Experts & Opinions
Feb 23, 2017
Sponsorship data has been a hot topic for years and continues to play an important role in the events and exhibitions industry. It’s clear that sponsorships are here to stay! Which is why it’s so important to learn how to utilize collected data so you can make informed business decisions. Most event professionals recognize the importance of data collection, but they also know and understand how overwhelming it can be if processes are not set in place.
Chances are you are collecting sponsor data every year at your shows, such as: Who’s coming? What are they sponsoring? How much are they… more
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Feb 21, 2017
Technology is infiltrating every aspect of our lives. From the moment we wake up to the moment we get ready for bed, most of us interact with some sort of technology. While I am in the business of face-to-face events, we can’t deny that the explosion in new technologies makes our lives easier while facilitating growth and connectivity in our businesses. Additionally, much of today’s innovation, even in the most traditional industries, is coming from adapting digital technologies to improve on existing products.
With that in mind, I have compiled a list of some of the most popular technology… more
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Feb 17, 2017
If you are like most exhibitors, you have screens, monitors and tablets in your booth … but you aren’t really sure how to best use this powerful digital tech to create more impact.
According to a 2015 white paper Tech for Trade Show Exhibitors from Skyline Exhibits and Access Intelligence, most exhibitors are still putting PowerPoint slides or their own websites on the screen.
That’s probably because they don’t know how easy it is to create content that will go beyond websites and PowerPoint and generate more leads and sales.
So here are 8 better ways that you can use your… more
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Feb 16, 2017
Continuing the digital education, virtual reality officially arrived at the event industry at Convening Leaders. At the already bustling TechCentral, crowds eagerly awaited their turn to wear virtual reality headsets.
A picture may say a thousand words, but the looks on participants’ faces after a virtual reality demo told a thousand experiences. When applied to brand experiences, virtual reality will allow planners to take simulated tours of a site or explore how various design approaches look in a specific space. Marketers can employ the technology to show how their product or service works… more
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Feb 16, 2017
Digitalization is nothing yet to come. We are all living in the age of digitalization. We are already embedded, but it should not be considered as an end in itself. The question is: What’s in it for the customers or what’s in it for your own organization?
Digitalization: an important step of development in our industry
As one major economic trend, the influence of digitalization could change and/or create business models, of course also within the trade fair industry. That’s why I would like to address some highlights from the German perspective for an approach to this issue.
When… more
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Feb 10, 2017
In the trade show industry, and specifically for sales teams, producing results by means of booth and sponsorship sales is customarily the criteria by which “productivity” is measured. If we accept the end result as a good measure of productivity, and for all practical purposes it does seem to be the best option, then keeping the team’s focus on both short and long-term goals is key to success. Yet, even very successful teams often and inevitably go through repetitive cycles of procrastination. Is there a way to ensure that productivity stays at a sustained high level through the sales cycle… more
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Feb 10, 2017
Big data, small data, box data, fish. Any ‘90s raver will tell you that this was the dance move of choice with students across the country. Well, close…but maybe this one’s the Silicon Valley dance trend of 2017?
At the end of every year, content either focuses on trends or a full-on Year In Review. What’s hot? What’s not? What’s coming next? Companies announce what’s "new" and the cycle continues.
On the topic of data, this year’s (and the last few years’) trend was big data and how it would revolutionize your business. Did it? Has it? If you know how to interpret what you’re looking for, it… more
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Feb 03, 2017
The sedentary experiences of most virtual reality activations today with a heavy headset and repurposed gaming chair are quickly coming to an end. The latest and best VR experiences allow users to get up and walk around or incorporate additional elements, such as motion or even scent, providing a completely immersive sensory experience for event attendees.
This strategy has come to life as part of the 2017 Super Bowl LIVE Fan Festival, where GES and partner IDEAS quite literally “launched” Future Flight, an out-of-this-world virtual reality experience, including a tower-drop ride that takes… more
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Feb 02, 2017
I knew going to Cuba this past year would be a culture shock. I was anticipating getting lost in salsa music and diving into the daily life of a local — a detour from my ordinary routine.
But actually being in Cuba helped me realize the importance of face-to-face experiences. The language barrier (I don’t speak fluent Spanish, and most Cubans I met — including my host family — do not speak English well) created a real communication challenge.
I quickly came to realize that there is a universal understanding between human interactions and the messages we are trying to… more
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Jan 25, 2017
“The minute you think you've got it made, disaster is just around the corner.” – Joe Paterno
It has been almost a year since I passed on the management responsibilities of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) to my successor. It was 7 a.m., and the 2016 show was due to open at 10 a.m. I was in the show office when I hear the plaintive cry from my successor to follow him. As we entered the exhibit hall, we see a huge waterfall coming from the ceiling. A tube in the facility’s HVAC had frozen the night before and cracked, with the resulting 20-minute downpour soaking one of… 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.