7 Reasons Why Going Digital Can Increase Engagement and Happiness at Your Next Show

July 14, 2014

Trace Cohen

Trace Cohen is the Co-founder of Launch.it, the only Event News Management Platform for expos, tradeshows and events to increase their social engagement, buzz and revenue with their exhibitor and show news by creating a Digital Media Center for them.

As the event industry continues to adopt and grow its digital presence through various social networks, we always need to zero-base and remember why we are doing it. First off, it allows organizers and everyone at the show to interact with everyone else on multiple levels for lots of different reasons in basically real-time like never before. Below are a few reason why your show needs to go digital:

1. Customer service and feedback

Shows are busy, people are running around and things tend to go wrong sometimes – this is where twitter can be amazing! If you have an active account, attendees can tweet at the show or ask a question with the show # (hashtag) and you can answer them directly (hopefully in a timely manner). This will really make someone’s day.

2. Digital publishing of news

This is a growing trend because once the news is online, there is so much you can do with it. You can send it out via your social networks and newsletters, while also having it on your show site. Most people go to shows to find out what’s new so you want to make sure your news can be easily found and shared, so someone can discover it.

3. You can support all of your exhibitors socially

It’s great that your exhibitors have a physical booth at the show but now you can support them digitally! You can take pictures, send out their booth number, share their news and direct interested attendees to them.

4. You can reach people who couldn’t attend

Your show is awesome and while everyone wishes they could go, sometimes they just can’t. Luckily, you’re show is now digital, so you can share all the speakers, booths, news, and insight from the show. This will help build buzz (FOMO) and make sure they plan ahead so they can definitely attend next year!

5. When you’re digital, the show never ends

While the physical show may be over, if you were active online, you now have a huge backlog of information and news that you can continue to share throughout the year until your next show.

6. Everyone is mobile now

Almost everyone has a smart phone these days that links up to their favorite social networks so they can find out what’s going on in real-time. They also want to take photos and share them as well, so make sure you have the digital infrastructure in place to capture and amplify their engagement. As we transition away from the laptop driven world, there are so many opportunities to take advantage of as people walk the show floor.

7. It’s green and environmentally friendly

The more initiatives you make digital, the less paper waste and garbage you have at the end. Digital can scale infinitely while with paper you need to print out more copies, which takes a lot of time and supplies.

8. (BONUS!) It can save money!

Events, while they are a business, are also an experience for everyone there, so you want to make sure you make it the best one possible. The “if you build, they will come” phrase should really be more like “If you strategize, set up the social networks properly, inform everyone about them, monitor them and engage, they will come and be happy!”

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.