Face to Face

Reflecting back on last week’s EXPO EXPO – I must say it was one of the best shows I have attended!!   I felt as if I were given wondrous gifts. And let me explain why:

• The educational sessions were outstanding.  I wish I could have been in two places at once to hear some sessions where I had a conflict.  In the hall ways attendees where extolling praises on the speakers and sharing what they learned.
• I attended a luncheon which had been a collaborative effort of SISO and IAEE.  In that 2 hour session, questions were posed by the show organizers and some answers were given.  There needs to be continued dialogue to further explore solutions for all.  I know I plan to continue some aspects of that meeting on the CEIR blog in the coming months.  The first piece from that meeting I will address are – virtual shows.  I have already asked a couple of participants to share their take on that topic.  If I had not been there, I would not have known and could not have brought that conversation to life after the show.
• The show floor had a wonderful buzz!!  Loading up on the bus after the show several folks were remarking that it had been their best show!!  Those accolades are always music to my ears.   I want to see every exhibitor have the best show.  Several first time exhibitors were leaving with pockets full of leads.  Even the veteran exhibitors were pleased with the experience!!
• The gift of people -  I renewed acquaintances, discovered new folks and overall had blast.  Attended my first Tweet-Up thanks to the organization efforts of Dana Doody from The Expo Group and others.  Since I know Dana personally, it was her tweet to me about being there that got me to respond.  In route to the Tweet-Up, I snagged a couple of colleagues so we could share the experience.
• Chance encounters – I was waiting to meet someone at Starbuck’s on the lobby level of the Marriott when this woman walked by and I complimented her on the way she looked (fabulous suit and overall appearance).  Well, it turns out she used that chance encounter in her speech that morning.  Her name is Kathleen Roland of Speaktacular and she spoke on Grow Your Net Worth by Growing Your Network.  In her speech she discusses having that million dollar suit so that you stand out.  During the Gala, she and I had another opportunity of actually talking and starting the process of knowing one another.  And there were many more chance encounters that occurred on bus rides, waiting for elevators, cab rides, seat mates on the airplane ride back to Dallas.  This is the aspect of face-to-face marketing that can not be replicated in the online world.
• Best gift of EXPO EXPO – being able to spend some personal time with Chris Brogan.  I received a “kick in the keyboard” from him and I will explain what that means in a future post.  Before the General Session I capture some video of him.  Take a look:

If you attended the show, what gifts did you receive – please share with us!

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