Some More Items to Make Sure You Pack in Your Trade Show Toolkit
September 22, 2012
I read a funny blog post on ‘Did you pack your trade show tool kit?’ It made me think that there are probably a few more items that need to be added to this list to make it complete.
1. Fabric softener mix – I learned from a competitor of mine a few years ago that the best way to remove the static that is on carpets after the plastic is taken off (and after many shoes traverse the booth) is a 50/50 mixture of fabric softener and water. Have a spray bottle and just go to work. It kills the static, smells great and won’t mess up the carpet. You do that and you will look like a genius.
2. Baby wipes – That same competitor (God love Nancy!) also told me that if you have a stain on your sign or you get a worker who puts up your white sign without the gloves, grab a couple of baby wipes. It will take out practically anything. I have seen it take coffee off of a shirt. Another great invention and a genius – maker!
3. Individual hand sanitizers – How many times does your booth staff have to shake hands with people? The ‘individual’ is key – they can keep it in their jacket or pocket and you don’t have an unsightly hand sanitizer bottle sitting out (or dripping in your front desk cabinet). Keeps people happy. You can get these branded and have alot in your booth as well.
4. Thumb drives – If you need to copy something, download something from a customer, or just take a file to Kinkos to get printed, you will need several of these. If you have branded ones and they end up walking away with a prospect, at least they have a branded promo item from your booth. They are not costly, and I would have at least 25 in hand.
5. Umbrella – If you have a VIP that wants to go out for coffee with members of your executive team, and it happens to be raining, they can be given an umbrella. This too can be branded (how nice would that be, to give that to the VIP so that s/he can get to the car dry!), and you can have several of these in your booth.
Notice how I have tool kititems that can second as promo items? Why lose any touch point with your prospect base if you can help it! So make sure you think, and then pack it!
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.
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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.
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