EXPERTS & OPINIONS

Dec 20, 2023
Google recently issued a guide to inclusive event design, detailing ways organizers can make spaces and content more accessible. Critical areas, like mobility access, sensory accommodations, dietary options and more, are considered, but there is a key component missing that event planners must take into account to enable next-level accessibility: digital indoor mapping. Creating an indoor map of a facility improves accessibility in public, as well as private places, making it easier and more inclusive for everyone to navigate them. According to the World Health Organization, 16% of the world… more
Dec 14, 2023
Bruno Giaccio Sr. was my first show floor mentor. He survived the Nazi invasion of Italy when he was six years old, emigrated to the Bronx before he was 18 and started his own upholstery business before joining the event industry and rising through the ranks.  First as a union decorator and eventually vice president of sales for the country’s largest general services contractor, he was a giant on the show floor, making sure to communicate the importance of the event business, of serving your clients, of bringing people together to share ideas that can change the world.  At home, he was a… more
Dec 06, 2023
As event professionals, we are always looking for ways to maximize value for our audience while finding new ways to generate revenue. The challenge: How do you accomplish growth without continuously raising prices for your customers? One answer: Consider a discount pricing model for show admission. Exhibitions and events historically use an early-bird, advance and standard pricing model for admission. The prices are set for a time and automatically applied when an attendee registers for the event. The traditional model doesn’t provide the marketing team with true discounts, which hinders… more
Nov 29, 2023
Imagine attending a conference with more than 10,000 participants. How do you make meaningful connections among a sea of people? This is where micro events are most valuable.  Micro events offer a unique solution by focusing on creating intimate settings that cater to specific subsets of the larger community. These events align with attendees' unique personas, interests, problems, business units or regions, making it easier to find and connect with like-minded individuals. How Micro Events Are Executed Micro events take various forms, for example: Brain Dates: One-on-one or small group… more
Nov 22, 2023
With the business world returning to a sense of normalcy, global business travel spending is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels and expected to grow substantially in the upcoming years. Global business travel spending rose in 2022 from the previous year by 47% to $1.03 trillion, according to The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) 2022. Not only is global business travel spending expected to recover in 2023, but also it will also grow even further to nearly $1.8 trillion by 2027, according to GBTA. The two biggest drivers of business travel in the last six months have been the return… more
Nov 15, 2023
LED lighting technology has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s.  Today, it is revolutionizing the live events industry, offering a range of solutions that were unimaginable just a few years ago. LED technology is not only energy-efficient but also versatile and creative, allowing event planners, exhibitors, associations and trade show organizers to transform event spaces in new and exciting ways. In this blog, we take a look at some of the trends in LED solutions and why they are an important part of any event planner’s toolkit. From outdoor festivals to corporate events, LED… more
Nov 06, 2023
As humans, we rely heavily on visual cues to interpret and understand our surroundings. In fact, studies have shown that our brain can process images up to 60,000 times faster than text alone, which is why incorporating visual technology into your events can have a tremendous impact on your audience. In this blog, we’ll look into the psychology behind visual technology and how it can create lasting emotional impact at your next event.  Visuals that captivate event audiences  Visual content can have a profound impact on our emotions and attitudes. When we see an image that is positive or… more
Nov 01, 2023
Launch events for new products and services mark an exciting time for any organization, especially considering all of the planning and preparation that goes into ultimately making the launch a successful one. When crafting a launch plan and creating an event that aims to bring in a highly engaged audience, organizations should keep their goals and their corporate personality in mind.  From the hottest trends to bespoke events that are highly personalized, there are a million ways to showcase your great idea through a stellar launch event. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.… more
Oct 25, 2023
Generation Z, commonly defined as those born between 1996 and 2012, is the most diverse generation in history, having grown up with technology embedded into their everyday lives and being more socially and environmentally conscious than previous generations.  As a result, the needs and interests of Gen Z are quite different from other generations, and event planners must understand their unique characteristics to make events more relevant and appealing to them.   Here are eight key characteristics of Gen Z that event organizers should consider when planning events that cater to this… more
Oct 18, 2023
If you’ve worked in the meeting and events industry, you know that the only thing that is constant is change. And the past three years have been no exception. With meetings and events back in full swing, we are seeing some lingering impacts from COVID days that seem to be sticking around for the long haul. Perhaps the most notable: The shortening of the planning and booking window. Prior to the pandemic, events were typically booked 12-18 months in advance, however, since the pandemic, this booking window has often been reduced to six months or less. Whether an event is for 15 or 600, this… more
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