Experts & Opinions
Sep 27, 2012
This is the first of a six-part series of articles about staying connected while at an event.
For better or worse, we live in a world where we are always connected. I, for one, wake up in the morning and, before doing anything else, grab my phone and see what emails I’ve received overnight.
At the end of the day, the last things I do before falling asleep are read the New York Times online and check the Asian stock markets to get a glimpse of “tomorrow’s” news. Just the thought of not having access to the internet for a meaningful amount of time is nearly… more
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Sep 16, 2012
You can tell when you really need to buy a new car: Small rust holes merging into bigger rust holes; the billows of smoke from burning oil; the engine that is so loud you have to shout to be heard.
But what about your trade show displays? What similar clues hint that it’s time to send your display to the junk yard and start over? You’ll know it’s time if you’ve experienced any of these:
The colors on your trade show booth are out of fashion – again.
All the people in your exhibit photos have big 80’s hair.
Your booth… more
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Sep 16, 2012
There was chatter on Twitter recently about conference speaking. Julius Solaris (Founder of the Event Manager Blog) said "Seems that most advice on giving speeches is focused on short time slots. What about longer 1 hour + slots?"
Great question.
Over the past few years there has been a lot of focus on the short presentation. The explosive success of TED and TEDx talks (in person and online) has mistakenly lead many to believe that "short is better". Many event planners profess they want to "be like TED" and thus are going to limit their… more
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Sep 03, 2012
As anyone who is familiar with the event industry knows, the recession has been tough on our business in more ways than one.
And, even with more people attending events recently, there still are pressures on the industry, especially in light of overspending by government agencies that has resulted in calls for travel to be severely restricted, the U.S. economy and unemployment rate is not exactly on sure footing and the global economy also has its problems.
So, it was with complete and utter shock that I started seeing a series of Tweets going out by a virtual event company called ON24 with… more
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Aug 29, 2012
Attending a multiday association conference (or other event) can be inspirational and chalked full of education.
There is a lot of industry information. Some of the best networking around. Tons of good food. Beneficial investment of time and fun, fun, fun!!!
It can also be exhausting. The long days followed by the happy-hours and other parties can leave anyone feeling the pain once they get home.
Plus, being out of the office all week can leave you with a full e-mail inbox and a to-do list a mile long.
Yet, to maximize the ROI from attending the event, there are a few things you… more
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Aug 29, 2012
I was recently at the Disney parks and the atmosphere and genuine happiness made me think – wouldn’t it be nice if my trade show can run like this? So let’s see if we can take away any insight from the Happiest Place on Earth for our next trade show.
1. It is all about the experience. Disney is set up where everything, and I mean everything, is about having the greatest experience possible. Whether you are waiting in line for a ride, or waiting in line to buy food, or waiting in line to purchase something, you still feel like you are experiencing Disney. Every section of… more
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Aug 25, 2012
He sure looked like a perfectly good prospect. He had the right color badge. He works at a company that is in the right vertical market and the right size. And your uncanny booth staffing sixth sense told you he even had an approved budget for your product.
Yet with barely a glance he sailed right on past your booth. So why didn’t he drop anchor?
Perhaps for one or more of these eight reasons:
Your booth looked too boring. Like too many other exhibitors, your trade show booth has dull colors, too much text, and too many small images.
Your benefit… more
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Aug 16, 2012
The hottest thing on the Web right now (and there’s always a hottest thing, right?) is Pinterest. It has been reported that Pinterest is currently driving more business referrals than the top few social media sites and for most businesses, it simply came out of nowhere.
The Pinterest model is certainly nothing complicated. As you navigate your daily web activities you post images to a board using the “pin it” button or upload from a computer or smart phone. You have to request an invitation to Pinterest or be invited by someone who’s already a member.
Once registered… more
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Aug 10, 2012
You can do everything right in the preparation and execution of your show, but the wrong Master of Ceremonies can undermine the whole vibe.
It goes without saying that if your host is awful or says something inappropriate he or she will hurt the event. But it is also a problem if the person who controls the flow of the general sessions is just blah. The Emcee (and every speaker and panelist) sets the tone for everything that happens at the conference.
Too often, the selection for who will be center stage is an executive or board member of the company or organization that is the… more
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Aug 04, 2012
I smell an analogy. The similarities between athletes competing in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games and one company’s program to train conference and tradeshow attendees to deliver peak performances are compelling. Did I mention the company is based in the U.K. where the games are taking place this week?
Actually, the link between peak attendee performance and Olympic-level athletic achievement is by design, according to the Founder of Meetings Mindset, Jonathan Bradshaw.
“For athletes, optimal performance requires accessing a certain state of mind aided by the appropriate foods,… 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.