This week the trade show and technology worlds will have their attention directed to Las Vegas and the annual Consumer Electronic Show – CES. The show opens on January 7th and runs through the week-end.
Last year there was negative press that the show’s numbers were down. But I thought that having 110,000 + show up to do business was an incredible number!! CES is saying that about that many will be in attendance this year. So it should be a fabulous show – for those exhibitors who are prepared.
They have 330 first time exhibitors, according to their blog. Investments of time, money and effort will pay off for those exhibitors who have a well planned strategy and the necessary marketing tactics to seize this opportunity. I plan to watch and learn from some of the best marketers as they tell their unique stories via their booth performances.
Thank goodness there will be tons of media coverage so those of us who can not make it to the show can feel a part of it – from a far. The media, as well as the active blogging community, makes for a good substitute. The Twitter stream is already interesting to monitor. There is a lot of activity, in preparation for “show time”.
From today’s CNN website is this quote:
(CNN) — If you like bold predictions, here’s one, courtesy of the president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association, which hosts the massive Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, this week:
“In my 28 years of attending the CES and participating in it and being a part of it and running it for most of that time, I can honestly say there will be more innovation at this show than any one in history,” Gary Shapiro said.
This from the head of the yearly show that has launched such big tech ideas as compact disc players, high-definition television and Blu-ray.
CES is the year’s largest consumer technology trade show and one of the best chances to see new technologies before they hit the market.
Stay tuned and we share the insights of what is happening on the show floor.
ROI Tool Kit webinars with Skip Cox,
Exhibit Surveys.
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Great blog, also really interesting CNN quote. There are so many aspects to Trade Shows, far more than people seem to realise! Can’t wait for the next post!
I particularly agree with your comment about exhibitors needing a strategy and marketing tactics to make the experience worthwhile. I am amazed at the number of exhibitors who do no marketing to promote their time at trade shows and just expect the show organizers to do everything to get the attendees in. Better yet, are those exhibitors that have staff in their booths that appear disinterested and send signals to keep potential customers away.
Greg – aka @GregRuby