Karen Romano
Karen Romano, director of sales, Delta Region at GES, has over 20 years experience in the trade show industry encompassing facility, exhibitor and vendor sales.
Helping Small Companies Navigate Exhibiting
June 30, 2012
I’ve always appreciated our industry’s effect on the economy. It’s a fact, whether you work in facility management, show management or as an official services provider, the trade show industry positively impacts the U.S. and world economies.
As long as buyers exist, we’ll continue to have B2B and F2F opportunities – and trade shows are the best option for companies to market themselves and their products.
Unfortunately, many small business owners don’t see the value of investing their resources in trade shows (and a show organizer can tell you it’s one of the toughest sales obstacles to overcome).
Managing through the downward spiral of the U.S. and world economies has become a common necessity for businesses these past few years – especially “Mom and Pops.”
I’ve observed show organizers seeing 20-25 percent annual turnover in their exhibitor base. A majority of these are the 10×10 exhibitors or the “Mom and Pops.” The cost to small business owners to market their services or products isn’t as simple as pulling out the checkbook.
Sometimes, parting with the cost of doing a trade show is an emotional decision and could be the difference of whether or not their books stay in the black.
How can we, as trade show professionals, assist beginners in navigating their way through the financial expectations of exhibiting? It’s not that trade shows can be expensive – they ARE expensive.
Trade show costs, combined with a bad economy are forcing the smaller, 10×10, first-time exhibitors to reassess their participation. Through education, the first-time exhibitor can learn what to expect and how to maximize their investment.
Show organizers and service providers can help them plot a course of action and help them to assess the value of their decision. This creates a “win-win” for everyone. Most importantly, this interaction helps us to understand exhibitors’ concerns and ensure that their investment will pay-off.
Conventions and trade shows will always be one of the most valuable marketing decisions a small company can make.
Nowhere else can small businesses meet thousands of buyers looking to spend money. The fact is, companies who continue to market themselves and their products through tough economic times are the companies that survive.
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