Experts & Opinions
Aug 01, 2015
I’ve written a lot lately about the importance of relying on data as a guide for decision-making. And for good reason! Organizations outside the event industry have been mining data to create hugely successful new products and services for years (think Google and Facebook).
Experts in both worlds have made it clear that they see great potential for organizers, associations and venues in data investment and analysis, suggesting there’s an opportunity for those who get in on the action early to grow their business by anywhere from 10 to 100 times its current size.
That said, I was reminded by… more
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Jul 26, 2015
Dynamic new technologies can draw audiences to live events, and that’s why many marketers have incorporated things such as 3D effects, holograms, and D-BOX motion systems into their presentations.
People love witnessing new technological marvels. But if you add tech to your marketing event without considering the full experience, you can actually make customers uncomfortable or undercut the value of your presentation. For instance, many people find holograms of deceased celebrities creepy, and not everyone wants to interact exclusively with machines and screens.
After all,… more
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Jul 18, 2015
The days of dedicated phones and conference rooms to conduct web conferences are fast becoming archaic relics, as businesses adapt to the latest advancements in web conferencing technology. A recent survey of small businesses from consultancy Software Advice surveyed small business employees (those from companies with 50 or fewer on staff) that are currently using web conferencing technology to show how these companies are adapting to technology trends, and which web conferencing features they use and value the most. The survey uncovered several things:
Web apps rule
If you don’t have to… more
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Jul 18, 2015
Thankfully, today’s events have evolved from the days of stuffing a bunch of people into a hotel conference room, wowing them for two days, and then packing up and planning for next year’s get-together.
Now, you can extend the life of your gathering by using data you collect over the entire year. And in today’s competitive landscape, this isn’t just a nice option; it’s a necessity. If you fail to leverage the value of your event marketing beyond the event itself, you’re not going to be able to use your event’s fixed costs to get a good return on your investment.
Marketers who recognize this… more
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Jul 12, 2015
Tradeshows are a great form of marketing - you’re visible in front of hundreds to thousands of people and your branding and positioning are obvious.
Although they are a great outlet to help boost sales and cushion your public relations efforts, there are certain steps you need to take to help you get the best ROI and experience trade show success.
Step 1: Carefully Consider the Tradeshow
Attending just any or every tradeshow can be detrimental to your sales process. The tradeshow you attend should be:
· Relevant to your product or service
·… more
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Jul 12, 2015
Giving away handouts at trade shows is by no means a new concept. However, it is common to overlook the importance of giveaways and to undermine their potential for increasing customer retention. There should be a strategy behind your trade show literature handouts, yet all too often companies think as long as they have something to distribute, they are in the clear. If the process is well thought out in advance, the overall effectiveness of your efforts can be increased tremendously. So, where do you start? Here are five considerations to make sure you do it the right way!
What does your… more
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Jul 05, 2015
More than ever, employees and customers want to work for and with a company with a strong social conscience. Developing a social conscience for your company not only impacts the greater good of society but it has a positive effect on employee morale and customer loyalty.
Corporate Social Responsibility: “The continuing commitment by business to contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the community and society at large." (Source: World Business Council for Sustainable Development)
Do companies have a… more
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Jul 05, 2015
Tradeshows have in the past been known for their less than stellar environmental impact, but these days we all are thinking of ways to go greener right? The disposable nature of exhibiting at tradeshows is one of the primary reasons these events have such a large environmental footprint. With some careful planning and sourcing of the right materials, you can drastically reduce the environmental impact of your tradeshow. Here are five ways to exhibit greener and reduce your environmental impact.
5 Ways to Work In Green Practices When Exhibiting at a Tradeshow
1. Use… more
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Jun 20, 2015
A robust virtual workforce and rising travel costs are making online meetings the norm rather than the exception. But as easy as they are to arrange, a virtual meeting comes with its own idiosyncrasies and can be a counterproductive sinkhole if not planned properly. Here are a few tips to make sure your time is well spent.
1.) Watch the clock: Before the meeting starts, alert people to exactly how much time they have to talk. Everyone should prepare what they need to say ahead of time, and even email the meeting members a concise agenda of the points they plan to cover. Also build in… more
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Jun 20, 2015
Until teleportation becomes the norm, frequent travel is simply a fact of life for leaders in the modern business world.
As companies continue to grow more reliant on foreign markets, face-to-face meetings remain essential, especially when managing a global team. Tools like Skype have helped bridge global communication gaps, but no technology can supplant in-person interactions — with your team or with your family.
In the meantime, you’ll have to find ways to maintain a healthy family-travel balance, which is no simple task.
The Hardships of the Road
Travel inflicts a number of stresses on… 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.