Charles Olentine
Charlie Olentine, CEO of Consult NC Inc, has over 25 years experience in B2B publishing and from 2004 to 2016 managed the Top 50 show - International Production & Processing Expo. colentine@consult-nc.com
The Problem of Linear Thinking
June 10, 2016
Your old road is rapidly agin'; please get out of the new one if you can't lend your hand for the times they are a-changin'. Bob Dylan, The Times Are A-Changin’
One of my favorite sweathirts dates back to the early 1980’s. On the front it states “Insufficient memory at this time”. The phrase is one that old-timers in the computer evolution feared in the early days of personal computers. I can still remember plunking down two grand for the Osborne 1, the first commercially successful “portable” personal computer.
It weighed 23.5 lb and ran the CPM operating system. This state-of-the-art machine featured dual 5¼-inch, single-sided floppy drives, a 4 MHz Z80 CPU, 64 kilobytes memory and a 5-inch monochrome CRT display. At the time, it was revolutionary. I still wear that old sweat shirt but now the slogan better fits a person living in an “active adult” community (translated Del Webb).
What reminded me of how far we have come was a keynote speaker, Peter Diamandis, CEO of the XPRIZE Foundation, at the 2016 Modex show which I recently attended. In his presentation, he pointed out how fast change is occurring in our society.
He speculated that 40 percent of today’s Fortune 500 companies will be gone in the next 10 years. Technology has set the stage for changes in our personal lives and corporate culture. He challenged the audience to abandon linear thinking, such as the willingness to approach a process of 10 percent annual improvement as opposed to taking an aggressive view of doubling the annual rate.
Looking at the exponential changes in processing technology, what was once thought of Buck Rogers pie-in the sky is happening at a very rapid rate. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality and any number of advances are here and now, and the rate of disruptive technology is continuing its exponential growth.
What brought me down to earth during Diamandis’ presentation was a realization that over the years I, an early techie, had become satisfied with the incremental growth mentality of linear thinking. As a manager of a major trade show, I had become satisfied with maintaining the status quo in tough times and shooting for steady predictable growth in good times.
Technology, new trade show business models and a rising generation of young people who have throughout their young lives dealt with exponential change present a multitude of resources for changing how we run trade shows.
Show managers tend to avoid confrontation and disruption but we need to bring in insightful, young minds to help shake us out of our old routines and to challenge us to take chances. The next generation of show managers have a completely different experiential background and we need to use that to our advantage, even though it will make us uncomfortable.
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