TED-style Sessions, Live Webcast Add a New Dimension to Western Veterinary Conference
February 27, 2014
How do you drive traffic to the slow areas of a trade show and also engage potential attendees online? Western Veterinary Conference that took place Feb. 16-20 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas solved that problem by streaming live action straight from the floor.
To entice attendees to come back to the floor after lunch, the show launched WVC Live!, 20-minute TED-style presentations that covered topics from Zappos corporate culture to the new products in animal care. For the first time, the talks were streamed online for non-attendees and also made available on the show's Web site.
"The idea of doing a live show initially was very scary," said Manolita Moore, COO at Western Veterinary Conference. "But even thought it was a logistically challenging, everyone worked together and made it a very successful venture. It was the highlight of this year's show."
Another major undertaking was a two-hour live webcast that showcased a specific medical procedure. Participants watched it live and online in real time and asked over 200 questions. "It pushed the boundaries for us and gave people who couldn't attend a taste of what they were missing during the conference," Moore said.
The conference offered more than 1,000 hours of continuing education, another first. The trade show also broke its last year's record for square footage, growing by 18 percent to 117,000 net square feet. Exhibitor count was up about 3 percent at about 500. Attendance also was up about 3 percent at almost 15,000.
"We can't actually grow in terms of space for the next two years," Moore said. "But in 2016 we will gain additional 50,000 square feet here at Mandalay Bay and will be able to expand our programing and exhibit space."
Next year, she plans to continue WVC Live! and potentially expand the hybrid content offerings. With the addition of new space, she hopes to create a pavilion dedicated to technology in the veterinary industry.
After CE credits, new technology was one of the main reasons for attending the event. Dental radiography equipment was on the mind of Dr. Mark A. Peterson, who came to WVC to fulfill his CE credit requirements and also scope out potential future purchases for his practice.
"Things are going better now that the economy is recovering," he said. "We're starting to see people spend a little more on their pets but we're not hiring new staff yet."
Vicki Kolb, with exhibitor 3M Pet and Animal Care, said that their company had a very successful show. "Our team is very pleased with the number of people that stopped by and the kind of questions they were asking," she said. "It's a very enthusiastic group."
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.
Add new comment