EXHIBITORLIVE 2017 Scrapbook
I had a great time at EXHIBITORLIVE 2017. This year’s conference began in a big way with the CTSM Dinner, described in my previous blog entry.
On Monday night Gail Hernandez, CTSM Diamond and I helped with the First-Timers Meet-Up reception, and Gail organized our own version of “Dinner with Strangers” from the group afterward at The Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge. (We made a brief appearance at the Welcome Reception in between.) I met some great new people and we had fun!
At The Peppermill.
The session I taught with Bob Milan, “Effective Exhibiting for Companies with Niche Markets and Long Sales Cycles,” went very well, as did the roundtable discussion later on the same topic. The roundtable discussion inspired me to add a few slides to the presentation deck. I still hope to find some good case studies to add in the future.
The sessions I took were very good.
I think every trade show professional should take “Show Floor Labor: Busting the Myths About Unions.” Taught by Amanda Helgemoe, Glenda Brungardt, CTSM Silver, and Ken Viscovich, this session gives a good picture the roles of unions, associations, and general contractors, and why show services cost what they do.
“Pay it Forward: How to Integrate Cause Marketing Into Your Program,” by Lisa Lawley, CTSM Diamond and J. Kismet Mikos, CTSM Silver, presented good ideas for offering community service activities to attendees, coordinating donations, and more. Over the past several years I’ve done a lot of work for nonprofit organizations, and it was valuable to hear the corporate perspective on helping good causes.
“40 Ways to Make the Last Day of Your Show Productive,” by Deanna Krause, CTSM Gold, gave ideas for making the most of any slow times on the show floor.
“The Event Disaster Recovery Support Group: A Six-Step Program” by CTSM Candidate Felicia Kaban, Roger May, and Marc Crosier, is another class I believe every trade show manager should take. I’m not going to give away all of the steps, but the first one is to accept it when you are faced with disaster. As Felicia said, “being suspended in disbelief is a luxury people in our position cannot afford.” The presenters covered some alarming scenarios they’ve faced and told what they did to save or salvage the day. I’ve had my “Plan B” moments, but nothing like some of their situations! They made it clear that getting angry and blaming people only makes a tough problem worse -- how I wish more people in charge knew that. I appreciated that Felicia shared how she transformed over time from anxious, unconfident, reactive, and stressed to calm, confident, and solutions-focused. It’s heartening to know people can change!
During my stay in Las Vegas I found time to go through the Mandalay Bay complex and walk down the Strip, relax, and take stock of what was new and different since my last visit. Here’s what I found.
Park Theater at Monte Carlo, part of a three-acre dining and entertainment area.
The T-Mobile Arena opened in April of 2016, along with a dining and entertainment area in a three-acre park near Monte Carlo/MGM Grand.
“Bliss Dance,” a 40 foot sculpture of model Deja Solis by Marco Cochrane, at The Park on the Las Vegas Strip.
Sculptor Marco Cochrane said, "What I see missing in the world is an appreciation and respect for feminine energy and power that results when women are free and safe. It seems obvious to me that feminine energy is being suppressed and that this must change. If we are to find real, lasting solutions to the problems facing humanity, men and women must be able to work together as equals. Bliss Dance is intended to focus attention on this issue."
Just for fun, here are some additional snapshots from my trip.
I took a hardcover Frog and Toad anthology to the book drive. Spread the Word Nevada encourages children to read and gives children books they can keep and enjoy.
Adventures of Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
After I finished presenting, I went to Mandalay Place for lunch
The Guinness Store had this large green-clad St. Patrick’s Day figure, and I stopped for a snapshot.
Guinness toucans.
I had a good lunch by myself at Burger Bar.
I liked this black and white dress on the middle mannequin at Angl. It looked like something Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly might have worn.
Las Vegas was unusually warm for March. But anyone missing snow didn’t have too look far to find some.
The light was beautiful as I prepared to leave Las Vegas. I took this shot while I waited for my airport shuttle.
I am grateful for this opportunity to learn, teach and spend time with good people, including some who have become dear friends. I’m already looking forward to EXHIBITORLIVE 2018.