Experts & Opinions

Sep 25, 2024
In the fiercely competitive landscape of live events, the ability to offer experiences, not just services, is the key to success. As the live events industry continues to evolve, event industry suppliers and vendors must adopt a combination of experience-centric strategies and data-driven solutions to craft winning proposals that stand out in the market.  Understanding Clients for Tailored Proposals  In this dynamic industry, tailoring proposals to the unique needs of clients is paramount. To stand out, start with the fundamentals – understanding your clients. Thorough research into their… more
Sep 11, 2024
From bringing back international exhibitors and attendees to attracting and training the next-generation workforce, there is a lot happening in Washington, DC that will impact the future of the trade show industry.    While ECA brings industry leaders and advocates to our nation’s capital annually for Legislative Action Day, we know that not everybody can take time away from their shows to take part.    Enter the ECA Advocacy Network, ECA’s brand new one-stop digital advocacy platform!  Going forward, the ECA Advocacy Network will be the hub for ECA’s advocacy programs where you (yes, you… more
Aug 28, 2024
In a world where engagement is king, static labels at events are quickly becoming relics of the past. QR codes are stepping in, bridging the gap between physical presence and digital interaction, thereby transforming event experiences and marketing strategies. Let’s dive into how you can leverage QR codes to elevate your event, making it not just memorable but also a treasure trove of data and insights. Beyond the Blip: Understanding the QR Code Advantage QR codes are more than just digital barcodes; they are powerful tools that can significantly enhance event marketing efforts. Their… more
Aug 22, 2024
In the wake of the pandemic, the trade show industry has entered a phase of accelerated consolidation, marked by significant acquisitions of companies by the large corporates. The large corporates have so far been the key players in this consolidation, and private equity firms are increasingly investing in the sector, driven by confidence in a return to pre-pandemic performance and a notable uptick in acquisition activity compared to the subdued levels of two years ago. What does this mean for the future of the industry? There is a growing concern that the focus may shift away from the core… more
Aug 14, 2024
In today’s global business landscape, it’s more important than ever to be able to communicate effectively with people from all over the world. When planning an event with a global audience ­– whether a small meeting, large conference or trade show – it’s important to consider how you will engage all your participants.  Multilingual translation and interpretation solutions have come a long way in recent years, making it possible for presenters and speakers to reach a greater audience than ever before. However, there are some challenges and considerations to be aware of when choosing the most… more
Jul 31, 2024
On May 30, the largest group of trade show industry leaders and advocates ever met with policymakers from 25 states on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC for ECA Legislative Action Day. While the industry has been gathering on Capitol Hill since 2014, momentum has been growing in recent years as the industry continues to embrace the importance of advocacy to our ability to drive economic growth, support job creation, and support small businesses into the future.  Why Legislative Action Day?  The late Senator Mike Enzi famously observed, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” As the… more
Jul 17, 2024
With trade shows and events, almost every detail matters – including the choice of swag. Our curiosity about preferences and deciding factors drove us to gather data and understand this topic more deeply. To that end, we at CLI surveyed more than 250 professionals in North America and Europe to uncover trends and guide marketers in using their swag dollars wisely. We’re happy to share some of the high-level results here. Overall, we are at a pivotal moment for event planners and marketers alike – where budgets are tight, and attendees are more demanding. A Shift Towards Sustainability and… more
Jun 26, 2024
Around the world, the business events industry is advocating on the issues that matter to our collective future.  Last month, I joined Marsha Flanagan, president and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and Barbara Weizsäcker, secretary general of the European Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEIA) on stage at IMEX Frankfurt for a transatlantic policy and advocacy update.  Two issues were front and center: international travel and sustainability.  Reducing friction in international travel  While ECA has been working to bring down visa wait times for… more
Jun 12, 2024
Do you have a post-event strategy? While we pour our time, energy, creativity and strategic thinking into maximizing pre-registrations, there's so much untapped value post-event. Here are my top five ideas to include in your post-event plan: Build deeper connections and reward loyalty Send personalized thank you notes to your event stakeholders, share event highlights and keep them informed about future events. Enroll attendees in a loyalty club and acknowledge their importance to the brand. Appreciate them, and you’ll increase advocacy and future commitment. Gather valuable… more
May 29, 2024
Believe it or not, where organizations choose to host their conventions and conferences makes a profound impact on attendees’ health and wellbeing, as we all know too well that our places matter to our overall productivity.  Event organizers invest substantial funds in venue rentals, event coordination and marketing efforts, expecting a return on investment through attendee engagement and satisfaction. However, more often than we like, attendees are greeted with beige, uninspiring spaces that leave them to feel disengaged and dissatisfied. What should have been an opportunity for growth and… more
Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.