Blogs

Feb 02, 2017
I knew going to Cuba this past year would be a culture shock. I was anticipating getting lost in salsa music and diving into the daily life of a local — a detour from my ordinary routine. But actually being in Cuba helped me realize the importance of face-to-face experiences. The language barrier (I don’t speak fluent Spanish, and most Cubans I met — including my host family — do not speak English well) created a real communication challenge. I quickly came to realize that there is a universal understanding between human interactions and the messages we are trying to… more
Jan 25, 2017
“The minute you think you've got it made, disaster is just around the corner.” – Joe Paterno It has been almost a year since I passed on the management responsibilities of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) to my successor. It was 7 a.m., and the 2016 show was due to open at 10 a.m. I was in the show office when I hear the plaintive cry from my successor to follow him. As we entered the exhibit hall, we see a huge waterfall coming from the ceiling. A tube in the facility’s HVAC had frozen the night before and cracked, with the resulting 20-minute downpour soaking one of… more
Jan 20, 2017
With more and more conference and event organizers competing to attract participants, it is important to use every strategy available to “get the word out”. Conference and event speakers are a largely untapped resource. Many keynote speakers and breakout session facilitators have extensive and active networks both on and off-line. By enlisting the aid of speakers to reach out to their existing connections, event planners can tap into an unmined pool of potential attendees. Here are 6 ways to engage speakers and facilitators in pre-event marketing. No matter what strategies you select it is… more
Jan 17, 2017
Health Care trade shows in the U.S. are currently in a period of re-adjustment. In a (recent industry study), research indicated that in the latter half of 2015, shows that are on an annual schedule (excluding outliers) took 0.6% less square footage of exhibit space than in the first half of 2015, had 1.9% fewer exhibitors, and attendance was down by 1.2%. The city of Chicago hosts two of the nation’s largest shows, Atlanta hosts two large shows and Las Vegas hosts one huge show and several smaller ones. Other top medical shows take place in Orlando and various cities in California. If you… more
Jan 13, 2017
What makes a modern marketing event memorable?  Is it when a brand trots out the same ole' tactics to deliver the same ole' message to the same ole' people? Or is it when a brand breaks from the norm to boldly leverage forward-thinking tactics into engagements and strategies that captivate an audience in new and exciting ways? I think you know the answer to that question.  Today's consumers see thousands upon thousands of marketing messages every single day — and they're quickly learning to ignore the stale ones that catch them at inopportune moments. That's why,… more
Jan 10, 2017
Thanks to #TBT, we don’t have to go far for a glimpse at the days gone by. If you’re old enough to remember the 1980s and 1990s you’ll remember fads like: Members Only jackets, acid-washed jeans, leg warmers, neon everything and especially big – big hair, big shoulder pads and big boom boxes. Looking back now, we laugh about all these horrible fashion don’ts. But we often forget that just as many fads during these two decades were technology related. Thankfully, the 1980s and 1990s gave us major technologies like the personal computer, CDs, mobile phones and game consoles that we still use… more
Jan 06, 2017
Renting a display for a trade show has gained popularity over the years, with many people preferring to use them to add a fresh look to their events. The trade show display rentals are one of the most demanded booths in the market. Many businesses have discovered that renting a display is easier, more convenient and economical than buying one. Smash Hit Displays avails a variety of trade show displays and a whole lot of accessories that come along with your booth. Rentals are entirely appropriate for all types of shows ranging from a single event to multiple events that happen at different… more
Jan 03, 2017
"Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes." - Oscar Wilde The lead quote of this column is all too true for me. I do not know how many times I have awakened in the middle of the night to face the challenges of things omitted in the logistics of a trade show or the realization that I possibly have made a wrong decision for a critical aspect of planning. The lightbulb of experiencing “experience” turned on when reading an article in the stalwart publication of my generation, AARP-The Magazine (December 2016). In the article “Why Advertisers Ignore You” (referring to the older… more
Dec 26, 2016
For your most important trade shows, a rental booth can help you make the biggest impact without busting your budget. If you go to one or two shows a year where you use a larger-than-usual exhibit space, incorporating rental booth materials, rather than purchasing a custom exhibit that you will only use once or twice, may be your smartest choice. When considering your trade show budget, you have to take into account all expenses, not just the booth. While you may want to look as big as your competitor and get all your messages across to your market, your budget will likely be a limiting… more
Dec 24, 2016
We are observing an emerging trend with exhibitors.  More and more are moving away from having the generic candy dish to serving “real” food and offering beverages to their visitors at the booth.   From something as simple as offering a branded bottle of water, coffee or tea, higher end chocolate, sandwiches or even a full sit down meal at some shows in Europe. People get tired and hungry walking a show.  Many people travel from distant places to attend, and there are few things that are better when you are jet lagged and tired than free food. There are some things that… 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.