Experts & Opinions

Apr 05, 2017
Virtual reality is a really hot topic right now in the events and social marketing industries. Though it certainly isn’t the first time VR burst onto the scene (remember the 1990s?), it seems the technology has finally caught up enough with programmers’ imaginations for there to be a real buzz and genuine consumer interest. Like any event technology though, it’s important that virtual and augmented reality (AR) are aligned with event goals and are not simply a shiny distraction. If utilized properly, virtual experiences should seamlessly integrate into the event and help promote unique brand… more
Mar 31, 2017
Companies spend a lot of money and time creating a unique and compelling exhibit or event presence that will make them stand out and connect with potential and existing clients. There is another way to stand out and to garner attention for your company and for your brand, and that is to have someone in the company speak at the event.  Speaking at an event can seem daunting and, depending on the size and quality of the audience, some question if it is worthwhile. While you may have reasons not to speak, I would argue that there are also many benefits to your company and to you. As… more
Mar 30, 2017
Creating a great brand experience and creating great content are not distinctly different activities. A successful brand experience maximizes all the ways you can engage attendees, setting the stage for them to interact, network and share information. And as they say, content is king. Content is a natural extension of any brand experience, whether that’s the thought leadership shared during the experience itself or content that attendees generate around an event when they are inspired and engaged. It allows for a deeper, lasting connection and creates value for attendees. It is a… more
Mar 23, 2017
Custom displays are not supposed to cost much. But that's not what is reflected in the current market, where prices of many trade show displays are nearly equivalent to that of a house. It still is possible to customize your trade show display without having to pay much. Here are some of the tips you can follow to avoid spending much money for your trade show displays. You Will Need to Upgrade the Graphics Trade show displays mostly use graphic panels that can be easily interchanged. This can allow you to promote various brands and services in between the events. For you to change your booth'… more
Mar 22, 2017
One size fits all may work for hats, but it won’t work for events. Attendees expect event content – and its marketing – to address their specific needs and challenges. They won’t take the time to sift through generalized marketing to find what they’re after and they’ll likely skip your event entirely if it doesn’t resonate. So how do you speak their language, address their pain points and pique their interest? What are Attendee Personas? That’s where personas – sometimes referred to as buyer or marketing personas – can help. Personas are fictional representations of a particular audience… more
Mar 18, 2017
Just like any other check-up, understanding the health of your vendors matters because you rely on them to support and execute important aspects of your business. Your event technology vendors are no exception, since the health of their company or platform does impact your entire event ecosystem. The event technology space has been rife with layoffs, mergers and acquisitions and sun-setting of products that are currently in use by event organizers. These business decisions are not unusual, but do have an impact on your team’s strategy and goals. So how can you protect yourself from getting… more
Mar 15, 2017
Most marketers know that digital and event technology is a must-have for events and brand experiences. But did you know that it’s mission-critical for organizations looking to engage Millennials and Gen Z? In fact, 53% would rather give up their sense of smell than give up their technology. With the digital stakes so seemingly high when it comes to younger audiences, how can marketers incorporate the right mix into their events and brand experiences? Here’s a short list of event technology best practices for marketers looking to engage Millennials – while ensuring they retain all five senses… more
Mar 11, 2017
Most event marketers or exhibitors understand the importance of engaging with their attendees. But what if you took the plural “attendees” and started using only the singular form “attendee”? Imagine the impact your event would have if you were able to put your focus squarely on each individual person. One thing is certain: you would have a captivated, loyal audience and the opportunity for a serious competitive edge. With the help of touchscreen and intuitive interface technology, like the solutions from MultiTaction®, it is getting much easier to give your attendees the individualized… more
Mar 10, 2017
The trade show is over. Now what? Trade shows present the perfect opportunity to introduce your brand to new customers and re-engage with existing ones. Once the trade show is over, it’s important to maintain that great momentum by continuing to build on those relationships and building sales. Here are three ideas you can use to increase sales after the trade show ends. 1. Track Leads and Stay Connected Via Email Put all of the contacts you made exhibiting at a trade show to good use and stay in touch through the entire sales cycle. Marketing outreach via email keeps your brand relevant with… more
Mar 02, 2017
In Globalization 1.0, which began around 1492, the world went from size large to size medium. In Globalization 2.0, the era that introduced us to multinational companies, it went from size medium to size small. And then around 2000 came Globalization 3.0, in which the world went from being small to tiny. Thomas Friedman, author and futurist Many U.S. trade shows are having to cope with consolidation in the number of both exhibitors and attendees. Globalization is a reality and its effects can make or break a trade show depending on how organizers adapt to changing paradigms. This… more
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.