Blogs

May 11, 2022
In the “Friends” episode, “The One With the Cop,” Ross buys a new couch. He opts to carry it up to his apartment instead of depending on professionals. Who can forget that iconic scene where he shouts, “Here we go! Pivot! PIVOT! PI-VOT!” We can give Ross some credit for drawing up a plan to get the couch up a narrow stairwell. But it isn’t long before he abandons the plan and suggests Rachel and Chandler just follow his lead. Alas, he’s left with a sawed-in-half couch and a $4 store credit. He should have called in the professionals. The event industry spent the better part of 2020 and 2021… more
May 04, 2022
Today’s event attendees are less driven by product than they are by purpose. For instance, 85% of people around the world are making more sustainable purchases. As a result, 83% of organizations are taking sustainability into account when planning events. This audience shift toward values offers a tremendous opportunity for companies willing to be empathetic and transparent. As an event marketer, you need to take this change seriously. You must determine how to communicate not just the features and benefits of your products during events, but also your company’s compassion and demonstrable… more
Apr 27, 2022
Since the onset of the pandemic, the FBI has reported cyberattacks to jump by 300%. No, that’s not a fabrication. These are the salad days for cybercriminals. As the office space abruptly entered our homes, and that includes both physical and electronic environments, more workers have become lax with their cyber precautions. It’s a natural response to adversity and change: Hunker down and simplify the things that you can control until the storm of chaos passes. The storm may be passing by, but what it’s leaving behind is looking quite different than the past. We’re clearly not all headed… more
Apr 20, 2022
Since the “pivot” in 2020, the events industry has been acutely focused on how to define, plan and execute hybrid events—particularly in terms of the intersection and interaction between live and digital experiences. The shift to digital events has opened the door to a new, equally important industry imperative: how we leverage the new data channels that have emerged from digital events and integrate that data into our marketing and sales technology stacks.    In the past, it was easier to measure event performance because gathering event data was simpler. Attendees visit a booth and get… more
Apr 13, 2022
Let’s play a game. Close your eyes. I am going to say a word. Tell me the first thing that pops into your head. "Inclusivity." Go!  Oddly enough, for many people, the first thing that pops into their minds when thinking about inclusivity is race or ethnicity. Maybe that’s because of the current state of the world, but as an event industry professional, I want you to expand your horizons and think of all the different categories like gender, language, religion, ability, sexual orientation and more. The list is endless. If we start to engage with a variety of people, the events we plan can… more
Apr 07, 2022
Some folks can get really caught up in the “grass is always greener” syndrome. I can understand that tendency, of course, as I have my fair share of lawn envy, and I mean that both metaphorically and literally. Lately, for me at least, it’s been about automobiles. It seems everywhere I go, my eye is catching that certain car that makes me salivate. After the initial emotional rush, I can usually remind myself that I currently don’t have a car payment and then take a moment to recall exactly how much I dislike those.   The point is that the greener view, more often, is an illusion. It warns… more
Mar 30, 2022
Over the past couple of years, folks have become accustomed to a virtual world that allows them to work, learn and play from the comfort of their own homes. In order to get people out of their pajamas and onto a show floor, you have to offer more than just quality content. You must create an in-person experience that meets attendees halfway.  Success would mean marrying both the in-person aspect of networking and engaging at an event with the comfort and flexibility of being at home. Fortunately, there are several ways to achieve this union.  Create spaces that allow for choice. Consider… more
Mar 23, 2022
As the leader of an event and experiential marketing agency, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was one of, if not the, most challenging time for myself and our business—not only because we had to rethink our industry’s entire model of in-person events, but also because I had to make some incredibly difficult decisions regarding our employees. Namely, we faced the unfortunate reality that we needed to downsize and furlough a number of our team. Those conversations were tough. We were letting go of people that had actively made Impact XM a leading agency in the industry and a company with… more
Mar 16, 2022
According to the Harvard Business Review, 86% of business leaders surveyed claimed that artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming “mainstream technology” in their company, a leap that has largely been pushed by the pandemic as industries and consumers have been forced to adapt and change how they live and work.   The event industry is not immune to this change. Although some organizers had already been taking advantage of similar technologies for years prior to the pandemic, those that have been slower to adapt can no longer afford to ignore the digital revolution that has occurred as a… more
Mar 09, 2022
We create 2.5 quintillion bytes of data globally—every single day. In this digital age, data is currency, with stored data growing five times faster than the world economy. As information changes hands faster than ever, event organizers must prioritize data security and legal compliance.  Virtual and hybrid events became a mainstay in 2020. A key ingredient contributing to their growth? The vast amounts of available data. However, data security remains all about trust. Those attending a hybrid or virtual event expect their information will be protected. A data breach leaking sensitive data… 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.