Trade Show Insights: Recent Episodes
Marlys K. Arnold
When you’re at a trade show, it’s easy to get focused on simply gathering leads or generating sales – short-term results. But beyond that, are you building meaningful connections that can lead to future business or open doors to other exciting opportunities? I know I’ve made some of my best client and friend connections at a trade show. Perhaps that’s how you and I first met! In order to meaningfully connect with someone – whether that’s a customer, neighbor, coworker, or anyone else – you need to focus on a few basic things. Together, these actions guarantee more effective communication
Earlier this year, I attended a workshop on how to market like Taylor Swift, and let me tell you … there are a wealth of insights you can learn by studying this multi-award-winning, stadium-packing music legend. Now it really doesn’t matter whether you know a single one of her songs (I’m only familiar with a few myself). We’re going to break down the strategies she uses to create raving fans who can’t wait for her next album debut – and how you can put each of these to use in your trade show marketing. Lesson #1: Understand your buyer personas
Designing an impressive exhibit display just isn’t enough anymore. Attention spans are shorter, and attendees want experiences that not only educate about your products, but also involve and entertain them. At the same time, sponsoring the opening reception or other official event at the show is likely outside the budget for many companies. So what’s a creative exhibitor to do? Wendy Porter has decades of experience producing memorable events, and she joins us to share insider tips on: Why it’s more important than ever to create experiences off the show floor How to curate an exclusive experience for your ideal
Lifestyles have changed since the “Great Pause,” and stamina is a big part of that. While event attendees used to be willing to be booked solid from sunup to sundown (and far beyond), that just doesn’t fly anymore. Savvy trade show organizers and exhibitors are learning to integrate wellness into all aspects of the event – from the overall schedule to meals to in-booth activities and more. In this episode, wellness consultant David Stevens goes beyond the buzzword of wellness and shares strategic ways to integrate well-being into events by: Becoming mindful of the attendee experience Incorporating wellness elements in
Certain topics are getting lots of buzz these days: staffing challenges, budgets, sustainability, AI. But too often that’s all they are – buzzwords. So for this episode of Trade Show Insights, I invited one of my trade show BFFs to join me for a conversation that goes beyond the surface of these topics to what should be on everyone’s radar. You see for several years, Rich Vallaster and I have scheduled frequent touch-base calls to analyze what’s happening in the trade show industry, what’s working, and what needs to change. Now you have the opportunity to listen in as we
When you hear the word “sponsorship,” what do you think of first? The welcome reception … or tote bags … or a gazillion banners hanging all around the convention center? Sure, that’s what most shows do. But you don’t want to be like most shows, right? Time to makeover the sponsorship menu with options that stand out and benefit everyone involved – attendees and exhibitors, as well as the show’s bottom line. In this episode, brand activation and sponsorship strategist MK Granados from Gen City Labs explains how to: Tap into unique opportunities hiding in plain sight Use sponsorships to
When I ask exhibitors about their goals for a particular show, the most common answer is either brand awareness/visibility or generating leads. While these are valid reasons for exhibiting, they’re what I call “squishy goals.” That’s because there’s nothing definitive or measurable about them. So how can you prove you were successful if you don’t have a way to measure your results – especially if someone in your company (sales manager, VP of Marketing, or whoever) must be convinced that trade shows are worth the investment? But that’s a topic for another episode or blog post. Today I want to
Ever faced an exhibiting challenge – like unreasonable costs – and didn’t know where to turn? That’s where The Exhibitor Advocate comes in! In this episode, Jessica Sibila shares what The Exhibitor Advocate is and how to access the resources provided to help exhibitors: Address rising costs and potential solutions Work with show management to set up an Exhibitor Advisory Council Know where to watch for unexpected or hidden fees Calculate return on their exhibiting investment (ROI) with established metrics Related links: Learn more about or join The Exhibitor Advocate Access the Maxbi tool to measure exhibit success Download the
At one point in my childhood, I wanted to be an architect. I loved the idea of creating a space that connected with people’s emotions and created a feeling of excitement, intrigue or peacefulness. While I didn’t pursue that career path, I’ve continued to be fascinated by architecture. Several years ago I discovered (and now follow) one of the most forward-thinking, award-winning architects focused on using smart building design to create experiential environments that inspire and delight. Her name is Maria Lorena Lehman, founder of Sensing Architecture, and while I don’t have her as a guest on the podcast today
