Blogs

Nov 30, 2022
After two and a half years of constant adaptation for ever-changing needs in the world of events, it seems we are settling into the “new normal.” We’re thrilled to be working with clients to create meaningful events that celebrate being together again, and it’s inspiring to see the dedication to excellence within our industry.  This new normal also brings changes to contract negotiations for meeting and event professionals on both sides of the table. Where planners used to be most concerned about food and beverage minimums and room rates, now risk, impossibility and cancellation clauses… more
Nov 23, 2022
What started as an app to share videos of friends and family dancing and lip-syncing to popular songs and other mediums has quickly become an all-in-one app for trending news, tutorials and connecting with brands in new and interesting ways. The social media platform is a great example of how communication and marketing have changed in just a few short years, especially as more users spend time on the app. According to a Data.AI study, TikTok is expected to reach 1.5 billion monthly active users by the end of this year.   Some marketers have taken notice. According to a Hootsuite… more
Nov 16, 2022
People are returning to the trade show floor—in person, that is. There is a certain excitement that gets lost when attendees cannot touch, feel or physically interact with brands, so it’s no wonder people were ready for the return. The 2022 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show and International Builders’ Show brought in 70,000 attendees and 1,200 exhibitors, making it one of the largest shows to occur since live events went dormant due to COVID-19.  While in-person show attendance is rising, virtual or hybrid can make more sense in some cases. Take a virtual trade show booth. It holds the… more
Nov 09, 2022
When successfully executed, webinars contribute significantly to demand generation efforts and offer a valuable experience for the audience. More than half of marketers cite webinars as generating the most qualified leads of any content format they use. But to maximize a webinar’s impact on the marketing funnel, event professionals must treat webinars as true events with the same attention to planning, goal-setting and follow-up given to other events. According to an analysis of business events hosted with Bizzabo’s Event Experience OS, 18% of events are webinars, and 25% of Bizzabo… more
Nov 02, 2022
With two years of various restrictions, work-from-home conditions and fewer options outside of our homes, we had ample opportunity to reflect on and reassess what it is attendees will most desire when they return to the show floor. At the top of the list is the one space many of us may have taken for granted prior to 2020: the outdoors. With a renewed gratitude for gorgeous scenery and fresh air, folks are far less inclined to settle for the mundane, florescent, insular and frankly, boring indoor environments of past live events.   Couple this with an unspoken competition with the comfort… more
Oct 26, 2022
You take the time and spend the money to ensure your business events are interesting, unique and entertaining. But then the unspeakable happens: No one shows up. Fortunately, building a better digital marketing strategy can prevent that from happening again. Whether you want to promote exhibitions, trade shows or other in-person events, videos are a solid marketing strategy to keep in your toolbox. After all, videos have the power to supercharge your digital marketing plan and ensure your event gets the attendance it deserves.  Why Use Video for Marketing Events? Videos can generate… more
Oct 19, 2022
On February 12, 2013, Executive Order No. 13636, aptly named “Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity,” was signed by President Obama. From this executive order, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was tasked with the development of what has become the granddaddy of cybersecurity frameworks. You won’t find a security professional alive that doesn’t have a love-hate relationship with the NIST framework. Mention the term “cybersecurity framework” with most business folks, including presidents and CEOs, and you’re likely to see eyes glazing over before long. I get… more
Oct 12, 2022
As the saying goes, “the only constant in life is change.” The same rings true for trade show organizers. More than ever, the industry is being challenged to adapt and evolve in what is a new normal, where customer expectations are rapidly evolving, and digital technologies bring the promise of new opportunities. How can we make the most of it?    We believe it comes down to strategy. Get this right, and you’ve made a giant stride.  For example, AMR’s new Exhibitions 3.0 Framework is making organizers rethink, putting customers genuinely at the heart of their business. As an extension of… more
Oct 04, 2022
As an event planner, you’re in the business of attention. You likely spend your days searching for ways to generate buzz and sustain audience engagement—an increasingly difficult feat in a highly fragmented marketplace. So it makes sense that you and others are looking toward a new trend: non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Unfortunately, interest in the NFT market reached its lowest point in May. Amid the crypto crash of 2022, people are pulling away from digital assets. But that doesn’t mean their value has disappeared. NFTs are inherently unique and exclusive, and they can be used to provide a… more
Sep 29, 2022
As consumers are venturing out to peruse goods and services in person again, many exhibiting companies are wondering about the future of trade shows. For roughly two years, trade shows could only occur virtually or were canceled completely, but as COVID-19 precautions have become more effective and widespread, it’s fair to wonder if trade shows will make a solid comeback. According to Bloomberg, 2021 trade show attendance topped out at 11.5 million compared to the 35.3 million reported in 2019. As consumers have felt safer leaving their homes, we believe that 2022 attendance numbers will be… 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.