Blogs

Mar 02, 2017
In Globalization 1.0, which began around 1492, the world went from size large to size medium. In Globalization 2.0, the era that introduced us to multinational companies, it went from size medium to size small. And then around 2000 came Globalization 3.0, in which the world went from being small to tiny. Thomas Friedman, author and futurist Many U.S. trade shows are having to cope with consolidation in the number of both exhibitors and attendees. Globalization is a reality and its effects can make or break a trade show depending on how organizers adapt to changing paradigms. This… more
Feb 28, 2017
So, you’ve decided to be an exhibitor at a trade show to network with prospective buyers and discover new opportunities. This is the easy part. However, before you spend your time and money building out a booth, make sure you’re choosing the right trade show(s) for your business. Here are three quick steps to help you choose which events you need to be a part of. Establish your goals Are you looking to launch a new product, raise brand awareness or simply network with buyers in your industry? No matter what you wish to accomplish by being an exhibitor at a large trade show, it’s important to… more
Feb 23, 2017
Sponsorship data has been a hot topic for years and continues to play an important role in the events and exhibitions industry. It’s clear that sponsorships are here to stay! Which is why it’s so important to learn how to utilize collected data so you can make informed business decisions. Most event professionals recognize the importance of data collection, but they also know and understand how overwhelming it can be if processes are not set in place. Chances are you are collecting sponsor data every year at your shows, such as: Who’s coming? What are they sponsoring? How much are they… more
Feb 21, 2017
Technology is infiltrating every aspect of our lives. From the moment we wake up to the moment we get ready for bed, most of us interact with some sort of technology. While I am in the business of face-to-face events, we can’t deny that the explosion in new technologies makes our lives easier while facilitating growth and connectivity in our businesses. Additionally, much of today’s innovation, even in the most traditional industries, is coming from adapting digital technologies to improve on existing products. With that in mind, I have compiled a list of some of the most popular technology… more
Feb 17, 2017
If you are like most exhibitors, you have screens, monitors and tablets in your booth … but you aren’t really sure how to best use this powerful digital tech to create more impact. According to a 2015 white paper Tech for Trade Show Exhibitors from Skyline Exhibits and Access Intelligence, most exhibitors are still putting PowerPoint slides or their own websites on the screen.   That’s probably because they don’t know how easy it is to create content that will go beyond websites and PowerPoint and generate more leads and sales. So here are 8 better ways that you can use your… more
Feb 16, 2017
Digitalization is nothing yet to come. We are all living in the age of digitalization. We are already embedded, but it should not be considered as an end in itself. The question is: What’s in it for the customers or what’s in it for your own organization? Digitalization: an important step of development in our industry As one major economic trend, the influence of digitalization could change and/or create business models, of course also within the trade fair industry. That’s why I would like to address some highlights from the German perspective for an approach to this issue. When… more
Feb 16, 2017
Continuing the digital education, virtual reality officially arrived at the event industry at Convening Leaders. At the already bustling TechCentral, crowds eagerly awaited their turn to wear virtual reality headsets. A picture may say a thousand words, but the looks on participants’ faces after a virtual reality demo told a thousand experiences. When applied to brand experiences, virtual reality will allow planners to take simulated tours of a site or explore how various design approaches look in a specific space. Marketers can employ the technology to show how their product or service works… more
Feb 10, 2017
In the trade show industry, and specifically for sales teams, producing results by means of booth and sponsorship sales is customarily the criteria by which “productivity” is measured. If we accept the end result as a good measure of productivity, and for all practical purposes it does seem to be the best option, then keeping the team’s focus on both short and long-term goals is key to success. Yet, even very successful teams often and inevitably go through repetitive cycles of procrastination. Is there a way to ensure that productivity stays at a sustained high level through the sales cycle… more
Feb 10, 2017
Big data, small data, box data, fish. Any ‘90s raver will tell you that this was the dance move of choice with students across the country. Well, close…but maybe this one’s the Silicon Valley dance trend of 2017? At the end of every year, content either focuses on trends or a full-on Year In Review. What’s hot? What’s not? What’s coming next? Companies announce what’s "new" and the cycle continues. On the topic of data, this year’s (and the last few years’) trend was big data and how it would revolutionize your business. Did it? Has it? If you know how to interpret what you’re looking for, it… more
Feb 03, 2017
The sedentary experiences of most virtual reality activations today with a heavy headset and repurposed gaming chair are quickly coming to an end. The latest and best VR experiences allow users to get up and walk around or incorporate additional elements, such as motion or even scent, providing a completely immersive sensory experience for event attendees. This strategy has come to life as part of the 2017 Super Bowl LIVE Fan Festival, where GES and partner IDEAS quite literally “launched” Future Flight, an out-of-this-world virtual reality experience, including a tower-drop ride that takes… 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.