Shipping – it’s often just one more item on the trade show to-do list, and not the focus of attention … until something goes sideways. But lately with all the talk about a potential strike at UPS and then the meltdown of Yellow Freight, the topic of shipping has become top-of-mind for a lot of companies. So I reached out to a few of my go-to industry experts for a few Shipping 101 (and beyond) tips to help you navigate the logistics and hopefully avoid a lot of the headaches. Thanks to Chuck Michel from ELITeXPO and Candy Adams, The
It’s a situation no event organizer wants to face. But the team at RISKWORLD 2023 was forced to deal with the reality of an active shooter in the city, which put their crisis management plans to the test. In this episode, Gary LaBranche, CEO of RIMS, the risk management society®, shares the story of what happened at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Learn behind-the-scenes details of: How the situation rapidly unfolded and the team responded Which communication methods worked and the challenges they faced How event organizers need to think beyond the convention center itself (especially for a
Too many exhibitors think of lead gathering as simply a race to scan the most badges. Instead it should be the beginning of a system that guides a visitor in your booth along the path to becoming a valued client. In this episode, Janae Peel from Captello shares tips and best practices for: Staying focused on the conversation in your booth Transitioning leads into your follow-up system Personalizing follow-up to increase response Building a relationship with your new leads Related links: Trade Show ROI Calculator Request a personalized demo of the Captello lead capture software (Note: Some links on this
Why stop with a one-week experience? (Too many trade shows do.) Instead, think of your trade show as the centerpiece of an ongoing community for exhibitors, sponsors and attendees. In this episode, membership development consultant Joy Duling shares strategies, tips and tools to: Create Discovery Magnets for your show Onboard attendees with personalized communications (it might be easier than you think!) Craft audience journeys for first-timers and loyal fans of your event Study how universities nurture community Related links: Joy’s blog articles on Roadmap to Growth – Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 iExit app (helpful for road trips!)
Recently, I was invited to be one of the first contributors to the new Exhibitor News Network. This podcast episode is the audio version of that article. Here’s where you can read that blog post. (Thanks to the team at TSNN/ENN for permission to repurpose as an audio version.)
Anyone who’s ever walked a trade show knows how easy it is to hit stimulus overload. And that becomes even more of a challenge for neurodiverse or introverted attendees. So how can we make our conferences and trade shows more sensory-friendly? Professional Event Host and former BBC broadcaster Clare Forestier shares tips on how to: Create breathing space for attendees to recharge Consider sensory needs like you do accessibility issues Provide a better AX (Attendee-first eXperience) Include sponsors in the conversation Related links: Overland Park Convention Center’s Sensory Room Trade Show Insights interview with Al Mercuro on sustainability Clare’s website
Everybody’s talking about ChatGPT and other hot AI tools these days. But how do you sort through the hype and learn how to incorporate them into your event planning tool kit? Tech expert Michelle Bruno provides insights on: What options are currently trending Ways to use them for trade shows and events How to verify the information is accurate Dangers and landmines to watch out for Links mentioned during the interview: ChatGPT DALL-E Plus some of my personal favorite AI tools: (Note: Some of these are affiliate links, which means if you click on them and choose to purchase I
Trade shows are not a stand-alone marketing tool. Instead they should be integrated into all your other marketing efforts as part of a comprehensive strategy. The team at Canon Medical Systems is a great example of that, so I featured their story in the updated edition of Build a Better Trade Show Image. Listen in as Debbi Kemp shares behind-the-scenes details (beyond what’s in the book) on how they: Designed an exhibit to engage and draw attendees deeper into the booth Incorporated virtual elements to reduce expenses Took the show on the road to reach those who couldn’t make it
It’s that time when everyone begins to reflect back on the year winding down, while also eagerly awaiting the new one that’s just ahead. So in that vein, I wanted to share some perspective on what you can expect from me in 2023. Now back in 2020, I started hosting Virtual Lunch as a way for the trade show industry to stay connected. Since then, we’ve hosted more than 50 Lunches featuring guest experts on all kinds of topics. (If you’d like to check out the archives, you’ll find them at ExhibitMarketersCafe.com/lunch.) But over the past few months, as things
We all want our trade shows and events to be memorable. Instead they often wind up mostly forgotten by the audience. But Phil Mershon doesn’t believe it has to be that way. Listen in as he shares strategies for how to: Lean into your audience’s interests to create “magical moments” Pay attention to the audience journey (especially for first-timers) Create a culture for serendipity Craft ways to avoid overwhelm Here are links to resources related to our interview: Social Media Marketing World The Power of Moments by Chip & Dan Heath Phil’s book, Unforgettable: The Art & Science of Creating
