Experts & Opinions
Oct 05, 2013
Attention all exhibitors, I feel your frustration and completely get it now. Working at GES has really opened my eyes to how much time, effort, blood, sweat and tears go into exhibiting at a show or in some cases, (for most of you reading this), multiple shows a year. Do you ever feel like our efforts go unrecognized?
Welp, I must say that as anyone in marketing, event planning and in our industry in general knows, this is our reality. When the “A” leads are coming in, lots of praise is going out, but other than that, zilch, zero and a big ol’ nada. What if I told you there… more
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Sep 27, 2013
One of the most important things you can do for your exhibitors is to add value, right? Adding value for your exhibitors can also mean a better bottom line and a healthier environment at the same time. I have written before about how tradeshows are second only to the construction industry in producing waste, but there is always room for improvement. The good news is that we can all take steps to create greener tradeshows for our attendees and they will thank you for it and even pay a little extra for the privilege of doing so.
Say It with Eco-Signage
Offer to create signage with eco-… more
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Sep 27, 2013
In the fast-paced environment of planning and executing an event, any number of crises can arise, from a natural disaster to equipment failure or an interruption in internet connectivity.
With B2B exhibitions representing 39.2 percent of B2B marketing budgets in 2011,* the largest amount of any other marketing channel, the need to secure an event and the event’s data for your attendees is crucial. (*Source: CEIR: The Spend Decision: Analyzing How Exhibits Fit Into The Overall Marketing Budget.)
Here are 6 steps you can take to minimize the risk at your next event:
1. … more
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Sep 21, 2013
Sales are the lifeblood of our industry. Whether it’s selling booths and sponsorships, or selling the value of the show to attendees, we are always selling or being sold to. I started my career in sales, have hired and managed many salespeople and, always with deep regret, have had to let a few go on to other opportunities. Today, I am still selling -- and loving it. Most of you are doing the same in some form or another.
I have a dear friend in the business who I realized is simply the best salesperson I know. Here's why...
She… more
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Sep 21, 2013
As you are going into the final stages of your trade show preparation, are you thinking about your presentation of timelines and major milestones? I had the opportunity to talk to Tim Stumbles of Office Timeline, and this new technology can help you with that internal reporting.
Stumbles developed this product to assist anyone looking to have a visual chart of a project and to be able to update that chart with minimal obstacles (thus removing some of the barriers to keeping project timelines updated). I was interested in learning more about this product, since I am in the event… more
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Sep 14, 2013
If you’re an invested business owner, then you are constantly looking for every edge possible to help differentiate your products and services from the competition.
Well, trade show management companies are no different. With you folks in mind, we’ve developed some creative ideas for helping exhibitors to enhance their bottom line and show some personality – and some SWAG, too.
Ready for that? Good. The first idea is to develop unique, never-been-seen-before event materials and the second is giveaways, for both the show and its exhibitors.
The benefits of this… more
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Sep 14, 2013
To be honest, Content Marketing World didn’t simply impress me; it knocked my socks off. It was an event to which every trade show and conference organizer should aspire to produce.
From the moment I walked into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to attend the opening night festivities, I knew I had stumbled on an experience like no other.
The venue was humming with excitement, and everywhere you turned there were people wearing orange, the signature color of Joe Pulizzi, founder of Content Marketing Institute and Content Marketing World.
Participants of Content Marketing World aren… more
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Sep 06, 2013
As an event organizer, retaining exhibitors is an important goal. What keeps exhibitors happy and keeps them coming back? Attendees.
Let’s consider how we can get attendees and exhibitors engaged with one another in a meaningful way. “Stamp my card” so I can qualify for a prize drawing is not a meaningful way. “Give me a pen” is not a meaningful way. “Hi, I see you are from Sheboygan”, is not a meaningful way.
When you are exhibiting at an event, it’s important to cut through the clutter and stand out. If you are going to exhibit at a… more
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Sep 06, 2013
I was fortunate enough to lecture at MPI SEC a few weeks ago in Florida. My allergies did not like the weather and started acting up. On my way to Seattle right after the lecture the unthinkable happened: I lost my voice. I have not had laryngitis since college, so you can imagine my dismay.
Now anyone who has attended my lectures or knows me understands two things. First, my voice is loud, and I have no problem using it. Second, my company is based on using words (both oral and written). What I did not realize is how powerful my voice actually is.… more
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Aug 31, 2013
Let me start by saying personal wireless mobile hotspots from the major cellular carriers like Verizon, AT&T and Sprint are an incredible resource. Whether as a stand-alone product like a MiFi or as a feature of a smartphone, setting up a mobile hotspot can be an easy, convenient, and cost-effective way of creating your own WiFi network to get all of your devices online just about anywhere. That said, be forewarned if you plan to use this strategy at a trade show.
To understand why personal hotspots are often unreliable at trade shows, it is important to know a little bit about how WiFi… 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.