It seems the current theme of this blog is centered around Twitter. In my learning curve, I am curious how this new technology is impacting the communications stream among attendees and exhibitors.
Earlier in May I asked my network about how they were using Twitter at trade shows. One of the responses was from Warren Whitlock. If you do not know him please look him up at www.warrenwhitlock.com. He is an expert on Twitter as well as book publishing.
Let me pass along what Warren shared with me:
“One big reason I started using Twitter was to make more connections at trade shows. I knew that the fastest way to network was to meet people that I knew at the show.
By searching for the hashtags (unique ID words related to the event, usually starting with # sign) on the event the week before it starts, I am able to see who the real leaders are.
I follow many of the attendees and all of the speakers (Twitter links are on speaker bio pages and/or their blogs). Often I meet several of the speakers before the event starts, and make appointment to meet up with attendees that are active in the community. I also check to see if the is a “Tweet Up” (meeting of those who have connected on Twitter) and add that to my schedule.
I’ve found that the best opportunities at most shows happen in this network. Once these tweeps (Twitter users) decide to RT (“ReTweet: A Twitter post that gets repeated) I know that a large active group will be aware of whatever I’m promoting.
Two more tips to get traffic to your booth:
1) Give aways for Twitter users. I often tweet “I’ve got a copy of Twitter Revolution for the next person who finds me.” It works for @The RealShaq with NBA tickets and it will work for you.
2) Get your staff tweeting. This is not a media to advertise on.. this is a way to network. Get everyone involved. Your customers expect INDIVIDUALS to be available.
From Warren Whitlock, co-author of “Twitter Revolution: How Social Media and Mobile Marketing is Changing the Way We Do Business & Market Online”
http://TwitterHandbook.com
Thanks Warren for sharing your wisdom with us!!
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