regularly attending shows and conventions, but it's overall worth the effort in how much you save.
3. Reuse Your Trade Show Graphics
You know that graphic you had hanging up in your booth? The one you paid a lot of money for and that always gets people to slow down to look at what you've got to offer? When the show is over, make sure you roll it back up and have it ready for the next event. Graphics tend to age pretty well and as long as it isn't faded, torn or otherwise damaged, you can use the same graphics for years, which saves a lot of money.
4. Rent Instead of Buying
If you go to a big show or convention, you'll see companies that pulled out all the stops. They have hanging displays all the way up to the ceiling, lights, flooring, the whole nine yards. If you're wondering how to compete with that without breaking the bank, the simple answer is to rent it. You won't need such a big, flashy booth for every event, so rent it for the big events and save yourself a lot of cash in the long run.
5. Do-It-Yourself
Perhaps the best way to save money and reduce waste on your next event is to bite the bullet and do it yourself. Whether it's designing the booth layout, choosing the colors for your tablecloths or just arranging the graphics; the more of it you can do in-house, the cheaper it's going to be. So before you buy a banner stand or a new display case, ask if you could make one yourself and how much it would cost to do so.
Don't miss any event news! Sign up for any (or all) of our e-newsletters HERE & engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram!
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.
Add new comment