Experts & Opinions
Feb 13, 2015
Like so many other spaces in the business world, today’s trade shows are fueled by social media conversations and the buzz they create. Here’s a look at how you can leverage the power of social across three important but very different channels.
Facebook
● Create a page—not a personal profile—for your trade show.
● Invite and respond to questions and comments on your posts: This will help create conversation and engagement.
● Green up your show. Post digital copies of your show guides,… more
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Feb 12, 2015
A common question I hear when speaking to customers is, "How do I make our trade show booth representative of our brand?" My answer is to think of your booth like a website. Think about it – companies today rely on their Web site to do two things: attract new visitors, and then turn those visitors into paying customers. Shouldn't your trade show booth serve the same function?
At a busy event, people constantly are passing your booth, in search of something to fit their needs – not unlike online consumers searching Google. Once you’ve got them to stop at your booth, it’s the job of the… more
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Feb 08, 2015
Hire a “Trade Show” Graphic Designer. Most designers don’t understand trade show graphics. Hire someone who does. Your graphics are as important as your physical display, if not more important, and they can make or break your presentation.
Up or Down. What elements will be seen up close or across the show floor? It matters. Avoid putting important elements at floor level. Higher elements will draw your customer’s attention several aisles over. There’s a micro-brewery in Oregon with a BIG sign: FREE BEER. When you get closer, the sign reads: FREE wi-fi | great BEER. I fall for it every… more
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Feb 08, 2015
A new year means new ways to make your events even more green. Going green is a constant progression and as technologies change and your goals transform there are going to be new ways to up your green game. From incorporating tech aspects to engaging your customers and finding ways to use recycled materials, here are some ways you can make your event more green in 2015.
Create an App
Whether your goal is to make the ordering process easier or just to engage with your customers an app will get the job done and cut down on paper in the form of order forms, handouts and catalogs. Creating an app… more
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Feb 02, 2015
Trade show exhibits are very similar to billboards; attendees need to be able to comprehend its message in less than 5 seconds in order to get their attention as they are walking down the aisles. With very little time to draw people to your booth, there are 3 questions that need to be answered in order to peak their interest and get them to stop and talk to you and your staff.
1.Who are you?
It’s astounding how many exhibitors fail to tell attendees who they are. Without clearly answering this question throughout your booth, potential leads could be walking right by, not realizing what… more
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Jan 25, 2015
I am excited to be both a media partner and keynote speaker for the Digimarcon Cruise this coming April. I was asked to assist with running the conference as well, and it really got me thinking about how a cruise as a venue has some things even the most seasoned event manager can miss.
1. Helping your exhibitor: When it comes to your exhibitor, they have to think a bit differently when it comes to show preparation. Exhibit graphics and materials have to be on the ship and last minute changes need to take place while you are still in port.… more
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Jan 25, 2015
You’ve just wrapped up your show and it was a huge success: your attendance numbers were up, your attendees gave you positive feedback, several of your exhibitors have already re-signed for next year and your staff is enthused. Now what?
The critical time to start garnering interest for next year’s event is during and immediately following your current event while the enthusiasm is fresh. The key is to create ways to connect with attendees throughout the year to extend the life of the interest generated by the show.
Here are 5 marketing tactics to include in the creation of your successful… more
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Jan 17, 2015
Trade show sponsorships can be a uniquely effective marketing opportunity for your business. You have the chance to give thousands of prospective customers a personal experience, spread brand awareness through print materials and signage at the show, and even connect with partner brands that can help your customers use your products in new and exciting ways.
But you must have a plan to measure your return on investment, or you’ll never know whether your sponsorship delivered those benefits or if it’s worthwhile to continue. To quote William Edwards Deming, “In God we trust; all others bring… more
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Jan 17, 2015
Have you ever heard the saying, “you get what you pay for”? Just because you saved money, doesn’t mean you got the best deal. For example, if you found a used car for a great price, it could end up costing you more to repair the car than you actually paid for it.
If you are shopping for a new trade show display, the price may be important to you, but should not be the only factor you take into consideration when making your purchase decision. Instead, do your research on several vendors to determine which one will be the best fit for you. Before you decide which trade show booth vendor to… more
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Jan 09, 2015
I read a tech crunch article recently about Microsoft buying Mojang (makers of Minecraft) for the mere sum of $2.5 billion dollars. If you have a child in the tween age bracket, I don’t need to explain what Minecraft is. This popular video game was founded with the understanding that gamers want to contribute and participate, not simply consume the game. I thought about it and believe there are some parallels that are applicable to the live events industry.
How does this relate to our industry? We’re seeing this same shift with attendees.
Here’s the trend that stuck out to me the most (and… 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.