Experts & Opinions
Mar 05, 2016
Exhibiting your product or service at a trade show is an investment of time, energy and money. Because long days on the exhibition floor can be gruelling, establishing a plan of action and covering the bases prior to your next trade show is imperative. To make sure you get the best results, decide what you can do before the show to ensure your success and take pressure off during show time.
Trade shows are a perfect opportunity to showcase your service or product to an audience that has already done the pre-selection process for you. Trade shows are special because you have a… more
Comments (0)
Feb 26, 2016
The start of the year is always a good time to look ahead. Here is a brief look at five trends affecting our industry – trends that we at UFI believe will be discussed and debated in 2016:
The state of the global economy
This, of course, always belongs on such a list. Our latest UFI Global Barometer shows a mixed outlook for the exhibition industry. The barometer, based on a survey sent to leading organisers worldwide, shows positive turnover expectations in 2016 for the large majority of companies in North America and Europe – with the notable exception of Russia.
In Asia-Pacific, the… more
Comments (0)
Feb 26, 2016
Push notifications are commonly used by mobile apps in every industry to engage users with real-time messaging. Mobile devices are a crowded space, however, and understanding the best way to leverage push alerts is vital to ensure attendees continue to accept communication from trade show hosts and enjoy real value in return. The following concepts go beyond the basics such as event promotion and last-minute updates to focus on creative options best suited to maximize benefits for hosts and attendees alike.
Utilize Deep Links
Standard push notifications are effective for quick alerts… more
Comments (0)
Feb 20, 2016
When Reebok first announced its sponsorship of the Ultimate Fighting Championship last year, the alliance, to me, felt reminiscent of exclusivity deals the NBA, NFL, MLB, and other global sports leagues typically sign with established fitness companies.
However, there were a few important twists that made it different, including the revenue structure and approach to apparel. Most of all, the brand’s impeccable timing made the deal really shine — both as an important marketing move for the company and as a case study on timing for the broader marketing community.
In a culture… more
Comments (0)
Feb 20, 2016
Marketers who browse trade show calendars can be quickly overwhelmed by the array of choices, both in the U.S. and around the world. As a trade show exhibit firm, we hear the same question over and over: What shows are best for my industry? We wish we had an easy answer, but the truth is that you have to do a lot of legwork before you can answer that question accurately.
We recommend a four-step process for determining the best trade show exhibitions for your business.
1. Develop a marketing plan with measurable objectives.
2. Define your best… more
Comments (0)
Feb 13, 2016
The entertainment industry can teach marketers a lot about incorporating fandom into a company’s strategy. From Beliebers to Kardashian followers, America is the land of the superfan. Diehard aficionados are the first ones to download a new album, tune in to the latest episode, or buy a concert ticket. But the fandom phenomenon isn’t limited to the entertainment industry.
In other spaces, fandom equates brand advocacy, a power that can’t be underestimated. That passion and sense of community can yield a sort of citizen army for brands. Apple, for instance, wasn’t really… more
Comments (0)
Feb 13, 2016
Chances are, you’ve attended trade shows and conferences. You’ve walked the aisles, heard the speakers, and networked. Then it’s your turn. Your company has asked you to represent your company at the next trade show. Although I was able to learn a lot from walking trade shows and asking others for advice, there’s so much to learn and often, key pieces of information are overlooked. Here are 9 things I wish I knew before exhibiting at a trade show that will hopefully help any “newbies” exhibit like a pro!
1. Give yourself double the amount of time you think you need to prepare.… more
Comments (0)
Feb 06, 2016
With constant enhancements in technology and the continuous fight to remain competitive, there has been a surge in ways to increase event revenue. With this surge we are seeing a dramatic shift in the way content is being consumed at events. Virtual and hybrid events in the form of conferences, job fairs, and trade shows are becoming the norm, adding a new approach to traditional events.
If you’re thinking about hosting one yourself, here are 5 benefits to going virtual.
1. Extend the Life of your Event
One of the most helpful elements of a virtual event is the fact that it has an… more
Comments (0)
Feb 04, 2016
Wireless access is something every show organizer needs but few understand. Here are some great tips to think about before and during an event to ensure your attendees stay connected.
In Advance of the Event
• Know your requirements before you talk to a venue or managing vendor. Consider all of the space you're using and the needs in each room. Don't omit any relevant space.
• Are your attendees device heavy? Many now carry two or three devices and use wireless for all of them. This is important information for your venue/vendor.
• Consider last year's complaints as… more
Comments (0)
Jan 24, 2016
In the era of big data and tight budgets, every expense needs to be justified. Moreover, measurement of all marketing programs is expected, especially for trade shows and events.
Tracking the number of impressions from any particular marketing channel was much more difficult 10 years ago than it is now. With the advent of online marketing, return on investment data has moved from a loose requirement to a firm expectation.
The expectation has moved from “Trade shows are the way we reach our customers and create awareness” to “Tell me how many new customers we added to our database during… more
Comments (0)
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.