Our economy – and climate – is changing and trade shows need to adapt along with it. In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, Rhiannon Andersen joins us to discuss the Sharing Economy: What is it and how does it fit in with exhibit marketing? What are the benefits for exhibitors and the environment? How can you get buy-in from executives at your company? How can virtual experiences be better integrated into events? Here are the links to resources related to our interview: Why the Sharing Economy is good for the environment 6 Benefits of the Sharing Economy How to take
Working a trade show booth requires you to think on your feet and adapt with each visitor who enters your booth. You’ve got to be prepared for almost anything – kind of like taking a turn on an improv stage. So in this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, edutainer Rebecca P. Murray provides expert tips for how to: Develop a hook that will engage attendees Use three key transition phrases Get beyond “stage fright” in the booth Plus … a sprinkle of advice from Mary Poppins and Mr. Rogers Here are the links to resources mentioned during the interview: Rebecca’s website
There has never been a more important time for exhibitors to have a voice in the trade show industry. In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, Jessica Sibila introduces us to a brand new group that’s been formed to help address exhibitor challenges and ensure the success of our industry. You’ll discover: What The Exhibitor Advocate is and how it came to be Who it’s created for and what it provides Who had the vision and passion to create it How you can get involved Here are the links to resources mentioned during the interview: The Exhibitor Advocate The Exhibitor Advocate
These days, it’s a full-time job to keep up with what’s happening in event tech. Ideas and tools are changing fast and it’s hard to know which ones you should be incorporating into your trade shows and events. So in this episode, we’re getting some straight-up perspective on what you should be paying attention to, including: How you’re serving those who aren’t showing up for your in-person events How AI (artificial intelligence) can help bring people together What role digital tools play alongside physical events What to consider for the metaverse and other emerging trends About Josh Hotsenpiller Josh Hotsenpiller
The results are in … video is the champion of online content, and you better get in the game. But how do you create videos that get watched, shared, and remembered? Get advice from an expert! Now I don’t profess to be an expert when it comes to video. So I invited my friend, Lou Bortone, to be our guest on Virtual Lunch. Lou is a former executive at E! Entertainment Television as well as an online video guru. In this rebroadcast he shares helpful tips you can put to use before, during and after your trade shows and events
No doubt we all wish we had a crystal ball to see what the future of trade shows might look like. Or do we really need one? If there’s one thing that’s become painfully obvious after the past two years, it’s how unlikely our industry is willing to readily accept change. Anyone who believed that massive innovations would come out of such a seismic shift (like I did) is beginning to realize that far too many event organizers and exhibitors are slipping right back into the same-old, same-old. I’ve heard this across numerous conversations recently. People are so excited to
Do you take your exhibit too seriously? Are you forgetting to have fun in your booth? In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, bestselling author Dr. Bob Nelson (1501 Ways to Reward Employees, Work Made Fun Gets Done!) shares creative ideas and strategies for: Boosting your booth attraction Motivating and rewarding your staff Tapping a hidden resource to connect with attendees on their level Here are the links mentioned in the interview: Low-Cost Ideas (Dr. Bob’s article) Dr. Bob Nelson’s website (Note: Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click on them and choose to purchase
The trade show industry isn’t necessarily known for being environmentally responsible – but a few trailblazers are working hard to change that. Al Mercuro is one of them, and in this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch he shares some often overlooked ways to be more sustainable at trade shows and events. You’ll discover how to: Creatively repurpose everything from graphics to print materials Take advantage of EDPA’s new sustainability partnership Tap into solutions you may never have considered Start the conversation within your organization (or with everyone involved in your event) Here are the links mentioned in the interview: “Will the
In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, we’ve got a crowdsourced episode celebrating Build a Better Trade Show Image Week. We’re featuring why YOU love trade shows! Our guest panelists include: Kenji Haroutunian – The Big Gear Show Don Jalbert – Exhibit Associates Victoria Petersen – E3 Events, Experiences, Environments Al Mercuro – Genesis Exhibits Silvana Cheyney – SLC Events Services Marco Barozzi – Expo Consulting Rich Vallaster – Personify Here’s where you can watch the entire Virtual Lunch broadcast.
