Experts & Opinions

Jun 09, 2015
There is an important behavioral shift underway, one that has huge implications for businesses, organizations and local communities. That change? The growing preference of experience. While digital marketing continues to grow, in parallel, there is an increased desire for experiences, seen across the board but particularly with Millennials and GenZ. Researchers at Ad Age identified this trend in a recent report, noting that overall promotion, events and experiential agency revenue is growing at a greater rate than advertising, PR, and media. Certainly, event… more
Jun 07, 2015
Trade shows are in many ways unique to other conferences and events. The goals of attendees and exhibitors alike often revolve around lead generation, research and the sale of a product and service, while industry education and other event favorites are less a priority. Understanding the benefits of a mobile app from the unique viewpoint of a trade show helps everyone involved maximize an event’s potential.   Lead Generation Trade shows represent a prime resource for generating qualified leads from attendees who are willing to justify registration and travel costs for a chance to… more
Jun 07, 2015
We all have considered having meeting and events in art and museum galleries, both of which provide a unique atmosphere and exposure to art and culture.  What has been most notable in recent years is the addition of art into the convention center.  This investment, which is rather substantial, is focused around the attendee experience of the destination while in the venue.  And there are a few convention centers that have done this remarkably well. Phoenix Convention Center:  With approximately $3 million in art installed, the Phoenix Convention Center uses art to help… more
May 31, 2015
Ever feel that reading a show service manual is like trying to find your way across the Atlantic Ocean without GPS?  Trade shows can be overwhelming to say the least. Managing a trade show display is like hosting a party that lasts several days for a thousand of your closest friends in the space of a small boat.  Although it may seem cliché, planning is the key to success.  This guide helps you decipher the secrets behind understanding and following your trade show service manual. It really is possible to successfully manage your booth setup by adhering to the rules and being… more
May 30, 2015
Disney is one of the most effective brands of all time. Through its parks, films, and stores, every brand touchpoint induces the same magical feeling and inspires loyal brand advocates. In a program called the Disney Difference, the company offers employees and their families free admission to the parks and access to employee-only areas, on-site daycare facilities, special employee events and more. Disney invests in benefits like these to give employees incentives and invite them into the brand experience. The company clearly understands that happy, engaged employees work more… more
May 24, 2015
Sponsorships have a direct and long-lasting positive effect on a company’s brand awareness and strategy. By offering the advantage of a sponsorship opportunity within the life cycle of your event, you are offering your exhibitors the ability to boost their company’s name recognition and exposure to their target audience: their current and future customers. An exhibitor’s sponsorship also broadens awareness of your event within new communities, such as the customer base of the sponsoring company. Your event’s website and communication materials emailed to attendees provide multiple… more
May 17, 2015
Much like the headliner at a major music festival, the keynote speaker at a trade show may influence many attendees and exhibitors as they make the final decision on whether to make the trip at all. When narrowing down the list of qualified applicants to dazzle an exhibition, here are some standard practices a trade show manager should abide by. When searching for a keynote speaker, it's not just the credentials of the speaker you're looking for – it's their raw appeal and charisma that will make them memorable for attendees. Event organizers should meet with any potential keynote speaker… more
May 17, 2015
A few weeks ago, I picked up on a post about new event technologies that have been proposed for the National Stadium in Tokyo (HQ for the 2020 Summer Olympics). What caught my eye was that one of the proposals called for the installation of toilets in the venue that will record a user’s blood pressure and body temp as they do their business. However unlikely it is that this particular innovation will actually become a reality in Tokyo or anywhere else, it’s certainly not the only over the top tech I’ve seen in the events industry – and it got me thinking: Is there ever a point with event… more
May 10, 2015
Picture McCormick Place — the largest convention center in North America — situated in the heart of Chicago. It’s the weekend of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and runners are picking up their race packets at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo at the convention center. Within just two days, 45,000 runners and their families will shuffle through the enormous space the size of 46 football fields, browsing booths where more than 200 exhibitors are showing off the latest running shoes, organic veggie chips and new flavors of sports drinks. Every brand present has staffed its booth with… more
May 02, 2015
You’ve just nailed it: a flawless hour-long webinar. But, now is not the time to mark the project a success and move on. While the leads are still hot, it’s critical to pounce on the information supplied by the webinar attendees to drive your sales and ensure your ROI. Sure, a webinar is designed to distribute valuable insight about your products and services, but just as important is obtaining information from customers before and during a webinar. Buried in those nuggets of information are insights into who is interested in your products and services, and sometimes even why. Thank Them: So… 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.