Tools for Exhibitors
Trade Shows 2.0 - The Next Generation (part 2)
31/January/08 06:09 PM
Duration: 12 min. 37 sec.
Size: 14.4 MB
Today we conclude our two-part series on Trade Shows 2.0. Last time, we covered Web 2.0 technology tools for both exhibitors and shows. In this episode, we'll talk about how some groups are reinventing the traditional trade show format, both online and offline.
Interactive Technology for Trade Shows
While virtual trade shows aren't exactly new, they have yet to gain a lot of traction. But more and more shows are beginning to see the value of having a year-round virtual supplement to their physical show. These can range from static exhibitor listings to full-fledged virtual sites, similar to SecondLife. Visit the MIGurus site to read a case study of one such show. There's also a Virtual Events Checklist. Two producers of these types of shows include iCongo and Unisfair.
In addition to virtual technology, there are many other interactive tools popping up in conjunction with physical shows. Probably the most popular is the software that allows for networking prior to a show, similar to LinkedIn or Facebook. Two companies that are providing this service include EventMingle and BDMetrics.
A third type of online tool, also provided by BDMetrics, is Tradeshow TV. This is similar to having your own YouTube channel to promote your show. For examples, visit the PackExpo Web site. A variation of this is to stream webcasts from the show floor. This service is offered at numerous venues around the country, according to an article in Tradeshow Week. For some examples, watch Steve Jobs' keynote at Macworld Expo (and here's a humorous, 60-second bite-sized version from YouTube).
Alternative Trade Show Formats
Creating more interactive trade shows doesn't always mean an online element. Trade shows in all kinds of industries are trying innovative formats to create energy on the show floor and create more in-depth conversations.
One such strategy is known as the "reverse trade show." Here the format is for buyers to sit at tables, with vendors moving from one to the next by appointment. A variation on this has been done numerous times at our local MPI Chapter here in Kansas City. We call it "Marketplace," but it's often referred to as "speed dating for exhibitors." Here the exhibitors set at a table and groups of attendees move from one exhibitor to the next at scheduled times (usually 5 or 7 minutes per table).
Next week at MPI's Professional Education Conference in Houston, where the theme is "Meet Different," a large part of the show floor will be set in conversation areas rather than traditional booths. It will be interesting to see which parts of the show floor are the busiest.
Another approach doesn't involve the actual booths, but rather designing a gathering place on the show floor. SIA's SnowSports trade show does this with "The Yard," a community zone that hosts daily events and networking.
Final Thoughts
Last time we talked about all of the Web 2.0 tools out there, and I have another one to add. You may have heard of Squidoo, which was developed by Seth Godin of "purple cow" fame. This one rolls blogging, social bookmarking, and video sharing all into one. For an example, visit my Squidoo "lens" on Trade Show Marketing.
So what do you think of all the new tools out there for exhibitors and show managers? Have you tried any of these, or heard of others we didn't discuss? Please send your questions and comments.
Event Announcement:
You can catch me at the EXHIBITOR Show in Las Vegas this March!
I'm leading an Authors Executive Series session on March 12, called "Taking the Show on the Road," as well as an after-hours excursion, "TSI: Trade Show Investigation."
I look forward to meeting you there!
This episode of Trade Show Insights is protected by copyright. You may share this recording with colleagues, as long as it is copied in its entirety and is not used for commercial purposes.
Click to play
Size: 14.4 MB
Today we conclude our two-part series on Trade Shows 2.0. Last time, we covered Web 2.0 technology tools for both exhibitors and shows. In this episode, we'll talk about how some groups are reinventing the traditional trade show format, both online and offline.
Interactive Technology for Trade Shows
While virtual trade shows aren't exactly new, they have yet to gain a lot of traction. But more and more shows are beginning to see the value of having a year-round virtual supplement to their physical show. These can range from static exhibitor listings to full-fledged virtual sites, similar to SecondLife. Visit the MIGurus site to read a case study of one such show. There's also a Virtual Events Checklist. Two producers of these types of shows include iCongo and Unisfair.
In addition to virtual technology, there are many other interactive tools popping up in conjunction with physical shows. Probably the most popular is the software that allows for networking prior to a show, similar to LinkedIn or Facebook. Two companies that are providing this service include EventMingle and BDMetrics.
A third type of online tool, also provided by BDMetrics, is Tradeshow TV. This is similar to having your own YouTube channel to promote your show. For examples, visit the PackExpo Web site. A variation of this is to stream webcasts from the show floor. This service is offered at numerous venues around the country, according to an article in Tradeshow Week. For some examples, watch Steve Jobs' keynote at Macworld Expo (and here's a humorous, 60-second bite-sized version from YouTube).