How intriguing is your marketing? Does it make people eager to know more? In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, communications expert Sam Horn shares tips to transform your marketing message from forgettable to memorable. Discover how to: Create repeatable, retweetable titles or taglines Design a visual message Find a meaningful metaphor Capture attention with her “Did You Know?” opening Here are the links mentioned in the interview: Want to Be More Intriguing? Tips for Creating the Perfect Title or Tagline Sam Horn’s 60-Second “Did You Know?” Opening The Intrigue Agency Sam Horn’s website (where you can watch her TEDx Talk)
Have you ever stopped to think about how you’re influenced by marketing – and how your marketing influences others? In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, Nancy Harhut shares ideas that tap the science of human behavior to improve your marketing results. You’ll discover how to: Give buyers choices so the decision is theirs Use pricing strategies that impact audience perception Create a bundle that’s more appealing Name products or offers that appeal to audience interests Create a sense of fairness Here are the links mentioned during the interview: Listen to Nancy’s interview on Ruth Stevens’ Marketing Horizons podcast 7 Unusual
In spite of what some may think, virtual events are not a fad that’s run their course. While they may not continue to look like they have over the past two years (or be as ubiquitous), they are a tool that’s worth learning how to master. In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, HeySummit CEO Rob Gelb shares tips to design virtual events that inspire more interest and impact, including how to: Incorporate creative event formats and tools Understand the definition of events (it may not be what you think) Get speakers more involved before the event Create more value for
Lately the same topic keeps coming up in conversations with exhibitors, show organizers, and other industry professionals. Everyone’s talking about how show floor traffic may be down by 40–50 percent, yet the quality of attendees is much higher. Even small exhibitors are getting more serious leads, which makes them feel their investment is worthwhile. Yet I’m also hearing from those who can’t attend in person. There are many reasons, whether health concerns, budget restrictions, or travel logistics. (Just had a conversation this week with a Canadian exhibitor … if you think travel within the U.S. is a hassle, you should
Ever feel like your to-do list is managing you, instead of the other way around? In the world of trade shows and events, it definitely can seem like there’s no end to the tasks that are demanding our attention. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, Sandra Martini shares tips for maximizing productivity, including how to: Reframe the idea of a to-do list Gamify the elements of a project Reverse-engineer the process to complete major projects Build in time to fight fires Plus some of her favorite productivity tools Here are the links
Let’s be honest: Networking isn’t always productive, no matter whether it’s in-person or online. In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, Amanda Kaiser shares lessons from a three-month experiment to discover ideas that make networking more fun and engaging. Go behind the scenes to learn: How the Virtual Networking Incubator was born What kinds of technology and exercises work for groups of various sizes Why it helps to have structured networking activities How to encourage participation even before the event starts Here are the links mentioned during the interview: Download the Virtual Networking Incubator roundup report (you can also request notification
Launching a brand-new trade show in the middle of a pandemic is not a task for average show organizers. But then The Big Gear Show never set out to be average. In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, go behind the scenes to discover how the team: Created an “experiential wonderland” in a non-traditional venue Designed a more affordable trade show option for both exhibitors and attendees Made a lasting impression in their industry Gained valuable lessons for next year and beyond Here are the links mentioned during the interview: Big Gear Show pulls off successful invitation-only event (Bicycle Retailer) That’s
Social media has been around a long time, but are we tapping into its full potential when it comes to our events? Monica Vila provides valuable insights, not only from her expertise in social media marketing, but also many years spent working in trade shows and events. In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, you’ll discover how to enhance your social media marketing by: Tapping influencer marketing within your audience Learning from what consumer brands are doing Building community in the right platforms for your audience Introducing your audience from one platform to another Here are links mentioned during the interview:
Okay, I admit it – I’m a big Star Trek fan. No, not to the point where I dress up as a Klingon and stroll the aisles of Comic-Con – although I did thoroughly enjoy roaming around with them back when the Star Trek Experience was a Vegas attraction. But I digress … One of the things I love most about Star Trek is the way it shows us the potential of how much life can change for the better in the next 200 or so years. I mean, traveling at warp speed, scanning devices that heal wounds … So
