Insight Meets Inspiration: A Recap of IAEE’s Expo! Expo! 2019
December 10, 2019
Networking, education, hugs from friends and Froot Loops-sprinkled doughnuts were all part of the experience at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition, which took place Dec. 3-5 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The annual “show for shows” attracted more than 2,300 trade show professionals from 32 countries and featured a sold-out, 41,700-square-foot showfloor with 270 exhibitors.
The event kicked off on Tuesday with the opening general session and the CEM Class of 2019 presentation, which recognized 300 graduates of the CEM Learning Program. \
Attendees then got a dose of inspiration from Chris Bashinelli, who challenged the audience to practice mindfulness and embrace global citizenship during his keynote presentation. “We can not only find our ‘Vegas moment,’ but we can find our personal moment when we give ourselves permission to see others and ourselves differently, see our true value,” he said.
In her keynote on Wednesday, Darleen Santore inspired the audience with her personal story of dealing with strokes, and her passion for helping professional teams and athletes reach greater heights. “I want you to win in life,” Santore said. “I want you to show up and be the best you can possibly be every day. Not to give up; not to settle; [but to] share your gift with the world.”
Inspiration and insight were at the core of more than 100 educational sessions focused on leadership, strategy, design, marketing and management. One of the most popular was “Perspective Through a Leader’s Lens: The Neuroscience of Decision Making, Influencing and Social Behavior” by Janet Sperstad, program director for the event management degree at Madison College.
Sperstad started her session by asking attendees to give each other high fives, thus boosting the feel-good hormones dopamine and oxytocin. “More decisions are made through ‘emotional brain’ than ‘executive brain,’” she said.
Some of the takeaways from her sessions included using a citrus scent to help attendees focus, as well as using orange and yellow colors to increase energy in the space; scheduling panel discussions for after lunch, when people are more receptive to storytelling; and creating selfie opportunities.
“Taking a selfie boosts dopamine, so branding moments with selfies are an excellent tool,” Sperstad said. “Invest in those micro-moments at your event.”
Given that Expo! Expo! is all about new ideas and connections, show organizers create multiple environments in which those could develop. At the IAEE Hangout, for example, attendees learned about the new CRM and other tools at the Tech Bar, got inspired by the Art of the Show Winners Gallery and got down to business in the ZenSpace Meeting pod.
The same philosophy applied to the showfloor,, where networking and learning opportunities anchored various parts of the exhibit hall. Attendees learned about the new giveaway-tracking app at the Tech Startup Pavilion and got up to speed on travel trends (and scored toy koalas) at the International Pavilion.
Brews and Views Pubs were buzzing destinations for fireside-style interviews with industry greats, meet-ups and those ever-important connections over drinks.
On the opposite end of the showfloor, a quieter form of networking was happening over building Lego structures together. The Legos were later donated to the Las Vegas chapter of Children’s Heart Foundation.
For Arjan Keizer, business development manager at RAI Amsterdam Convention Center, the show’s special events — such as Humanity Rocks party at the House of Blues — were an important draw. “They have been fantastic,” he said. “[They are] a great way to rekindle contacts and network in an informal setting.”
Amy Nitschke, a meeting planner for the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, has been coming to Expo! Expo! for the past five years. “It helps me get a new perspective on my event,” she said. Some of the favorite finds at this show have been the new CRM systems with new capabilities and ideas on how to improve the exhibitor retention rates. She was very pleased with her experience at the show this year: “Honestly, I can’t think of anything I would change,” she said.
Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2020 will be held Dec. 8-10, 2020, at Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville.
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.
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