Experts & Opinions

Jul 26, 2015
Dynamic new technologies can draw audiences to live events, and that’s why many marketers have incorporated things such as 3D effects, holograms, and D-BOX motion systems into their presentations. People love witnessing new technological marvels. But if you add tech to your marketing event without considering the full experience, you can actually make customers uncomfortable or undercut the value of your presentation. For instance, many people find holograms of deceased celebrities creepy, and not everyone wants to interact exclusively with machines and screens. After all,… more
Jul 18, 2015
Thankfully, today’s events have evolved from the days of stuffing a bunch of people into a hotel conference room, wowing them for two days, and then packing up and planning for next year’s get-together. Now, you can extend the life of your gathering by using data you collect over the entire year. And in today’s competitive landscape, this isn’t just a nice option; it’s a necessity. If you fail to leverage the value of your event marketing beyond the event itself, you’re not going to be able to use your event’s fixed costs to get a good return on your investment. Marketers who recognize this… more
Jul 18, 2015
The days of dedicated phones and conference rooms to conduct web conferences are fast becoming archaic relics, as businesses adapt to the latest advancements in web conferencing technology. A recent survey of small businesses from consultancy Software Advice surveyed small business employees (those from companies with 50 or fewer on staff) that are currently using web conferencing technology to show how these companies are adapting to technology trends, and which web conferencing features they use and value the most. The survey uncovered several things: Web apps rule If you don’t have to… more
Jul 12, 2015
Tradeshows are a great form of marketing - you’re visible in front of hundreds to thousands of people and your branding and positioning are obvious. Although they are a great outlet to help boost sales and cushion your public relations efforts, there are certain steps you need to take to help you get the best ROI and experience trade show success. Step 1: Carefully Consider the Tradeshow Attending just any or every tradeshow can be detrimental to your sales process. The tradeshow you attend should be: ·         Relevant to your product or service ·… more
Jul 12, 2015
Giving away handouts at trade shows is by no means a new concept. However, it is common to overlook the importance of giveaways and to undermine their potential for increasing customer retention. There should be a strategy behind your trade show literature handouts, yet all too often companies think as long as they have something to distribute, they are in the clear. If the process is well thought out in advance, the overall effectiveness of your efforts can be increased tremendously. So, where do you start? Here are five considerations to make sure you do it the right way! What does your… more
Jul 05, 2015
Tradeshows have in the past been known for their less than stellar environmental impact, but these days we all are thinking of ways to go greener right? The disposable nature of exhibiting at tradeshows is one of the primary reasons these events have such a large environmental footprint. With some careful planning and sourcing of the right materials, you can drastically reduce the environmental impact of your tradeshow. Here are five ways to exhibit greener and reduce your environmental impact. 5 Ways to Work In Green Practices When Exhibiting at a Tradeshow 1.     Use… more
Jul 05, 2015
More than ever, employees and customers want to work for and with a company with a strong social conscience. Developing a social conscience for your company not only impacts the greater good of society but it has a positive effect on employee morale and customer loyalty. Corporate Social Responsibility: “The continuing commitment by business to contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the community and society at large." (Source: World Business Council for Sustainable Development) Do companies have a… more
Jun 20, 2015
Until teleportation becomes the norm, frequent travel is simply a fact of life for leaders in the modern business world. As companies continue to grow more reliant on foreign markets, face-to-face meetings remain essential, especially when managing a global team. Tools like Skype have helped bridge global communication gaps, but no technology can supplant in-person interactions — with your team or with your family. In the meantime, you’ll have to find ways to maintain a healthy family-travel balance, which is no simple task. The Hardships of the Road Travel inflicts a number of stresses on… more
Jun 20, 2015
A robust virtual workforce and rising travel costs are making online meetings the norm rather than the exception. But as easy as they are to arrange, a virtual meeting comes with its own idiosyncrasies and can be a counterproductive sinkhole if not planned properly. Here are a few tips to make sure your time is well spent. 1.) Watch the clock: Before the meeting starts, alert people to exactly how much time they have to talk. Everyone should prepare what they need to say ahead of time, and even email the meeting members a concise agenda of the points they plan to cover. Also build in… more
Jun 14, 2015
Whether you are running a small business or are part of a Fortune 500 company, trade shows can be extremely beneficial to the success of your business. Through this marketing medium, small businesses will be at an equal playing field with their more established, larger competitors; and in this game, it isn’t always about who spent the most money, but rather who was more prepared. If you are looking to get the name of your business into the minds of your potential customers, then here are 5 tips that will allow you to do so effectively, without spending a fortune. 1. Stay Local Traveling… 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.