As the trade show industry begins to breathe life again, there’s a new place to turn for resources and support to get back in the groove again. In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, Laura Palker tells us about the National Trade Show Alliance: Why the NTSA was formed Who the NTSA is for What resources are available How you can get involved Here are links mentioned during the interview: National Trade Show Alliance Together Again Job Fair & Expo Here’s where you can watch the entire Virtual Lunch broadcast About Laura Palker Laura is the Founder and CEO of Trade
Are you taking advantage of all that LinkedIn offers to show off your expertise? Probably not, but after you hear all the tips Viveka von Rosen shares in this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch, you’ll know what steps to take to get there. Discover how to: Improve your SSI score (and what that is) Take advantage of a variety of new tools LinkedIn offers (if you have access to them yet) Craft your profile to stand out and draw people to you Connect with people in a strategic, non-salesy way Here are links mentioned during the interview: LinkedIn Profile Template (free)
We all know someone (or 20!) who made a career transition during the past year. They may have changed companies, or left our industry entirely. And for those you used to work with every day, that connection has been altered as well. How do we transition back to those relationships, or do we? In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Café, communications expert Bill Rawlins provides tips on how to: Recognize the Three Expectations of Friendship Deal with the loss of work friends Restore relationships that have been on pause Here are links mentioned during the interview:
We’ve heard a lot about shows reopening here in the U.S., but what’s happening in Europe? In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Café, Marco Barozzi joins us from Bologna, Italy to provide insights on: Signs of recovery with upcoming trade shows The importance of Digital Green Certificates How venues all over Europe have stepped up What government aid has been available Here are links mentioned during the interview: Bologna Children’s Book Fair (coming in-person in June) Mobile World Congress Barcelona (going hybrid in June) MWC’s biggest exhibitor is a tiny startup EU’s Digital Green Certificate Expo Consulting
Your brand is so much more than a logo and tagline. It’s a story that’s just waiting to be brought to life through your exhibits and events. In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Café, Ian McGonnigal shares these insights on creating your brand experience: What brand experience is and how to measure it How event organizers and exhibitors can build more a memorable brand Why you need to incorporate storytelling elements into exhibits and events How to find the right events to tell your story Here are links to items mentioned in the interview: Auditing your
The trade show industry is beginning to show signs of life again! But it won’t be as easy as flipping a switch to bring things back all at once. Jim Wurm from the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association joins us in this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Café to share insights on: How the new Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance is advocating for the industry How vendors and venues may ramp up the workforce as needed What might (or might not) be required to attend trade shows and events What financial relief might be on the horizon Here are
Last year, when everyone was scrambling to do meetings online, you might have been able to get away with a bad video now and then. Those days are over. Now, if you want to appear as the professional you truly are, it’s time to step up your game. So in this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Café, Ramon Ray shares tips on: Maintaining effective eye contact Creating a ‘stage’ that’s appropriate for you Getting the basic tech tools you need to look and sound good Here are links to items mentioned during the interview: Digital Charisma: 8
Trade shows and events won’t go back to the way they were pre-2020 – which means we all must adapt and evolve for the next generation. In this rebroadcast of Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Café, Allen Yesilevich shares tips for dealing with disruption in the trade show industry and improving your digital playbook, including how to: Thrive during disruption Deliver value and make money with virtual events Create a community for future events Build alliances in the industry Here are links to items mentioned during the interview: Why & How Modern Marketers Thrive During Disruption (Allen’s article) What
We kicked off this year’s Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Café with a special, inspirational guest: Melva LaJoy Jones from LaJoy Plans. Listen in as she shares how to use the lessons from our past to build our future. Here are links to some of the items mentioned in the interview: Doubt Always Loses (from Melva’s blog) Event Planning Lessons from My Father (from Melva’s blog) Melva’s website, LaJoy Plans Here’s where you can watch the entire Virtual Lunch broadcast About Melva LaJoy Jones: Melva LaJoy Jones is a former educator turned certified events management professional with over 20
One of the challenges event planners faced in 2020 was how to create connections among attendees in a virtual platform. But it’s not necessarily a new – or online only – problem. Nancy Drapeau from the Center from Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) shares trends and data from their report on trade show matchmaking in this rebroadcast of our Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Cafe. Here are links to items mentioned in this interview: CEIR report: Matchmaking Before & During COVID-19: How North American B2B Exhibition Organizers Use Technology to Connect People and Products Transcript from the #ExpoChat on Making
