Experts & Opinions
Dec 10, 2011
You’ve been asked the same question time and time again: “What’s the ROI from our trade show program?” You grit your teeth, take a deep breath, force a smile on your face,and answer, “I don’t know.”
Why not? It might be because you can’t get your sales team to share which leads turned into sales with you. Or because you don’t have a unified database that tracks it automatically. Or because you simply don’t have time to chase it all down.
But it’s not rocket science to figure out your trade show ROI,… more
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Nov 28, 2011
Exhibit designers make a big deal about how trade show exhibits are 3-D – they have length, width and height. That 3-D perspective creates much greater visual impact than 2-D marketing mediums.
Yet, exhibits are actually 4-D, the 4th dimension being time. We exist in three spatial dimensions and in one temporal dimension, which combine to be called spacetime.
During a trade show, your static 3-D exhibit can be transformed into an interactive 4-D exhibit attendees experience through the activities you host in your exhibit. 4-D trade show exhibits… more
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Oct 22, 2011
For most exhibitors, lead generation is their No. 1 reason for exhibiting at trade shows. Exhibit marketers want leads to replenish their sales pipeline, bring in new and repeat customers and generate sales revenue.
So, to help stoke the lead generation fires, here are 100 ideas to get you more leads at your upcoming trade shows, divvied up among five main areas:
Get more trade show leads by how you select shows
Go to more trade shows outside your local region
Go to more trade shows, in your best vertical markets
Go to more trade shows, in foreign countries
Go to… more
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Oct 15, 2011
We are living in a "relationship economy”, where you need to have more than just skills to find success. This especially is true in the meetings industry, where people are the power. There are many who have talent, as we are expected to be good just to have a seat at the table.Talent and education are important, but they are not enough.
Hard work is good, but again, in the current global financial climate, everyone is working hard. There still are only 24 hours in the day. Time is the great equalizer. No matter how hard you are working, others can match your… more
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Oct 05, 2011
You’ve heard about unconferences - those buck the system, user-powered, experiment until the cows come home face-to-face gatherings cropping up across the country. They can be a bit unpredictable (what with the content decided by the attendees and all) and even a little chaotic at times. However, it is a trend that is NOT going away.
In fact, the self-organized, crowd-controlled, bottom-up model for events and event organizations is only growing. The Senior Planner Industry Network (SPIN) is a prime example. What started out as a group on LinkedIn less than three years ago has 1,900… more
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Oct 01, 2011
To master the deadline-driven world of trade shows depends on great planning.
Yet, all too often, important marketing planning gets overshadowed by urgent logistic splanning. Because of the flood of deadlines, we get more distracted by the “what to do” rather than the “why to do” it.
But, it’s just as essential to plan marketing things. Things such as your goals for the show, your marketing messages for your graphics and staffers and creating a promotional campaign that will get more of the right people to your booth.
Here are some ideas… more
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When done properly, trade shows usually justify the cost and help to generate qualified leads that turn into new sales. However, as with any marketing activities, you don’t want to pay more than you should. These strategies can help save significant amounts of money every time you exhibit.
Rent your exhibit. In addition to providing more flexibility at every show, renting lowers upfront costs versus owning your exhibit. You don’t pay for storage, maintenance, pull and prep or refurbishment when you rent.
Hire an onsite supervisor from your exhibit house. … 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.