Trade shows are a great way to increase brand awareness and drive sales, but the way people visit and experience these events is always changing. The way to keep up and keep attendees interested in your company is by understanding current event marketing trends.
While the focus used to be on premium giveaways, laptop product demonstration stations or one-on-one networking opportunities, 2017 trade shows will center on the power of the experience. Innovative companies are incorporating the latest event marketing trends into their trade show design to create memorable interactions for attendees. Here are some of this year’s trends to consider when planning your next trade show.
Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Your Trade Show Marketing
Social media sharing and interaction is increasingly important to attendee experience. Creating Facebook polls prior to the trade show is an effective way to engage users with your brand, and the opinions they offer can help you shape your trade show design.
You can also keep attendees and prospects engaged during your trade show through Facebook Live, Instagram Stories or Periscope. Event marketing trends are putting value on live, interactive content such as Q&A’s, product demonstrations and online surveys.
Offer Prospects a Unique Trade Show Exhibit Experience
In addition to an impactful overall trade show theme, a customized and unique trade show exhibit experience will be one of the top trends in 2017. It’s not about how large your exhibit is — it’s about standing out from the crowd by the way you are marketing your brand.
To really make an impact on the trade show floor, opt for a custom exhibit design that goes beyond just graphics on panels. You’ll attract more visitors when your exhibit design is matched to your brand’s personality. Whatever you decide your trade show marketing theme will be, it should be reflected in every detail of your custom exhibit. This includes brand messaging, interactive engagements and attendee touchpoints within the exhibit space.
Share Experience-Focused Giveaways at Your Trade Show Exhibit
Giveaways at trade shows will trend more towards the enjoyment of experiences over handing out branded items and promotional merchandise. Instead of relying on the traditional keychains, t-shirts, pens or notepads, give attendees an experience in return for their attention. It could be something simple like a snack station at your booth, a digital download of an eBook or whitepaper, or free tickets to a local event like a sporting event, amusement park or zoo. Having a call-to-action as they leave the booth, such a participating in a free assessment or registering for an e-book or whitepaper, will keep your brand in front of them beyond the visit to your booth.
Custom Trade Show Exhibits with Interactive Elements
Trade show attendees will better remember what they directly experience themselves than what was told to them. Hands-on product demonstration stations, video displays with interactive touch screens and immersive videos using virtual reality are just a few examples of how you can drive engagement and brand retention with interactive elements at your exhibit booth.
Trade show trends are constantly changing, pushing event marketers to think of new and innovative ways to promote their brand and engage with prospects. One of the best ways to do that is through a unique trade show design. If you want a trade show exhibit that attracts visitors, contact Exhibitus today.