Alternative Trade Show Formats
Creating more interactive trade shows doesn't always mean an online element. Trade shows in all kinds of industries are trying innovative formats to create energy on the show floor and create more in-depth conversations.
One such strategy is known as the "reverse trade show." Here the format is for buyers to sit at tables, with vendors moving from one to the next by appointment. A variation on this has been done numerous times at our local MPI Chapter here in Kansas City. We call it "Marketplace," but it's often referred to as "speed dating for exhibitors." Here the exhibitors set at a table and groups of attendees move from one exhibitor to the next at scheduled times (usually 5 or 7 minutes per table).
Next week at MPI's Professional Education Conference in Houston, where the theme is "Meet Different," a large part of the show floor will be set in conversation areas rather than traditional booths. It will be interesting to see which parts of the show floor are the busiest.
Another approach doesn't involve the actual booths, but rather designing a gathering place on the show floor. SIA's SnowSports trade show does this with "The Yard," a community zone that hosts daily events and networking.
Final Thoughts
Last time we talked about all of the Web 2.0 tools out there, and I have another one to add. You may have heard of Squidoo, which was developed by Seth Godin of "purple cow" fame. This one rolls blogging, social bookmarking, and video sharing all into one. For an example, visit my Squidoo "lens" on Trade Show Marketing.
So what do you think of all the new tools out there for exhibitors and show managers? Have you tried any of these, or heard of others we didn't discuss? Please send your questions and comments.
Event Announcement:
You can catch me at the EXHIBITOR Show in Las Vegas this March!
I'm leading an Authors Executive Series session on March 12, called "Taking the Show on the Road," as well as an after-hours excursion, "TSI: Trade Show Investigation."
I look forward to meeting you there!
This episode of Trade Show Insights is protected by copyright. You may share this recording with colleagues, as long as it is copied in its entirety and is not used for commercial purposes.
Click to play
Trade Shows 2.0 - The Next Generation
25/November/07 08:41 PM
Duration: 12 min. 37 sec.
Size: 6.1 MB
Today we begin a two-part series on Trade Shows 2.0. This time, we'll cover Web 2.0 technology tools for both exhibitors and shows. In the next episode, we'll talk about how some groups are reinventing the traditional trade show format.
(This is an enhanced podcast, so if you're watching in iTunes, you'll see graphics and Web links included. You'll also see these if you're watching on your iPod or in QuickTime.)
Social media ... Web 2.0 ... YouTube ... blogs ... podcasts ...
How many of these tools are you using in your exhibiting program?
If your answer is "none," then perhaps you need to think again. These tools are beginning to explode in popularity, and it only makes sense to incorporate them into your exhibiting program. While there are many tools in the Web 2.0 toolkit, they can be broken down into three functions: communicate, collaborate, and co-create.
Communicate (inform & entertain)
The most well-known members of this category are blogs and their close cousin, podcasts. For show organizers, these tools should be a no-brainer. Create a podcast to build anticipation for the show, as well as extend its life long after the show floor closes. For exhibitors, you can also create a blog or a podcast to promote your participation in various shows, or simply keep in touch with customers or prospects you've met at shows.
To see a great example of a show blog, check out the National Stationery Show Girls. Here are some tools to help you create your own blog: Blogger, WordPress, and TypePad.
In addition to Trade Show Insights (thanks for listening), you may also want to check out the EXPO Magazine podcast. Here are some of the best-known services to locate and listen to podcasts (known as "podcatchers"): iTunes, Podcast Pickle, Podcast Alley. You could also try doing a Google search for your chosen podcast topic. Here are a couple of examples of show podcasts:
- Book Expo Podcast
- New Media Expo (of course they have a podcast!)
And another cool tool for free video conferencing -- Skype.
Collaborate (inspire community)
Trade shows are great places to create community, but why not enhance the relationship building online?
The first cool collaboration tool is social bookmarking. If you work on multiple computers, then you might find this to be a handy tool. You can also create bookmarks that are shared with others. Some of the popular services include: Digg, del.icio.us, and my personal favorite, Kaboodle, which goes a step beyond to add photos with the links.
While the most famous social networking tool is probably MySpace, it is certainly not geared for business! Other sites that are business-friendly include LinkedIn (see my sample page) and the recently restructured Facebook (sorry, you can't view my profile until you become a member). Here's an article from Medical Meetings magazine called "MySpace for Hand Surgeons," which gives you an idea of how this technology comes into play for meetings and trade shows.
