EXPERTS & OPINIONS

Oct 04, 2023
Experiential events can be powerful tools for engaging customers with your brand and building loyalty. But what is it about experiential events that make them so compelling? It’s no secret that emotions play a big role in how we think, feel and act when attending an event. Understanding the psychology behind why people respond well to certain elements of your event can help you build unforgettable campaigns that leave a lasting impression on your visitors.   Here are six ways human emotions drive impactful campaigns and shape consumer behavior. 1. Emotional Decision Making Emotions… more
Sep 27, 2023
You’ve mapped out your annual sales conference for months. Now, it’s finally here — and it’s heading quickly toward being a disaster. Is there anything you can do so it doesn’t ruin the attendees’ experiences, your company’s reputation and next year’s turnout? The answer is certainly “yes,” but there’s a caveat: You must be willing to show major flexibility. Event planning isn’t an exact science. Something could go awry at the last minute, no matter how much you prepare. Adaptability will help you and your team navigate the rockiness swiftly and — if all goes well — without any guests… more
Sep 20, 2023
As the events industry continues to experience a significant bounce back after the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no surprise that not everything is coming back easily. For some companies, it’s navigating the rapid surge back to in-person events after spending significant time and resources on developing virtual or hybrid infrastructure.  For others, it’s identifying new preferences of attendees for how event software is integrated into their event experience. Likewise, new expectations around the purpose of events and personalization of the event experience are also throwing event planners for a… more
Sep 13, 2023
​I try to go to Burning Man when I can and that may shock a lot of my peers and network. At first blush you might think it's all about drugs and nudity but this is NOT what Burning Man is about.  When Bob Priest-Heck and I joined forces at Immersa Marketing (many moons ago), our focus was on community. I asked him if I could go and "audit" Burning Man, and he agreed. I partnered with Cindy Shine and Shannon Malliet, and we made our way to Black Rock City, Nev. There were many lessons gathered on this pilgrimage as we tried to understand the difference between creating a "moment" vs. creating… more
Sep 07, 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of business events, where people-to-people interactions continue to rise, the significance of networking events cannot be overstated.  These gatherings, whether in-person or online, offer a unique platform for professionals to exchange ideas, collaborate and form connections that have the potential to shape the trajectory of their careers and businesses.  However, amidst the buzz of exchanging business cards and collecting leads, it's crucial to recognize that business relationships forged in these settings are the true golden nuggets of networking. Beyond… more
Aug 30, 2023
Did you know that “event planning” has been ranked among the top 10 most stressful jobs since 2012 with Forbes putting us at the high spot of number 5? With the hustle and bustle of the fall event season upon us, it’s important to remind my fellow event marketing folks to prioritize our physical and emotional health.  With August being National Wellness Month, it’s also a great reminder for event professionals to take a deep breath and learn ways to cope with the stressors of working in the industry. So, how can event professionals incorporate wellness into their planning and work-life… more
Aug 24, 2023
For the past three years, most organizations have relied on videoconferencing because there was no alternative. However, as we move through 2023 and beyond, many non-essential employees prefer to stay within the confines of their homes during the workday, leading to fewer personal interactions with other employees and clients. This begs the question: Should monthly, quarterly or yearly face-to-face gatherings return? Let’s examine the pros and cons, and then you decide. Strengths of Face-to-Face (F2F) Meetings Networking dominates. Nothing quite rises to the occasion of meeting someone,… more
Aug 17, 2023
As awareness of climate change increases, the public and private sectors face growing pressure to take action. This need for change is being driven not only by consumers, but also legislative and governing bodies. Germany, for instance, recently introduced an act requiring large companies to observe social and environmental standards across their supply chain.Despite growing concern for sustainability, the term “sustainability” itself has become a buzzword that risks losing its true meaning. To enact true change, organizations must align with sustainability goals rooted in reality. This is… more
Aug 09, 2023
Like every other industry, event professionals are both cautiously and optimistically watching as artificial intelligence and the ever-growing ecosystem of tools it empowers begins to shape and transform event planning. AI offers some obvious advantages and benefits for event planners, who are often inundated with data, extensive logistical and scheduling issues, communications needs, and many other processes which could stand to be streamlined by tech. However, are there also drawbacks for event management platforms and professionals as AI continues to expand into the space? Here are some… more
Aug 02, 2023
I'm looking forward to attending the Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA) Summit, which will be held Aug. 6-8 at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City. Powered by PCMA, CEMA advances strategic event marketing and marketing communications for senior-level event marketers and industry professionals.  Last week, I spoke with CEMA Vice President, Strategy and Operations Sandra Marcus, who told me the event had nearly 500 total attendees registered as of July 27, compared with 455 attendees in 2022. Of those, 32% are event marketers, she said. I’ve attended the event before, but it’s been a… more
Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident more