Experts & Opinions

Aug 23, 2023
More than 90% of digital display dollars in the U.S. will be transacted programmatically in 2023, according to eMarketer estimates.
What is programmatic advertising? The use of automated technology for media buying, as opposed to traditional — often manual — methods of digital advertising.
Programmatic online advertising offers trade shows massive reach across millions of websites, videos and apps. Understanding all the solutions under the programmatic online umbrella, best practices in execution and the changing privacy… more
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Aug 16, 2023
With the post-COVID comeback of in-person trade shows, exhibitors need something to break through the noise and stand out from the competition. Stand in your booth at the next show and watch the sea of attendees flowing past you, looking for a reason to stop and listen to what you have to offer. A booth decked out with the right promotional signage and giveaways can be the bait that helps you reel them in. And with the right strategy, you make an indelible impression during the show and long after it shuts down.
See What’s Out There
Today’s product choices are more creative and compelling… more
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Aug 09, 2023
Companies are ready to invest significant budgets to participate in exhibitions, as events can comprise a large concentration of a target audience. But how to make these investments as effective as possible?
The main task of a booth or a brand zone is to interact with a target audience, depending on the purpose of participation in an exhibition, to find partners, clients or potential employees. The marketing role of a booth is to be bright and original to attract as many visitors as possible. To solve this task effectively, the booth should be visually attractive, functional and interactive… more
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Aug 02, 2023
Inflation impacts all industries, and the event industry is no exception. An economic downturn means higher venue prices, even as the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency causes a greater demand for face-to-face events. And event professionals and teams are caught in the crossfire, forced to find ways to cut costs while still delivering ROI for event attendees. These pressures, in turn, can lead to burnout and turnover.
Fortunately, there is a solution for thriving in the face of adversity: resilience, a kind of professional flexibility. It is the ability to snap back from difficulties.… more
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Jul 26, 2023
Making events easily accessible and inclusive for neurodiverse participants — like those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and others — should be an essential consideration when planning any event, large or small. Let’s dive into how events could be tweaked to cater to everyone, no matter how your participants interact with the world around them.
Understanding Neurodiversity
Before planning any changes for your upcoming event, it’s important to understand what neurodiversity means and then consider the various types of neurodiverse individuals who may attend your event.
Neurodiversity is a… more
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Jul 19, 2023
I can’t believe it's been more than 20 years since I stumbled into this industry. I had no idea what I was getting into. I remember feeling like I'd joined the circus – moving from city to city, building events and tearing them down and creating amazing, unique experiences for the guests. I've traveled all over the U.S., and every time I tell people what I do for a living, they assume I've seen so much of this country. But the truth is, my pictures are inside venues, my memories are on the show floor, and my traveling companions are mostly my industry peers.
One of my most vivid memories… more
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Jul 12, 2023
Personalization is the key to capturing consumer loyalty and creating strong customer ties. When you truly understand your audience’s unique preferences, you can create memorable experiences that keep them coming back for more.
This level of personalization can best be achieved with data-driven strategies that you tailor to the individual needs of your audience. While there are various approaches to mastering personalization, field marketing has become one of the most powerful tactics to affect it. When properly implemented, it can engage customers, build trust and ultimately boost your… more
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Jul 05, 2023
If you are an exhibitor in the food and beverage industry, you’ve probably noticed a shift in food and beverage marketing trends toward personalization over the past few years. This trend began with small businesses but has since been adopted by major corporations. Personalization enhances connection by providing each trade show guest with a unique experience.
There are many ways to personalize a food or beverage product. One of the ways you could implement personalization is to print names or photos onto individual packaging or even the product itself.
Implementing an effective food and… more
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Jun 28, 2023
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the power of language and its potential to perpetuate biases and stereotypes, we must examine the words we use daily. This is especially important in the events industry, where we have an obligation to create inclusive and welcoming environments for all attendees, exhibitors, partners and more.
In part two of our series, we’ll explore additional words and phrases that are common in the events industry but have negative historical connotations or promote exclusivity. From the insensitive use of “manhours” to the problematic term “grandfathered-in,”… more
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Jun 21, 2023
Face-to-face trade shows were fatally interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies were forced to let go of their exhibit managers, and as a result, they are now filling that function with less experienced personnel. This has highlighted the need for exhibitor education and training of inexperienced personnel in a way that ultimately generates better quality leads that make their follow-up easier for the sales force.
Trade shows are generally a significant cost line item on a company’s marketing budget, and it is no longer cost-effective to simply show up and show off to exhibit.… 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.