Keeping conference content not only relevant but also fresh, interactive and engaging is one way your attendees will be surely coming back year-over-year.

A new CEIR study measures economic impact of foreign trade hurdles.

New labor pricing equal to that of McCormick Place is effective immediately.

Despite loses, ‘indicators of recovery’ decline at a slower pace than previous quarters.

1. GOING…UP
Is it a sign that the recession is fading or just the luck of one big show? Either way, hats off to the National Association of Broadcasters, which saw a sizable uptick in attendance at this year’s show. The event drew 88,044 attendees this year, compared with 82,650 last year. The event took place April 10-15 in Las Vegas.

Going paperless is a great way to be green and save money at the same time. But not all attendees or exhibitors may be ready to take the plunge. At its Convergence event in 2009, Microsoft ramped up its sustainability efforts while still catering to attendees not quite ready to leave all paper collateral behind. These tips from Microsoft may help you make the transition, too.

More and more shows are creating separate spaces for exhibitors and vendors to showcase high-end products away from the rest of the show floor. But how do you create an atmosphere to promote the luxe vibe? World Shoes and Accessories (WSA) pulls it off with “The Box,” a space at the WSA Show that gives exhibitors a place to promote upscale or unique merchandise in a sophisticated area within the main show.

Having problems getting (or retaining) exhibitors for your virtual or hybrid event? The problem may be that exhibitors don’t fully understand how to utilize the measurement potential of the virtual environment.

You may not even know it, but it’s likely that your show is utilizing crowdsourcing in one way or another to improve the event. What is it? The term “crowdsourcing” was created by Wired writer Jeff Howe to describe the concept of “taking a job traditionally performed by a designated agent (usually an employee) and outsourcing it to an undefined, generally large group of people in the form of an open call.”

Not every show has the time or resources to invest in a full-time public relations expert or create an intricate press strategy. But even if you don’t have someone devoted to the press full time, you shouldn’t relegate the media to second- or third-priority status when it comes to prepping for your next show.

Coming to America – International influences are ingrained. Sriracha (rooster sauce) is the new salsa, which replaced the old ketchup. Vietnamese Banh Mi is the new ham & Swiss; and Middle Eastern spices and spreads go mainstream as pizza makes way for pide. Forget chicken noodle soup, it is pho; pho sure.

These days, chances are a number of attendees at your sessions and keynotes are going to be plugged in — either to a laptop or to a smartphone — while the speaker is giving his or her presentation.