World Innovators, Inc.’s Post

Are Trade Shows Dead? In recent years, many have questioned the relevance of trade shows in an increasingly digital world. With the rise of virtual events, online networking, and the never-ending pursuit to stretch marketing budgets, it’s easy to wonder if expensive, traditional trade shows are becoming the DVD of this era…viable but no longer necessary. However, recent insights suggest that’s not the case. According to a report from UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, 78% of exhibitors believe in-person events are again becoming essential for building relationships and generating leads. While virtual events offer convenience and cost-savings for both exhibitors and attendees, they lack the personal touch and immersive experience that trade shows provide. You just can’t put a price tag on the value of face-to-face interaction. Real-world connections foster stronger relationships, allow for meaningful discussions with industry leaders, and give the attendees the unique opportunity to experience products and services firsthand. So, are trade shows dead? Hardly! After being on life support for several years, trade shows are finally checking out of ICU and adapting to the post-COVID world just as every other industry. What are your thoughts? Are you “rediscovering” the value of attending trade shows or industry events? Want to learn more? Check out ‘4 Reasons Trade Shows Aren’t Dead.” https://lnkd.in/gvcvirnp #TradeShows #IndustryEvents #Marketing #Networking #B2BNetworking #B2B #Agriculture #TradeShowTrends #EventMarketing #InPersonEvents #BusinessGrowth #MarketingTrends #B2BTrends #B2BMarketing #ComGroup

Ready to enhance your trade show presence? 👉 By incorporating these focused strategies into your event planning process, you can elevate the impact of your marketing events. 🔗 Link here: https://bit.ly/4c91Pn7 #TradeShow #B2BMarketing #EventPlanning

First, I'll say that I love trade shows. So many great opportunities for networking, starting conversations and finding new prospects. Second, I don't think that every business should exhibit at every trade show. We only have so much time, energy & money - choose the best shows for your business. Third - don't go if you can't do it right. Have at least two people there. Get the best booth you can possibly afford. Figure out how to use the show resources to set up meetings before, during and after the show. And don't send someone to work the booth who just wants to read your own brochure. Demand good service and modern resources from the show organizers - they're upping prices these days so make sure you're receiving good value.

Trade shows have been a staple in the business world for decades, offering a unique convergence of networking, brand exposure, and market research opportunities. But as the digital age accelerates, I find myself sometimes wondering their relevance and ROI. Firstly, trade shows can be a goldmine for forging new connections. There's something about the face-to-face interaction that solidifies relationships more firmly than the most engaging of email exchanges. It's the handshake, the direct eye contact, and the immediate feedback that can turn a prospect into a partner. Then there's the brand visibility aspect. A well-designed booth can capture the attention of passives attendees, drawing them into your brand story. It's a live advertisement that allows for real-time engagement and the opportunity to leave a lasting impression. But let's not forget the insights. Walking the floor, you can gauge the latest industry trends, competitor offerings, and even the mood of the market. This information is invaluable for shaping strategy and innovation. However, trade shows are not without their challenges. They require significant investment, and measuring the direct impact on sales can be elusive. Plus, in our increasingly digital world, one might question if virtual events could soon take the lead. So, what's your take on trade show effectiveness? Are they a must-attend for your business, or are you considering alternative ways to achieve the same goals? Share your experiences and thoughts below. Let's learn from each other's successes and hurdles. And if you've found a way to quantify the impact of trade shows on your business, I'm all ears!

Read my latest piece on the DBC Insights blog on how you can still plan and execute events for 2024 - even in the first half of the year - that can impact your marketing and business objectives.

Scaling your event programs is no easy task. Competition for buyers’ attention is fierce, and juggling the mix of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events can be tricky without the right strategy in place. That’s where event-led growth comes in. 🚀 Our 2024 Outlook on Events report surveyed 1200+ marketers to understand how they did last year, what their priorities are for this year, and how event-led growth is helping them grow and scale their programs. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/gcG8AGPy #eventmarketing #eventprofs #b2bmarketing #stateofevents #eventledgrowth

Wondering if you can successfully pull off an event - big, small, virtual, or in-person - even if you haven't planned anything, yet? The answer: yes. Read our latest DBC Insights post by Head of Marketing Services Aaron Peterson to learn four steps to plan and execute events in 2024 that will impact your marketing and business objectives. #events #eventplanning #eventstrategy #b2bevents #insights https://lnkd.in/e26YpCht

It's no secret—when it comes to in-person events, here's what comes to mind: → Company Keynotes—often disguised as thought-leadership, but often appear as pitches → Booths—designed to lure you in for, you guessed it, another pitch  → Conference Halls—massive, long indoor corridors that are often freezing and hard to navigate ↑That's not why B2B SaaS marketers go to these events.↑ We go to an event because of the people who are attending them. I want to learn and discuss with my peers about how they're tackling the same challenges we're all faced with as marketers: → How to stand out in a crowded market → How to generate (more) demand  → How to build a repeatable revenue model The best type of content is one that evokes conversation and builds deeper connections. This way of thinking should be at the forefront of any event organizer. I've seen marketers post lately asking which marketing event to attend this year, so I thought I'd offer my recommendation. Of all the in-person events you could attend this year, Wynter's flagship Spryng event would be the one I'd choose for that exact reason.

In-person events are making a strong comeback... 💪 Today, a balanced GTM mix is crucial to win over buyers... Let me share with you some thoughts why integrating events into your GTM strategy is something you should consider ⬇ Digital fatigue is real. But today’s B2B buyers also crave genuine, human interactions (again). In-person events offer a refreshing approach. Get it right, and you’ll build stronger, lasting relationships for sure. ——— I picked 4 reasons why you should consider attending / hosting events again ✅ Build real connections In-person events are all about true connections. Imagine shaking hands, reading body language, and sharing a laugh in real-time. These authentic interactions build trust and rapport that digital channels often miss to me... ✅ Showcase thought leadership Events provide a platform to demonstrate your expertise. By speaking at panels, hosting workshops, and engaging in discussions, you position your company as a leader in the industry. This attracts buyers who value knowledgeable partners...(very important today!) ✅ Capture real-time feedback Often underestimated, but one of the most valuable aspects of events is the immediate feedback. You can gauge reactions, answer questions on the spot, and adjust your pitch in real-time. This dynamic interaction helps you better understand buyer pain points and tailor your solutions... ✅ Create memorable experiences (happily again 😁) Events are about more than just information; they’re about experiences. A well-organized event leaves a lasting impression. Whether through interactive demos, engaging presentations, or a fun social atmosphere, these experiences set you apart from the competition... Soooo... what I want to say. Relying solely on digital methods limits your potential. Buyers expect a mix of digital convenience and human connection. We must deliver both now. Ready? 😉 P.S. Join us tonight at 6 PM for our Prospect & Prost get-together in Berlin 🍻! #buyerenablement #salesenablement #gtm #b2bsales

Ever wondered how to navigate the complexities of trade shows effectively? Discover essential tips and strategies for making every trade show a success. Maximize ROI and build lasting industry connections. #TradeShowTips #Networking #EventSuccess