Best Email Subject Lines for Exhibitor Follow-Up

June 13, 2013

Lew Hoff

President at www.Bartizan.com, Lew has spent the last 40-plus years focusing on bringing buyers and sellers together, face-to-face.

After tradeshows, email marketing is arguably the most powerful channel for lead generation. Following email best practices is critical to closing sales after your event participation. Often, exhibitors are so weary after their events that they miss their window of opportunity and lose sales.

If you don’t have a strong email marketing foundation, you’d better start building that knowledge. Let’s start at the top, the subject line. The subject line is the most important element of your email. I know, that’s a lot of pressure. This is because if your email doesn’t get opened, none of the other elements (Body, Call to Action, Signature, Graphics) even matter.

Your email subject line should make it clear what the email is about. When you write your subject line, don’t sell what’s inside—tell what’s inside. It can be funny, enticing or irreverent too, but it should be relevant. Begin with the most important information in case the subject line gets cut off in their inbox. Good email subject lines help convey action with verbs such as learn, download, or sign up.

Key Tip: Remember that most people read the subject line looking for a reason to delete it, not to read it. Don’t be lazy with the subject line.

Here are some good examples to try after the show:

  1. (Prospect Name), Thinking of you after (Show Name) ex: John,Thinking of you after Widget Show
  1. When we met at (Show Name)
  1. What You Were Looking for at (Show Name)
  1. Info you requested at (Show Name)
  1. (Prospect Name), Download the Ultimate Widget Buying Guide
  1. (Prospect Name), Sign up for Friday’s (Product Name) Webinar

Using the prospects name in the subject line is a proven winner. Test a few out by mailing half your list one subject line and the other half another. The one that gets more opens should be used again.

What is the number one goal of exhibiting at a tradeshow? It should be following up on those hot leads as fast as possible, right?  After a show, you need to get your email follow-up right or else you will fail to see a return on your investment.

Need help with your email marketing? Download the 2013 Exhibitor’s Guide to Email Follow-Up with Four Proven Templates

Add new comment

Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.