Experts & Opinions

Nov 23, 2014
It’s Human Nature … we ignore the familiar. After a while, the pile of messy papers doesn't exist, and the big coffee stain is invisible. Then, someone comments on it, and we can't not look at it. Until it disappears - again. Trade show exhibits are no different and maybe even worse. Do you remember your first show with a brand new display? Everything was packed neatly. You took your time to install the graphics perfectly with clean hands. You wiped down every surface and vacuumed the carpet, not once but three times. The brochures were neatly arranged. The promotional products organized. If… more
Nov 23, 2014
The trade show industry has a rich history of celebrating new ideas that are on the bleeding edge of innovation. It has grown into a multibillion-dollar behemoth, yet it’s stagnated with the rules and regulations put in place to help big companies get ahead. Trade shows are by far one of the most effective channels for marketing and networking, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement or that exhibitors aren’t still underserved. It’s time for trade associations and vendors to start thinking about the next phase of development with these long-overdue changes: 1. Lower Costs for… more
Nov 16, 2014
Do you want to stand out in your trade show exhibit? Then don’t just stand there, do something! Gone are the days when you could just stand in your booth and enough people would walk in. Now, while a few will, it won’t be enough to make your trade shows profitable. To get more people into your booth, you’ve got to do something. You need to do something that catches their eye, stops them in their tracks, and draws them in. Here are 4 suggestions: 1. Get on Your Feet and Talk to Attendees For most booth staffers this is a big challenge. Talking to strangers as they pass by their booth is simply… more
Nov 09, 2014
Music festivals are an interesting niche of the event world … They don’t quite fit into the mold of how we traditionally plan events. From the rigging and audio visual that goes into the multiple stages to the food and beverage components; each festival is unique and has its own style when it comes to engaging their attendees. Life is Beautiful is an inspirational social platform dedicated to helping people conquer their fears and chase their dreams; it doesn’t scream music festival to you, does it? That’s the BEST and my favorite part of the event, it doesn’t fit the mold of a… more
Nov 09, 2014
Are you looking for ways to improve your on-site strategy at your next trade show? Even if you have an outstanding trade show exhibit, with innovative displays that make your product almost jump off the shelf, compelling literature, and giveaways that everyone wants, your company will not get the most out of the show unless booth staffers are prepared to do a good job of selling for your company. Preparing Your Booth Staffers After all, that’s why you have people in your booth – to sell. Even if you take no orders on the show floor, there are many sales functions that take place as staffers… more
Nov 02, 2014
I was having a great conversation this week on Rite Aid’s decision to disable the ability to use Apply Pay and Google Wallet because of their contractual obligations with CurrentC.  After doing some digging and reading up, this seems to be a case of corporations and big data gone bad. So, when does getting your hands on that data become an issue, and how do you balance data capture with great user experience?  Let’s examine the Rite Aid story and see what went wrong. The act of the capture: Many of the complaints about CurrentC are around asking for sensitive data up front (like… more
Nov 02, 2014
Following up on sales leads from your trade show marketing can be tough. While you want to initiate action and get the sales process moving forward, coming off as too pushy can backfire and cause your lead to back out altogether. Much has been written about closing the deal, but there’s surprisingly little detailed information out there on taking your leads from cool or simply lukewarm to the end of the sales process. In this guide, we’ll share seven strategies that you can use to follow up on sales leads without coming off as the pushy, desperate, hard-selling salesperson every business… more
Oct 26, 2014
Plastic bag bans have been cropping up in California for years, so when Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 270 on Sept. 30, which bans single-use plastic bags throughout the entire state, it seemed like the next logical step. More than100 cities and counties in California already had laws banning or regulating plastic bags, and the statewide measure is very similar to the majority of these laws - disposable plastic bags are banned and paper bags are available for a 10-cent fee. This law will have a tremendous impact on the environment, but it also affects how people that live in the state, as well as… more
Oct 18, 2014
You’re a trade show exhibitor, but surely you have occasion to be a trade show visitor. As an attendee, you probably don’t care to be ignored by an exhibitor that has products in which you have an interest. At the other extreme, you don’t want an exhibitor to be all over you, particularly if his product line is of no interest to you. Keep this in mind when the tables are turned. If someone passing your booth makes it clear that he or she has no need for your product, give them the courtesy of allowing them to proceed unhindered to the exhibits in which they have an interest. Unless you have a… more
Oct 18, 2014
If you're going to spend the money to get space for your company at a trade show - not to mention paying for people to man the booth or losing valuable employees who could be doing their regular jobs (maybe even including you!) - you'd better make sure that it's worth it. Trade shows can be fantastic ways to drum up excitement for your business or even launch new products because you've got a captive audience and one that should be receptive to the kinds of things you'll be selling. But the flip side of that coin is that you're also directly competing with everyone else around you for time… 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.