Global Experience Specialists (GES), a full-service provider of live events, was recognized by EXHIBITOR Magazine at its 17th Annual Sizzle Awards. GES won in the Traffic Builder category for its Art and Science of Engagement experience at EXHIBITOR2014, held Mar. 16-20 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
In devising its strategy for EXHIBITOR2014, GES intuitively connected its new tagline – the Art and Science of Engagement – to the experience. In planning its exhibit space, the GES team began by talking about how they wanted to make visitors feel, not about the footprint of the exhibit space.
While researching ideas to demonstrate art and science in GES’ exhibit, John Woo, vice president of design & creative, GES, discovered William Close and the Earth Harp Collective. Close had recently been a finalist on “America’s Got Talent,” and in reviewing the videos, Woo was confident that he had found the perfect blend of art and science. Woo knew he could turn the convention center into a musical instrument by connecting the harp strings to the 45-foot high ceiling. Through much research and coordination, GES was able to work with William Close and transform its exhibit space into a captivating live performance.
At the top of each hour, a live Earth Harp performance by William Close instantly captured the attention of everyone in the convention center, and the normal activity of a busy tradeshow ceased as attendees brought out their cell phones to capture the event. Between performances, attendees were invited to play the Earth Harp themselves and many lingered at the GES “un-booth” for their chance to play and talk with the GES team about this unique and engaging experience. Still others began arriving far ahead of the hour to assure them of a good spot for the next performance.
“Our team is incredibly excited to be recognized with a prestigious Sizzle Award,” said Gina McDuffie, executive vice president of marketing, GES. “This project falls in the category of smart risk taking. We knew we needed to push the limits on every single element to show what’s possible when art and science come together. We achieved unforgettable engagement and everyone, guests and GES employees alike, had a great time participating in it.”
GES was one of only five winning Sizzle entries. EXHIBITOR magazine does not release the number of entries received, but did confirm that this year’s Sizzle Awards received more entries than in the past nine years.
The winning numbers:
TRAFFIC BUILDER
Budget: $150,000 – $199,000
Goals:
- Increase leads by 100 percent compared to EXHIBITOR2013.
- Improve the open rate of post-show mailings by 10 percent.
- Attract at least 200 new fans and followers on social-media channels.
Results:
- Boosted the number of leads collected by 328 percent.
- Grew the open rate of post-show mailings by 14 percent.
- Garnered a total of 500 new fans and followers on Facebook and Twitter.
