EXPERTS & OPINIONS

Jun 14, 2023
Following a nearly three-year cessation from conferences and events in most industries due to the pandemic, events are back in a big way. As organizers begin crafting new events, there is an increased focus on inclusivity and accessibility for nursing mothers, largely due to the new Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act, which went into effect in April 2023.  An extension of the Break Time for Nursing Mothers Act of 2010, the PUMP Act mandates employers to provide reasonable break times and private space for breastfeeding employees to pump during the day.… more
Jun 07, 2023
Inflation impacts all industries, and the event industry is no exception. An economic downturn means higher venue prices, even as the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency causes a greater demand for face-to-face events. And event professionals and teams are caught in the crossfire, forced to find ways to cut costs while still delivering ROI for event attendees. These pressures, in turn, can lead to burnout and turnover.  Fortunately, there is a solution to thriving in the face of adversity: resilience, a kind of professional flexibility. It is the ability to snap back from difficulties.… more
May 31, 2023
Making events easily accessible and inclusive for neurodiverse participants — like those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and others — should be an essential consideration when planning any event, large or small. Let’s dive into how events could be tweaked to cater to everyone, no matter how your participants interact with the world around them. Understanding Neurodiversity Before planning any changes for your upcoming event, it’s important to understand what neurodiversity means and then consider the various types of neurodiverse individuals who may attend your event. Neurodiversity is a… more
May 25, 2023
When it comes to filling a book of business, we all know returning clients are an important piece of the puzzle. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary at Radisson Blu Mall of America, we’ve seen how important — and fun! — long-standing event clients are. Whether it’s an annual event, or an account that started small and has grown into something different, lean into change to ensure event clients are dazzled year in and year out — and keep coming back.  So, how can venues keep things fresh and encourage repeat business? Here are four tips any event team can use to help know when and what to… more
May 18, 2023
In today's globalized world, communication across different languages is more important than ever before. As businesses expand their operations into new markets, there is a growing need for interpreters to bridge language barriers and facilitate communication. Traditionally, this has been done through physical interpreter booths, where interpreters are stationed at an event or meeting and provide interpretation services in person. However, with rapid advancements in technology, virtual interpreter booths have emerged as a powerful alternative. Limitations of the Traditional Interpreter… more
May 10, 2023
Personalization is the key to capturing consumer loyalty and creating strong customer ties. When you truly understand your audience’s unique preferences, you can create memorable experiences that keep them coming back for more.  This level of personalization can best be achieved with data-driven strategies that you tailor to the individual needs of your audience. While there are various approaches to mastering personalization, field marketing has become one of the most powerful tactics to affect it. When properly implemented, it can engage customers, build trust and ultimately boost your… more
May 03, 2023
When selecting a venue for your event, many factors exist beyond location and price. Event surveys have consistently emphasized the importance of sustainability, collaboration, wellness and inclusivity. Meeting planners view these elements as essential when selecting a venue — and are willing to pay a premium for venues that prioritize these practices, surveys say. How can you best cash in and create a successful event that goes down in history as one of the best your attendees ever attended? By prioritizing sustainability, collaboration, wellness and inclusivity — as well as foundational… more
Apr 26, 2023
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the power of language and its potential to perpetuate biases and stereotypes, we must examine the words we use daily. This is especially important in the events industry, where we have an obligation to create inclusive and welcoming environments for all attendees, exhibitors, partners and more. In part two of our series, we’ll explore additional words and phrases that are common in the events industry but have negative historical connotations or promote exclusivity. From the insensitive use of “manhours” to the problematic term “grandfathered-in,”… more
Apr 18, 2023
Most event marketers are facing an uphill battle right now as they try to build momentum for their event registrations. Sure, potential attendees may have seen a social post or email about their event, but did that compel them to drop everything and register for it?  Most likely not. In fact, numerous studies have shown that registrants now need between five to 15 touch points before they commit to an event. As a marketer, you’re doing your best to reach your audience in all the right places. But what if everything you’re doing on your own just isn’t enough? Consider working with an event… more
Apr 12, 2023
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) used to be the stuff of dreams for event planners, but with the introduction and growing popularity of tools such as ChatGPT, these dreams could soon become reality. Launched by OpenAI back in June 2020, the AI-based chatbot is creating waves of excitement. With the ability to provide incredibly detailed and human-like responses to highly demanding queries, ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize the way we gain information. However, in the event industry, there are still many who question whether the technology will ever be ready for more creative… 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