Experts & Opinions
Dec 09, 2020
Being part of an event, whether virtual or in-person, takes energy, time, money and resources, and some businesses struggle with deciding if a show is a good fit or even the right decision at all.
Use these tips to figure out what kind of industry event is right for you, how and where to look for them and why they are crucial.
Do You Share The Same Target Audience?
When you hear about an upcoming function, you can browse through their marketing materials and website to find out further details. Of course, you’ll want to consider facts like when it is taking place, but your main concern… more
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Dec 08, 2020
We are in unchartered territory with a global pandemic disrupting lives and livelihoods. But, with successful trials paving the way for mass vaccinations, with better knowledge around COVID-19 and faster and more efficient testing schemes available, we are finding ways to live with and ultimately manage this virus. The tide is turning.
As we head towards 2021, the UFI team has – as we have every year – put together five trends that we believe will drive our industry’s development over the next 12–18 months. As always, these are based on conversations with and insights from our global UFI… more
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Dec 03, 2020
As 2020 draws to close, COVID-19-weary event planners are looking towards a fresh start, a reboot for 2021. Whether planning for a conference, meeting or trade show, there are plenty of things to do beforehand to let your guests know they are walking into a clean and healthy environment. While there is no silver bullet, keeping proper cleaning protocols in place will help keep your event safe and secure. Clean is not only the new cool, it is critical for success.
Reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfecting is an important part of reopening that will require careful… more
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Dec 01, 2020
Unless you’ve spent the last eight or nine months under a rock, you probably know that the trade show industry has had its worst year on record. I’m hard-pressed to think of anything in recent history, including 9/11 and the 2008 economic meltdown, that has had such a devastating effect on corporate events. Just about every conference that was scheduled for April 2020 or later has either been canceled, postponed or moved to online-only. In the midst of such misfortune and devastation, how is it possible to be even remotely optimistic?
The answer is simple: we have no other choice. Billions… more
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Nov 25, 2020
Imagine an events ecoysystem where speakers can present remotely via engaging holograms. Where online events can have unlimited attendees and virtual reality can transport those attendees to unexpected and immersive environments. Where brands can geolocate customers at an event, make relevant recommendations based on their past buying behaviors, and distribute hyper-personalized content every step of the way. 5G technology will soon make it all possible.
With ultra-low latency, massive network capacity, and superior reliability, 5G — the fifth generation mobile network — is poised to… more
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Nov 18, 2020
When COVID-19 hit and dashed all travel plans, the scholarly community saw a wave of conference cancellations and a rapid scramble to virtual formats. Nine months down the line (and with another wave of the virus bearing down in many countries) it has become increasingly clear that conferences will not be returning to their pre-COVID formats any time soon. This is the new normal, one that offers a rare opportunity to reframe the traditional conference format and create better, more inclusive ways to bring the scholarly community together.Looking ahead, we strongly believe that a hybrid… more
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Nov 16, 2020
Now that the novelty of online and virtual events has worn off a bit, organizations are looking for new ways to keep their audiences engaged. Many are turning to a perhaps unexpected source for inspiration: Hollywood.
It makes sense when you think about it — Hollywood knows how to tell a good story, and their stars are engaging. Plus, they know how to keep their audiences coming back for more, and that is pretty much what every company wants, no matter the specifics of their business objectives
Engaging with virtual audiences is easier than it might seem — and the approach works for both… more
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Nov 12, 2020
Any respected and well-run venue will be ready and waiting for bookings, with the doors wide open and COVID-friendly measures in place to ensure all attendees are safe and distanced. However, venues are likely to operate at reduced capacity, meaning the event cannot reach its full potential.
Many people across North America and in the U.K. are still reluctant to attend events, and organizers also run the risk of closing their doors to those from outside of those countries. Despite the issues, there is still much that can be done. After all, the events industry has always been an adaptable… more
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Nov 10, 2020
As you consider shifting your next trade show online, make sure to focus on your exhibitors. While virtual events are a new format for almost all the stakeholders involved, exhibitors in particular may be apprehensive about this change. It is important you convey to them, that regardless of where you host the event, they will get the same return on investment.
Here’s how you can live up to that promise:
Customizable Exhibitor Booths
Enable your exhibitors to create highly personalized professional profiles on your virtual event platform. In the absence of physical stalls, they need a… more
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Nov 05, 2020
Even before borders closed across the globe, event attendees’ time was hard-won — travel, meetings and digital content pulled their attention (and calendars) in many directions.
In short, the demands for our collective attention have only increased. Virtual schooling for children, endless free digital events and hours of conference calls have become the new normal. For those fortunate enough to work from home, the shelter-in-place order has only amplified our chaotic world — and event organizers are now challenged to create novel ways to entertain and engage audiences virtually.
To succeed… more
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.