Experts & Opinions
Nov 24, 2013
This year, we’ve seen mobile event apps transition from a “nice-to-have” offering at trade shows into an expected, integrated part of the event experience. Attendees are generally glued to their smartphones, and smart event organizers are leveraging that mobile addiction to make a truly impactful event experience.
But for the event applications to make a maximum impact, attendees need to be aware of the app, download it and use them. So, app promotion is perhaps the most critical step.
Here are some tips to boost event app adoption that we’ve learned from experience… more
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Nov 24, 2013
When there is a 5,835 pound gorilla in the room, what do you do? Remember on Seinfeld when George knocked the clown over running out of a room that caught fire? That’s pretty much what I’d be doing …
That happens to be the same reaction you get from many show organizers, exhibitors, facilities, and yes … even service contractors, when there is a pile of old exhibit signage, banners and panels from past shows that aren’t being used any more.
That’s not the case at IMEX America. IMEX chooses to face the gorilla down. At the close of the show, just when… more
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Nov 16, 2013
Ah, Google, our benevolent overlords. I say that tongue in cheek, but Google has a good handle on how we are working, and connecting in our digital space. Your event attendees will first connect with you online, and Google has some great tools that can help with your online content management.
Google +: If you have not done so, get on Google + and set up an account. This allows you, when you post content to Google+, access to the largest search engine on the planet. You also want to add your colleagues and friends to your ‘circle’, so they will see… more
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Nov 16, 2013
Tradeshows have undergone more changes during the past five years than in the preceding 100. The changes are due mainly to a fast-growing array of new technologies and tools, but also to changes in expectations and how people find information.
As John Seely Brown and Paul Duguid tell us, “The way forward is paradoxically to look not ahead, but to look around.”
Event planners have the daunting task of staying current on new and emerging trends and
always-shifting strategies to meet customer preferences. Looking into our crystal ball, here are some thoughts from Tim… more
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Nov 09, 2013
There is a lot going on in Boston as one would expect. Lots of cool and innovative development, great restaurants everywhere, an amazing civic pride and spirit, that baseball team of theirs that just won the World Series … All good.
There also is Jim Rooney, executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, who is kind of a force unto himself when it comes to tradeshows. Jim is one passionate guy. A native and proud Bostonian, and former chief-of-staff to the mayor, Jim has been running MCCA since 2003 and doing an excellent job.
Jim has a whole… more
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Nov 02, 2013
You may be surprised at the Booth Staffers Behaving Badly that goes on at trade shows. Or, maybe not, since you’ve had to endure it yourself; staffers so bad they were actually dragging down your corporate image, losing more business than they brought in.
Unfortunately, there always have been, and always will be bad booth staffers. Here’s a rogue’s gallery of unprofessional perpetrators:
1. The Networker: The Networker spends most of his booth staff shift talking, but instead of having concise conversations with clients and prospects, he whiles away the… more
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Oct 25, 2013
Like many in our industry, I spend more time on the road than in the office, and I know the importance of working seamlessly regardless of my physical location. Recently, I read an article in Forbes that gave some really great advice on what every business traveler should carry. The writer shares that business travelers are bringing their own gear to be self-sufficient wherever they go. To stay on top of this technology, here are five things that business travelers should never be without according to Forbes:
1. Personal Wifi- Hotels and airports are famous for gouging visitors on internet… more
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Oct 25, 2013
Nervous that perhaps your trade show program suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder? Well, it’s certainly possible.
Usually it’s sales and marketing people like us who manage our companies’ trade shows, and we’re notorious for having more than a touch of A.D.D. Marketing people need that endless curiosity that sparks creative marketing ideas, and sales people are known for doing whatever it takes to get the sale – and then going on to the next sale before all the details are nailed down on the first one.
However, A.D.D creates a distinct downside to your trade… more
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Oct 19, 2013
To: Event Manager
From: The Boss
Subject: Need Your Support.
I need you to support company wide inventory audit in (city) the week of (worst possible week for you – you’re preparing for your biggest show). Our group has to send someone to help staff it, and even though it has nothing to do with marketing, I picked you because you’re so good with numbers. Not sure who your roommate will be, but someone will contact you. Please read and adhere to attached list of Dos and Don’ts.
Thanks,
The Boss
P.S. Have a great audit!
If you received this email how would you respond? How do people… more
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Oct 12, 2013
Tradeshow organizers are generally an easy-going group of folks. They are jovial, fun and even occasionally well-mannered. The massive exception here is when you are talking to them about things like attendance, labor rules, revenue and … I am whispering here … keeping rooms in the block. Yes, that latter topic will typically unleash a diatribe on human behavior theory and the decline of Western civilization. It’s like herding cats, they will tell you.
The good news is that attendee behavior can be influenced when it comes to keeping rooms in the block. I have found that… more
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