Co-Create (user-generated content)
Invite content before, during and after the show. Let attendees upload their own photos or videos of the show. Flickr is a popular photo-sharing Web site (click here to search for "trade show" photos). For viral videos, check out Google, YouTube or Revver.
And don't forget wikis, the universal knowledge base. Most famous is Wikipedia, which has become even bigger than Encyclopedia Brittanica. Within the meetings and trade show industry, MPI is creating a member-generated wiki. To create your own wiki for free, check out PBwiki.
Now here are some open-source software tools for co-creation:
- Backpack (a Web-based service for project management)
- Google now has document creation, spreadsheets, calendars and more
For even more Web 2.0 tools, here's an article from EXPO Magazine called "The Wizardry of Web 2.0" (see a list of tools at the end of the article).
And speaking of cool tools ...
Looking for a fun, creative way to become more
educated on exhibit marketing and booth skills? Join
the Trade Show
Success Club! Annual membership includes
audio CDs, special reports, teleclasses, and
more. Want to learn details or listen to an
audio sample online? Click here.
This episode of Trade Show Insights is protected by copyright. You may share this recording with colleagues, as long as it is copied in its entirety and is not used for commercial purposes.
Click to play
Size: 6.1 MB
Today we begin a two-part series on Trade Shows 2.0. This time, we'll cover Web 2.0 technology tools for both exhibitors and shows. In the next episode, we'll talk about how some groups are reinventing the traditional trade show format.
(This is an enhanced podcast, so if you're watching in iTunes, you'll see graphics and Web links included. You'll also see these if you're watching on your iPod or in QuickTime.)
Social media ... Web 2.0 ... YouTube ... blogs ... podcasts ...
How many of these tools are you using in your exhibiting program?
If your answer is "none," then perhaps you need to think again. These tools are beginning to explode in popularity, and it only makes sense to incorporate them into your exhibiting program. While there are many tools in the Web 2.0 toolkit, they can be broken down into three functions: communicate, collaborate, and co-create.
Communicate (inform & entertain)
The most well-known members of this category are blogs and their close cousin, podcasts. For show organizers, these tools should be a no-brainer. Create a podcast to build anticipation for the show, as well as extend its life long after the show floor closes. For exhibitors, you can also create a blog or a podcast to promote your participation in various shows, or simply keep in touch with customers or prospects you've met at shows.
To see a great example of a show blog, check out the National Stationery Show Girls. Here are some tools to help you create your own blog: Blogger, WordPress, and TypePad.
In addition to Trade Show Insights (thanks for listening), you may also want to check out the EXPO Magazine podcast. Here are some of the best-known services to locate and listen to podcasts (known as "podcatchers"): iTunes, Podcast Pickle, Podcast Alley. You could also try doing a Google search for your chosen podcast topic. Here are a couple of examples of show podcasts:
- Book Expo Podcast
- New Media Expo (of course they have a podcast!)
And another cool tool for free video conferencing -- Skype.
Collaborate (inspire community)
Trade shows are great places to create community, but why not enhance the relationship building online?
The first cool collaboration tool is social bookmarking. If you work on multiple computers, then you might find this to be a handy tool. You can also create bookmarks that are shared with others. Some of the popular services include: Digg, del.icio.us, and my personal favorite, Kaboodle, which goes a step beyond to add photos with the links.
While the most famous social networking tool is probably MySpace, it is certainly not geared for business! Other sites that are business-friendly include LinkedIn (see my sample page) and the recently restructured Facebook (sorry, you can't view my profile until you become a member). Here's an article from Medical Meetings magazine called "MySpace for Hand Surgeons," which gives you an idea of how this technology comes into play for meetings and trade shows.
Co-Create (user-generated content)
Invite content before, during and after the show. Let attendees upload their own photos or videos of the show. Flickr is a popular photo-sharing Web site (click here to search for "trade show" photos). For viral videos, check out Google, YouTube or Revver.
And don't forget wikis, the universal knowledge base. Most famous is Wikipedia, which has become even bigger than Encyclopedia Brittanica. Within the meetings and trade show industry, MPI is creating a member-generated wiki. To create your own wiki for free, check out PBwiki.
Now here are some open-source software tools for co-creation:
- Backpack (a Web-based service for project management)
- Google now has document creation, spreadsheets, calendars and more
For even more Web 2.0 tools, here's an article from EXPO Magazine called "The Wizardry of Web 2.0" (see a list of tools at the end of the article).
And speaking of cool tools ...
This episode of Trade Show Insights is protected by copyright. You may share this recording with colleagues, as long as it is copied in its entirety and is not used for commercial purposes.
Click to play
