From the category archives:

Business Marketing

In this Current Economy – Are Trade Show Worth It?

by Joyce McKee on January 30, 2012

This is a question almost every organization is asking: are trade shows the best use of my marketing dollars?  For some, the answer is a resounding YES, while others are quite the opposite.  In the recently released Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) report, The Changing Environment of Exhibitions, there are some data points which suggest a positive spin on trade shows.

The findings from this study explore the current and planned use of the full array of available marketing, communications and sales tactics; positioning of business-to-business exhibitions in this mix; current, high-priority marketing and sales objectives and perceived value of using business-to-business exhibitions to achieve them; as well as the factors that drive the decision to exhibit or pull out of an exhibition.

One of the key findings from the study is:

“Ninety-nine percent of executives identify what they consider to be the key value proposition of business-to-business exhibitions.”

I have not seen that high of a statistic for years!  Ninety-nine percent find trade shows hold a unique value.  So it might appear that it is not time to skip an exhibition, unless you are not prepared or the show is drawing the wrong audience.

Another significant research point is found in this chart.

CEIR researchThe material in this report is exciting.  If you would like to obtain a copy, please click here.  Now, if you are a member if IAEE, the report is free.

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Mild Optimism for Trade Show Growth

January 23, 2012

Optimism for trade show growth is finding itself front and center as 2012 unfolds.  The numbers form CES 2012 are indicating a record breaking crowd of 153,000 were in attendance.  The official audited numbers will be released later, but early indication is that it was a terrific show.  Congratulation CES!! BtoB Magazine reported in late [...]

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Three Key Questions when Selecting Booth Staff

January 19, 2012

Yesterday, I received a note from Keith Reznick, President of Creative Training Solutions, about my earlier blog post which included a video by Francis Friedman of Time & Place Strategies, discussing bringing A- Team to your trade show booth.  In his correspondence, he was applauding Francis for his straight forward conversation about the vital importance [...]

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Trade Shows Highlight Innovations

January 5, 2012

All eyes are on CES this week as they prepare for their annual show. The  2,700 exhibitors are setting up their booths in anticipation of the 140,000 + attendees who will be in attendance.  They are hoping to snag their fair share of press and visitors. Yesterday, Forbes online publication has an article written by [...]

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Using Videos to Invite Attendees to Your Booth

January 4, 2012

Let’s take a look at what CES has done to encourage their exhibitors to use video as a part of the invitation process to see them at CES.  This was the third year for this contest which was titled:Visit Me at CES 2012. “This video contest is an excellent opportunity for our exhibitors to set [...]

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