Are you ignoring – or worse yet, alienating – a large percentage of the population in your trade shows, whether online or in person? Chances are you have been, even if you didn’t mean to. So I invited accessibility advocate Samantha Evans to join us for Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Cafe to share what your events need to include to be more accessible to all. You’ll learn: What to look for and ask about when checking out virtual event platforms Things to consider when adding captions and interpreters How to overcome some of the challenges presented by wearing
On this week’s Virtual Lunch in the Exhibit Marketers Cafe, Alan Arnold joins Marlys for a conversation about how to tap your creativity when faced with a challenge. You’ll learn how to: Stimulate your creative juices Recharge like powerful people do Keep an idea journal Have insightful conversations Here are links to items in the interview: Apple’s “Here’s to the crazy ones …” ad Here’s where you can watch the entire Virtual Lunch broadcast
It seems everyone’s talking about how procedures will change as trade shows reopen – from registration to scheduling to floor plans. But there’s one aspect of future shows that’s getting very little attention these days. So on this week’s Virtual Lunch, I invited Mel White from Classic Exhibits to provide insights on how exhibitors will need to adapt their exhibits as shows reopen. You’ll discover ideas for: Accommodating traffic flow restrictions Implementing tech tools Adapting your booth layout for each show Incorporating lessons learned from virtual shows Here are links to items mentioned in the interview: Trade Show Design Challenges
Just because events are going virtual doesn’t mean there aren’t still great ways for sponsors to get their message out. On this week’s Virtual Lunch replay, guest Nicole Burkart from Conference Care Package shares ideas for sponsors to: Host virtual happy hours Encourage sponsor and audience interaction Gamify participation Reinforce the importance of giving back Here are links to some of the items mentioned in the interview: Request the 30 Sponsorship Ideas report Conference Care Package (Nicole’s website) Here’s where you can watch the entire Virtual Lunch broadcast About Nicole Burkart: Nicole Burkart is no stranger to the events industry.
For months, I’ve wished there was something I could do for all my trade show friends who were suddenly thrust into searching for a new career. Then I met career expert Leslie Evans Thorne in an online group, and knew I had to have her as a guest on our weekly Virtual Lunch! So listen in as she shares insights on how to: Recognize the difference between your skills and talents Convey the benefits your unique talents bring to any job “Rona-proof” your career Here are links to some of the items mentioned in the interview: The 3 Questions: How
While the effects of this year on the exhibit industry may be hard to put into words, the team at UFI has been working to quantify the response from exhibitors and attendees, as well as offer perspective for moving forward. Our guest for this week’s Virtual Lunch, Kai Hattendorf, shares findings from the Global Recovery Project and the JMIC Global Manifesto. Here are links to items mentioned in the interview: UFI Global Recovery Project: Select findings and the overview webinar JMIC Global Manifesto: UFI blog article and webinar recordings Download the JMIC Global Manifesto PDF Here’s where you can watch
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of The Experience Economy by Joe Pine and Jim Gilmore. So you can imagine how delighted I was when Jim agreed to be a guest on our weekly Virtual Lunch! So listen in as he shares insights on how to: Prepare for the next phase of the Experience Economy Design a multisensory environment in virtual events Inspire more engaging conversations Create an experience even when selling services or other intangibles … plus one simple (low-tech) thing that will help you stand out Here are links to some of the items mentioned in
This year has proved to be a challenge for event planners on every level, including those in charge of the Presidential Conventions. Now I don’t know about you, but actually I found this year’s version was more intriguing than previous ones. Perhaps it was because I’m studying all kinds of virtual events anyway, but I think it was more because they were forced to innovate and re-imagine the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality that can be so ingrained in any organization. So regardless of your personal politics, I invite you to set those aside while we simply focus
Of course we all want to get back to meeting face to face – but until that happens, we can’t stop marketing. So in the rebroadcast of this week’s Virtual Lunch interview with Ruth Stevens you’ll discover how to make the most of this time to: Get to know the person behind your corporate client Create your own virtual events and build community Convert social media followers into leads in your database Here are links to some of the items mentioned in the interview: Ruth’s article that inspired this episode: 10 B2B Marketing Strategies for a World Without Face-to-Face Events
If you’re trying to figure out how to market to your audience appropriately during these confusing times, you’re not alone. Today’s guest, Juntae DeLane provides perspective in this rebroadcast of our weekly Virtual Lunch. You’ll discover how to: Tap into brand storytelling Stand out from the competition (without being negative) Leverage existing assets Here are the related links: Juntae’s website, Digital Delane Watch the entire Virtual Lunch broadcast About Juntae DeLane: Juntae is the founder of the Digital Branding Institute, a global hub for digital branding resources, education, and training. He is the Sr. Digital Brand Manager for the University
