The Tag Digital team always likes travelling across the pond, especially if it gives us a chance to leave the winter doldrums of the UK behind and escape to a warmer locale.
Our latest trip to Las Vegas for IAEE Expo! Expo! 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center didn’t disappoint. The annual “show for shows” attracts more than 2,500 trade show professionals from around the world coming together to share best practices and insights.
Francesca, Steph, Ashley, and Shannon represented the Tag Digital team at the event, spending several packed days networking with event organisers, planners, and other event industry suppliers. We had the opportunity to give insights into what event organisers need to know about paid advertising campaigns to help grow their events.
With more than 100 educational sessions and tons of on-and-off-the-show-floor activities to participate in, here are a few of our favourites from the show.
Blue Beginnings
Expo! Expo! kicked things off during Tuesday’s opening general session with an incredible performance by the Blue Man Group! If you’ve never seen one of these highly-entertaining and energizing shows by this blue-hued cast, check them out next time you’re in Vegas or one of the other cities they regularly perform in.
Aside from bringing the entire room to their feet with a rousing performance, the group also made sure we all found our way to the exhibition floor by leading everyone pied piper-style to the hall.
On the show floor, the Tag Digital team had a great time catching up with many familiar faces while making brand new, valuable connections with global event professionals.
Tag Digital’s booth was set-up in the International Pavilion, alongside our fellow Gleanin friends from across the pond. We enjoyed meeting with attendees and learning about their events, and discussing how event PPC campaigns help organisers to grow their events.
Sunrise on the Strip
On Wednesday, we were up early–at least by Vegas standards, but not really for our jet-lagged internal clocks–to start the second day with a 5K run/1 mile walk along the Strip.
Hosted by founding sponsor Experient and benefiting the CEIR Foundation and their efforts to support the success of the events and exhibitions industry, the run/walk was created to honour Terence Donnelly. He had a passion for the exhibitions and events industry, and loved being part of the IAEE community.
The fundraiser raised more than $5,000 for CEIR. It meant so much to our team to give back and support this amazing industry!
Education, Education, and More Education!
Outside of show hours, we found time to attend a variety of educational and general sessions. Expo! Expo! organisers put a tremendous amount of planning and care to craft a robust agenda that covers all aspects of the events industry and includes a diverse range of experienced and knowledgeable event professionals.
Then seemingly in a blink of an eye, it was time for Exposociety, IAEE’s Closing Party, at Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub. Overlooking the beautiful Bellagio foundations, we enjoyed the spectacular views and making more connections with our fellow event industry peers. It was an amazing way to close out an incredible event!
Thanks to IAEE and to everyone who made the event a success. We look forward to seeing you next year, December 8-10, in Louisville, Kentucky for Expo! Expo! 2020!
Missed Expo! Expo!, but wondering about top trends in audience acquisition and event PPC? Contact us for highlights of the most-talked-about trends!