EXPERTS & OPINIONS
Oct 22, 2024
The hospitality industry has seen a sharp increase in demand as in-person events have rebounded. This resurgence, coupled with inflationary pressures, has driven rates to unprecedented levels. In fact, according to Costar, groups rates are 5% higher than last year and an incredible 30% higher than 2019. By comparison, transient rates are up 1% year over year and 18% over 2019.
As meeting planners, you are no stranger to the ever-changing dynamics of the hospitality industry. The strength of group demand combined with the resurgence of business transient is placing increased pressure on… more
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Oct 10, 2024
Securing sponsorships is a critical component of successful event management. While traditional methods like offering booth space and logo placements are effective, today's competitive landscape demands more innovative and personalized approaches. Here are five less obvious strategies for event organizers to enhance sponsorship sales, leveraging event tech and personalization to create compelling offers.
1. Leverage Personalization in Sponsorship Packages
Sponsors are more likely to invest when they feel the opportunity is tailored to their specific needs and goals. Here’s how to… more
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Sep 25, 2024
Events are an integral part of our society – from the concerts and community functions we attend to industry conferences and work meetings. In the corporate space, whether B2C or B2B, events are used by companies and marketers as a tactic to engage with potential and current customers and to harvest additional data that drives personalization for future touchpoints.
While the value of events for driving new leads and engaging customers is indisputable, there are a lot of details that go into ensuring a successful event, including making sure it’s an equitable experience for all attendees.… more
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Sep 11, 2024
From bringing back international exhibitors and attendees to attracting and training the next-generation workforce, there is a lot happening in Washington, DC that will impact the future of the trade show industry.
While ECA brings industry leaders and advocates to our nation’s capital annually for Legislative Action Day, we know that not everybody can take time away from their shows to take part.
Enter the ECA Advocacy Network, ECA’s brand new one-stop digital advocacy platform!
Going forward, the ECA Advocacy Network will be the hub for ECA’s advocacy programs where you (yes, you… more
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Aug 28, 2024
There is no shortage of hype around AI with the recent CEO-related drama at OpenAI and various “prophecies of doom.” We know there will be big impacts on business, ranging from the reshaping of law firms to pressure on Google paid search. But what does it mean for business events?
There are risks associated with event participants utilizing AI, as it may diminish their reliance on events. For example, AI can improve solution search and procurement for buyers while improving sales and marketing for sellers. Overall, there is a net positive for events with significant prizes for organizers… more
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Aug 14, 2024
Handling event registration remains one of the most talked-about topics among event planners. Plenty of ink has been spilled on the continuing trend toward late registration from attendees and sponsors alike.
But yet another hot-button topic has emerged – the overly complex registration form. You don’t need to look far among event prof groups to see the strong opinions in the community:
We see plenty of examples of both incredibly simple and incredibly complex registration flows, and requests for tools and features to support both. To help you make your… more
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Jul 31, 2024
The art of translation has long been a bridge connecting cultures and fostering understanding, and with the explosion of AI technology, this bridge is taking on new dimensions.
The AI journey within global events, conferences and even global organizations begins with achieving a delicate balance between the demand for real-time translation and the quest for utmost accuracy. It is in this balancing act that the true potential and limitations of AI translation come to light.
What we are talking about here is taking speech in one language and delivering the same meaning spoken in another… more
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Jul 17, 2024
Believe it or not, where organizations choose to host their conventions and conferences makes a profound impact on attendees’ health and wellbeing, as we all know too well that our places matter to our overall productivity.
Event organizers invest substantial funds in venue rentals, event coordination and marketing efforts, expecting a return on investment through attendee engagement and satisfaction. However, more often than we like, attendees are greeted with beige, uninspiring spaces that leave them to feel disengaged and dissatisfied. What should have been an opportunity for growth and… more
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Jun 26, 2024
Awards season, which includes the Golden Globes, Grammy, Tony and Academy Awards, provides a masterclass in event planning. These high-profile events captivate millions worldwide with glamour, detailed organization and impactful presentation.
By incorporating elements from these star-studded evenings, you can elevate your next conference or convention from start to finish, making every attendee feel like a celebrity. Here are 10 innovative ideas to consider:
1. Encourage Red Carpet-Ready Attire
Urge attendees to dress in their finest—a tuxedo, evening gown or sophisticated formal wear—and… more
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Jun 12, 2024
We’re pleased to present the final part of our series that aims to reevaluate the terminology commonly used within the events industry. Our journey towards enhancing the event professional vocabulary has been quite enlightening. If you missed our previous discussions, fear not — we share the previous article links at the end.
Furthermore, it’s essential to acknowledge the emerging role of AI content-generation tools in event management and communication. While these tools offer efficiency and innovation, they might unintentionally generate content containing insensitive or inappropriate… more
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is more