This is the time when leaders will emerge. Our industry is being put to the test – we’re all being put to the test. But as our guest, Heather Hansen O’Neill says, what happens next depends on how we choose to show up in the world. So listen in to the rebroadcast of this week’s Virtual Lunch interview to hear Heather’s insights on how to: Collaborate to move forward Become a beacon of light for clients and prospects Build bridges to your desired goals Here are links to some of the things mentioned in the interview: Inspirational quote from the
This special edition podcast episode is a bit different – I decided to republish this week’s Virtual Lunch interview with Kevin Carty from Classic Exhibits. You’ll hear his firsthand account of the Together Again Expo in Orlando, which was the trade show industry’s example of how events can operate safely. In the interview, you’ll hear several resources mentioned. Here are those links: Together Again Expo website Video replay of the Together Again Expo (7+ hour Vimeo video; certain segments are highlighted with time codes during the interview) Kevin’s “walk-around” video of the Expo floor Women in Exhibitions virtual booth And
I recently heard someone say that 2020 feels like being stuck in a simulation that’s running every possible scenario simultaneously. No wonder we’re all exhausted! That’s why on one of our weekly Virtual Lunches, we focused on ways to take care of yourself throughout all this madness. So in case you missed it, here are some ideas for you, broken down into three basic categories. First is Play. As you may have already discovered, a lot of that can take place online. Today there are all kinds of online activities available that we never knew existed before. Basically, the idea
While it may still be unclear exactly when face-to-face trade shows will be back up and running again, there’s one thing we do know for sure: they certainly won’t look like what we’re used to. You’ve likely seen endless conversations and updates on how the show floor layout and logistics will change – in fact, we’ve covered that topic quite a bit on our weekly Virtual Lunches in the Exhibit Marketers Café. But what about the actual exhibits themselves? There will likely be mandates on how many people can be in a booth at any given time, as well as
Virtual events. For years, that phrase has ignited fierce debate in the trade show and events world. And even now that we’ve been forced to make all meetings virtual, some people are still kicking and screaming. But the fact is that right now any event coming up soon on the calendar has three options: cancel, postpone, or find a way to convert to virtual. Why the idea of incorporating a remote audience is so difficult to understand, I’m not sure. We’ve been doing it in other ways our entire lives – I mean very few of us have ever attended
Now that we’ve transitioned from freak-out stage to somewhat of a new routine – at least in many of our day-to-day functions – it’s important that we continue to stay in touch with our audience. And no, I’m not talking about the endless stream of crisis communications that we’re all getting sick of seeing in our inboxes on a daily basis! It’s okay to address the problems you know they’re facing, but instead of feeding off the fear, offer up solutions and support. Now is not the time to stop marketing! (Even if you’re the organizer of a show that’s
While I wish I had a crystal ball and could give you a precise timeline for when the trade show industry will be up and running again, I’m afraid that’s not possible. But what I can tell you is that whether it’s this summer, fall or not until 2021, we will begin gathering in convention centers across the country and around the world. And when we do, people will likely be both excited and nervous about doing so. The pent-up desire for face-to-face gatherings is already gaining steam everywhere. And as one economist put it, as soon as society
As one of my friends put it, our world has gone “from zero to crazy” nearly overnight, and part of that may involve you working from home for the first time. That may feel very foreign and challenging to you, and that’s understandable. Since I’ve spent most of my adult life working on my own at home, I want to share some of the lessons I’ve learned (and am still learning). I’ve also got a number of tools to share (many of which are free), so be sure to check at the end of this post for a link to
Whether you’re an exhibitor looking for effective sponsorship options or a show organizer wondering how to get more exhibitors to take advantage of your sponsorship offerings, you’ll want to hear what our guest expert has to share! In this episode, Nancy Drapeau from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research discusses findings from the latest CEIR report series, the B2B Exhibition Sponsorship Playbook. You’ll discover: The types of sponsorships trade shows are offering vs. what exhibitors want New forms of sponsorship which hold a lot of potential Factors that help increase a sponsor’s results A hidden opportunity that most exhibitors aren’t
Back in January 2010, I wrote a letter to my TradeShowTips e-zine subscribers from the perspective of 10 years in the future. Now that we’ve arrived at that milestone, it only seems appropriate to pull that letter back out and see how far we’ve come (or not). So for this “back to the future” post, you’ll find my original writing is the main text, while I’ve added a few comments in the blue blocks as appropriate to clarify. I’ve always tried to look down the road in this industry, watching and sensing what’s coming next. I was talking about road
I’ve got a little something special for this episode of the podcast … because you just never know who might appear at a trade show! So listen close …
