The digital movement has made a major impact on trade shows, expos and conventions. Previously, Exhibitors used to concern themselves with strategies for face-to-face interaction. Technology has now given exhibitors the option to reach their target audience simultaneously, manage their exhibition effectively, and measure the success of their event more accurately. Get in sync and digitize your trade show display with these 5 trends for trade shows:

Build Hype Online

Yes, the actual trade show booth space is the main draw, and there is no denying that building strong hype leading up to the event will create awareness and elevate the experience for Attendees. Exhibitors now never fail to inform their target audience of their participation through direct email marketing, website advertising and definitely on social media. For a more extensive approach, exhibitors can tap onto the resources of vendors who specialise in exhibition marketing or undertake online marketing themselves through the convenient use of online social media management suites.

Tech Accessories as Promotional Products

Door gifts for attendees are a staple in trade show marketing. The power of leaving attendees with functional mementos is widely recognised and utilised, and tech accessories seem like the perfect choice. It could be something as simple as a plastic cable winder or a power bank. The trick lies in finding the right product that fits the brand and message you want to bring across to the recipient. On the whole though, well-made tech products are seen as inherently valuable and useful by most, thus making them a viable choice.

Cell Phone Charging Stations/Kiosks

With cell phones come the constant need to keep them full of power at all times. Cell Phone Charging kiosks have thus made a much needed emergence in the trade show repertoire. Attendees will heave a sigh of relief when a charging kiosk comes to the rescue just as their phone’s battery is running out. If your branding is all over the kiosk, the attendee could positively associate your brand as a helpful and ever-ready one. They might even refer their friends or colleagues to your life-saving charging station, which in turn means more visitors to your exhibit. Cell phone charging stations are now available as portable kiosks and tables. Some modular kiosks can be utilized even in small booth spaces as an accessory combination to 10′ x 10′ Displays.

Custom Mobile Apps for Attendees

Another burgeoning trend brought about by cell phones are mobile apps built specifically for trade shows, expos and conventions, such as this customizable one from GuideBook. Exhibitors can provide event agendas, send push messages to and even gather live feedback from attendees on the event. The versatility of mobile application programming means that the app can help you achieve specific targets and obtain the right information about your exhibit attendees. Apps are still considered a novelty, but can be an excellent way to engage and entertain your attendees.

Trade Show & Exhibitor Management Systems

Increasingly, exhibitors have been searching for suitable I.T. systems that provide seamless trade show management experiences. Currently, a host of event marketing, event management and lead retrieval solutions have emerged. Some notable providers of these Systems include CompuSystems, iLead and Pathable. These range from specialized one-function apps to multi-faceted systems that can raise efficiency and give helicopter views and information about the event, often in real-time.

Used the right way, these 5 tech trends can be powerful tools to interact and engage with attendees, sponsors and other stakeholders on a much deeper level. Give any one of these options a try for your next exhibit and be prepared to see results!

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