Social Media Tips for Your Next Tradeshow

Getting ready to head to another tradeshow? This time take advantage of social media platforms in preparation for your next show. By leveraging social media you will be able to engage in the conversation leading up to your next show. Let’s face it you spend a lot of money to go to these shows so why not get the most out of it? Before heading to your next tradeshow, industry event or conference, plan to leverage your social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, which will assist with networking, the potential to gain new leads and provide an overall better experience.

When is a good time to start your social media activity for your upcoming tradeshow? About a month before is good. You don’t have to be super-active in the beginning but about one week before the show is when you really want to step it up and increase activity and engagement.

Pre-show/before the event:

First order is to find the #hashtag for the event. This can usually be found at the show website or you can send the show organizers a tweet asking if they have one established for the event. Once you have it then you should plan to include the hashtag every time you send a tweet. You may even want to set up a HootSuite alert so every time someone uses the #hashtag, you can follow and engage in the conversation, if you choose. Below are a few more pre-show social media activities you can do:

• Listening: One of the most-overlooked benefits of social media is listening. Monitor who is using the hashtag, and how they are using it. You may be surprised at how much you can learn by just scanning a few minutes here and there. For example, you may get insight into what your competitors are planning or what potential customers are expecting from the event.


• Speaking at the event: Leverage social media to invite others to attend your speaking session.


• Exhibiting: On social media, share your booth number and invite potential attendees to stop by. If you are planning any giveaways or demos, it’s a great way to promote it in advance.


• Attractions: Slightly off tradeshow topic but if you are in a new city for a few days why not ask about recommendations for restaurants or nearby attractions.


• Teasers: Are you making an announcement at the show? Maybe you have a product demo? Post pictures or other clues that will give other social media users a sneak peek.

At the show during the event:

You made it to the show and you may have organized a few additional meetings or recommendations for speaking sessions to attend based on your pre-show social media activity. Didn’t have time to leverage social media before the event? That’s ok. While at the show you can send live tweets during speaking sessions such as the keynote or other panels. Tweet an interesting stat or quote during the speaking session. Again, remember to include the #hashtag for the event. Here are a few other suggestions:

• If your company is exhibiting and has its own booth, this is a great way to take photos of booth traffic or if there is something cool at your booth, booth design, or fun tchotchkes.


• Photos are also great for a company Facebook page or to pin on Pinterest. For the last day of the show, you may want to send a tweet or had a great week at the show (include #hashtag).


• Remember, the idea is to be social! Leveraging the hashtag, ask if anyone wants to meet up, or if there are any after-hours events you shouldn’t miss.

Post-show/after the event:

The show may be over but it is still an opportunity to send a few more tweets such as “can’t wait until next year’s event (with hashtag)” or “had lots of traffic at our booth.” If you had meetings you might want to send a quick tweet to those you met, “it was great to meet you @name at #show.” You can always thank the show organizers as well and add the #hashtag.

None of these tips above take a lot of time and they allow you to better utilize your social media tools as well as maximize your time at your next event. So don’t forget those comfortable shoes and extra breath mints and this time around, leverage social media It’s okay if you don’t do all of the three stages – any of these will provide extra benefits and put you in the fast track with other similar-minded, social media-savvy folks. You don’t have to be an expert or social media guru. Go ahead and step it up a notch, you’ll be really glad you did. You have nothing to lose and plenty to gain.

via Business 2 Community http://www.business2community.com/social-media/social-media-tips-next-tradeshow-0695187?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=social-media-tips-next-tradeshow