Trade Show Tips & Trends 2009
This year we have an optimistic outlook, even in hard times. Bringing products to market is an age-old tradition, year in and year out, the business world turns on the making personal connections at trade shows.
Social Media
The emergence of social media is dramatically changing the business landscape. Not only are we connected via the web, now we are getting to know each other.
In 2009 the trade show industry will find new ways to utilize social media connections. We know that social media helps us to connect, but how can we turn these connections into meaningful relationships?
Mary DuQuaine, Director of Business Development for ExPrT Exhibits explains, “Trade shows are the perfect venue for meeting social networking connections face to face. Show organizers are starting to recognize the power of social media to attract attendees. Twitter, LinkedIn and eventFRIEND, TSNN’s new Facebook application, are already facilitating the meet-up process.”
DuQuaine adds, “ExPrT Exhibits recently launched a new blog which offers product reviews and industry updates. We are also increasing our presence in social media groups like the LinkedIn group “Greener Tradeshows” this year. It is an exciting time of change and expansion for people who are willing to jump in and explore this new means of communication!”
By the way…Green is Here to Stay
Green is no longer a trend, it is the way things are. Sustainable business practices are now a mainstay in public policy. In 2008, many businesses took a hard look at what it means to “go green” and changed corporate policy, now the work of implementation begins.
The current economic climate will strengthen resolve to develop lean business practices. Decisions will be based on needs. Alternative options like display rentals and updating existing exhibits are practical necessities with an overall benefit of being sustainable as well.
“Display companies will need to do their homework to provide green options that are truly eco-friendly. By now people are aware of greenwashing, so building relationships of trust will be very important. At ExPrT Exhibits, we understand that people really want to do what is best for the planet and don’t want to be disappointed with products that don’t live up to their claims,” said DuQuaine.
The forecast for 2009 shows that we will continue to see a variety of new substrate options for graphics and exhibit building supplies as the demand for greener tradeshows expands.
Source: tsnn.com on Jan 3, 2009
The Big Bad Blog Clock
You’ve been considering starting a B2B blog. But you’re afraid that once you start it up, you won’t be able to maintain it. How much do you really have to say in a given week, to keep your copy fresh, and meet the needs of the Big Bad Blog Clock? Good news: In a blog at the MarketingProfs’ Daily Fix, Mack Collier offers all the tips you need to keep a corporate blog humming. Among them:
Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Develop a “dedicated group” of bloggers, he says. And make sure these writers are committed: “If each blogger needs to write 2 posts a week, they have to be willing to give you 2 posts a week.”
Develop a posting clock. “Ideally, a company blog should have at least 2 new posts a week, and up to 5. Less than 2 is too little, and over 5 is usually too much.”
Stick to it. “Set up your posts to run in the middle of the week, and then move outward,” Collier advises. “Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are usually the best days for traffic, so schedule posts to run these days, usually around 10am-noon.”
Post pictures and bios of each blogger. “Remember that ultimately, people don’t want to connect with companies, we want to connect with people,” Collier says.
The Po!nt: Fear not. By adhering to a few proven rules of blogging, and keeping an eye on the blog clock, you can maintain an effective B2B social media tool.
Source: MarketingProfs’ Daily Fix. Read the full post here.
