Blogs

May 22, 2018
There’s no one secret to success when it comes to pulling off a successful trade show. Your preparation, goals, staff and presentation all contribute to your success and it pays to reflect on what you did well and where you can improve for the next time. A properly thought-out and well-written post-show report will be your blueprint for an improved showing in the future. Prepare and Take Notes Trade shows can keep a person very busy, there are a lot of things that need to be done and you’ll probably have a lot on your mind. Make an effort to find some time to write some notes over the… more
May 17, 2018
This is the third in a series of articles by Core-apps about Event Tech Trends Event organizers know the event app landscape continues to evolve. From changes in the Apple App Store to a continuous flood of startups, products and services penetrating the marketplace. Event organizers have no shortage of options to get an app out there, but one element of event app creation that should be consistent regardless of the platform is the user experience and the creative execution.  Here are some tips event organizers should consider as they work with their app team on the best possible UX (user-… more
May 15, 2018
As most of you know from the countless reminders online, the GDPR is the focus of much concern in the trade show industry. What is the GDPR and why is it relevant to you? The General Data Protection Regulation is a regulation in the EU law on data protection and privacy. The aim of the GDPR is to give more protection to an individual’s data in the digital age. In the trade show industry, the focus will be on the collection and processing of attendee data. And yes, even if you are a U.S. company, this regulation will likely affect you. If you do business with a company based in the EU or… more
May 10, 2018
Professionally, I’ve struggled with titles and their role in society for as long as I’ve been in the workforce. Rationally, I get the need for them – for many, it defines their career advancement as well as their ability to make company decisions and accountability.  Personally, I’ve always believed that it’s not necessarily the title of the individual that is important but rather what that person is capable of delivering – which frequently coincides but not always.  Society as a whole, however, has elevated the title of CEO to the point where I haven’t been comfortable accepting the title… more
May 08, 2018
Savvy event organizers have been keeping their eyes and ears glued to the news lately.  In addition to the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming right around the corner and now with the Cambridge Analytica and Facebook controversy, event organizers are facing their own challenges when it comes to collecting and protecting event data.  Because they collect so much data from and about their attendees, organizers now face pressure to protect that information, while making sure everyone understands what data is collected and why. Collecting any kind of event data today… more
May 03, 2018
Fresh out of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh (AIP), I joined the Rochester-based Giltspur Exhibits in 1976 when I heard that they needed another pair of hands to join their design department. I knew nothing about the exhibit industry at the time, but dove in, got up to speed and never looked back. My career took me to GE and later inspired me to create Creatacor alongside Russ Percenti. Design is in my blood and that’s really what a successful exhibit or trade show is about: delivering great design, effectively. The No. 1 aspect of the industry that has changed the most during my career is… more
May 02, 2018
Trade show marketing is a great way to put your brand in front of your target audience through face-to-face demos and interactions. Unfortunately, trade show marketing can also be very competitive, as it's likely that many others at your trade show are offering the same product or service, and trying to appeal to the exact same audience. With hundreds or even thousands of booths all set up at the same show, how can you make your business truly stand out? How can you generate leads without losing the attention of your potential customers to your competitors, even though you're all set up in… more
Apr 26, 2018
So recently at Confex, we had a great panel of techxperts, hosted by James Morgan of Event Tech Lab, presenting a quick-fire round of 10 Top Tech Trends in Exhibitions, Awards, Galas and Corporate Events. My focus was on Exhibitions and I had 60 seconds per slide. I’ll try to summarize, in as few words as possible, to share some different perspectives for you to explore. 10. Marketing as a Service This isn’t listed as number ten in a sliding scale of numero uno being the top trend. “MaaS” is at number ten because it encompasses pretty much everything else I covered. Marketing is changing.… more
Apr 24, 2018
Finding the right speakers, and speakers of quality, is one of the most important aspects of creating a successful event. With the right speaker and the right topic, your attendees will be excited to hear what they have to say and will walk away with a meaningful experience. Many events will have a “Call for Papers” where individuals from the industry or community are invited to submit a topic to be considered. This method can be effective to find great speakers for your event however, you might find that you see the same people and topics being submitted time after time. To help you in your… more
Apr 19, 2018
With more than 20 years of experience serving the events industry, Nick Borelli has earned the coveted role as trusted advisor to many event organizers and for good reason. His command of digital marketing strategies is impressive. In any given week, you’ll also find Nick sharing insights at industry events, in webinars or in his Facebook Live Stream broadcasts. What I appreciate most about Nick is his extra-mile, go-giver style, coupled with his smart probing. He’s particularly good at helping event organizers to lock in on goals first – so they can zero in on the marketing strategy best… more
Partner Voices
Here at Mandalay Bay, venues are inviting and innovative. As one of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center has recently undergone an exciting upgrade. This renowned venue now offers everything your business needs, with a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, as well as an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're searching for a venue that is both inviting and innovative, Mandalay Bay is the place to be. Mandalay Bay is committed to investing in a new wave of enhancements, not only in the convention space but also throughout the entire resort. With new restaurant openings and remodels, spectacular entertainment, and updated rooms, Mandalay Bay promises to deliver new and exciting experiences to its guests until 2024. To create a truly effective conference venue, Mandalay Bay has carefully considered what businesses require. The right technology, capacity, and inspiration are essential to take ideas to the next level. The refreshed Mandalay Bay Convention Center has been designed with your business in mind. Every room is equipped with newly-upgraded technology, enhancing our ability to support bandwidth demand and overall data capabilities. Additionally, the addition of 10 new digital walls provides bigger and more dynamic ways to display customized content messages. Mandalay Bay offers world-class conference space and service. The venue options range from ballrooms to ample pre-function spaces, catering to teams of any size while accommodating multiple large groups simultaneously. Our certified planners work collaboratively with you to understand your specific event requirements, anticipating your business needs and offering the best-fit solutions. In addition to providing exceptional conference facilities, Mandalay Bay is also dedicated to sustainability. We strive to give our guests an unforgettable experience while minimizing our impact on the environment. As part of our sustainable energy efforts, you'll find refillable water stations throughout the property, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles and reducing unnecessary plastic usage. Mandalay Bay is proud to offer an upgraded and enhanced experience for businesses seeking a venue that combines innovation, convenience, and sustainability. Whether you're hosting a conference, meeting, or other business event, Mandalay Bay's refreshed convention space, world-class service, and commitment to sustainability make it the ideal choice. Come and discover the new wave of experiences awaiting you at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. Wherever your organization is going, getting there starts with being here.