If you ask most any new exhibitor how successful their experience was, you’re likely to hear an exuberant answer about how many business cards they collected. The problem is – that probably hasn’t accomplished very much. That’s because getting the most out of your trade show leads requires so much more than going home with a stack of business cards – which likely won’t even be followed up! In a 2015 Sales Lead Survey conducted by EXHIBITOR Magazine, nearly all exhibitors said they collect leads on the show floor but only 70 percent have any formal plan or process for
This is Part 2 of our interview with Candy Adams, who is the industry expert on the topics of drayage, I&D, and labor. In Part 1, she covered the ins and outs of trade show material handling (also known as drayage). In this episode we shift gears to the topic of installation and dismantle (I&D) where you’ll discover: What the difference is between A, B and C-level labor staff When to hire the official contractor (GSC) vs. an EAC How to avoid overtime rates (using some strategic planning) Candy Adams, better known throughout the exhibit industry as “The Booth Mom®”,
This episode was inspired by what I meant to be a simple conversation-starter post on LinkedIn: “If you could wave a magic wand and make your biggest trade show challenge disappear, what would it be?” The nearly-unanimous answer: Drayage (also known as material handling). So I called on my friend, Candy Adams, who is my go-to resource on the topics of drayage, I&D, and labor. She graciously agreed to share her insights with you. And so in this episode you’ll discover: Where the concept of drayage came from and why it’s often so expensive How material handling costs are calculated
Ever feel like no matter how hard you work, nothing ever seems to get done? With the endless amount of tasks it takes to accomplish a trade show, this is a problem that plagues both exhibitors and show organizers. So whenever you find you’re not as productive as you’d like (or need) to be, you probably need to focus on the following four areas: 1 – Set Priorities How do you start working on your daily list of things to do? Do you just pick an item off the list at random and jump in? If so, one reason you’re
From the time we’re children, stories influence us – be it fairy tales, comic books, or literature classics, we all have memories of powerful stories. Even as adults, we seek out stories to educate and entertain us in the form of TV, books, or movies. Stories create a connection, helping us all to relate to common threads of life. The characters and plot lines become familiar and real to us. They can make us laugh or move us to tears. When we hear a powerful story, it can actually trigger a physical response. Our brain releases cortisol as the action
You know that saying, “Everything old is new again”? We see how true it is in the realm of fashion and design, where colors and styles cycle back around every few years. And yes, that’s a great tip for exhibitors to be aware of when designing an exhibit. But there’s more to it than that. You can craft an emotional response by guiding your audience down memory lane (even if they don’t realize that’s what’s happening). I’ve been “going retro” a lot lately – I needed to update my laptop, but before I could do that, it required updating any
According to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), exhibitor retention across all trade shows is 62%. While that’s not horrible, it does leave a lot of room for improvement. So that’s why for my first time hosting ExpoChat, the weekly industry Twitter conversation, I chose to focus on how shows can satisfy exhibitor expectations and demonstrate how much they are appreciated and valued. You can view a transcript of the complete chat, but I wanted to dive deeper into this topic that I feel is too often taken for granted. Show organizers offer all kinds of excuses why they
Inspiration for this episode came from a recent ExpoChat, the weekly Twitter chat sponsored by TSNN. (You’ll find a transcript of that chat here.) The discussion revolved around how trade shows and events can help attendees continue their wellness routines (or discover new ones) while at events. Lots of great ideas surfaced, and so I invited two ExpoChatters with expertise in the wellness world to expand on that conversation and share their insights. Listen to my interview with Hadley McClellan and Nicole Burkart to discover: Benefits for both attendees and show organizers when wellness elements are included Aspects of wellness
One of the primary reasons that people continue to attend trade shows in the digital age is because as humans, we crave the feeling of community and connection. We enjoy sharing experiences and solutions with other like-minded individuals. Whether you’re an exhibitor or show organizer, if you can faciliate a way for attendees to connect and share ideas, your value and expertise will increase in their eyes. So here are a variety of ideas for you, many of which are not expensive or complicated to implement. Some will work best when created and hosted by the show organizers (think sponsorship
If you’ve been in the trade show world for very long, you’ve likely seen examples of giveaways gone horribly wrong. On today’s podcast with guest expert Rama Beerfas, we share stories of low-tech items that went straight to the nearest trash can (or to the hotel maid) and high-tech items that created big safety hazards. You’ll discover how to avoid disasters like these with questions you never knew to ask (hint: it’s not “what’s hot or trendy?”) plus things to look for when considering a promotional item, such as: Why a newly in-demand, eco-conscious item could be hiding something What