Whether Exhibiting at a Trade Show or EXPO it is very likely that today's event will provide a Mobile App. The question is - are you aware of and taking full advantage of this excellent marketing, communications and engagement tool?
Here are some ways in which you can optimize your event experience and benefit as an Exhibitor.
- COMPLETE YOUR APP PROFILE
Add logo, brief company description and links to your social media channels and company web-site. Make sure to include your e-mail address and phone number and that your booth number is listed.
- HELP KEEPING IT GREEN and FIND OUT WHO's INTERESTED
Prepare and provide product and company information in PDF or other digital format and make it accessible via link from your profile in the App. (This prevents people from having to lug around brochures, saves on shipping costs, and puts your information always-on-the-ready at your customers fingertips. Additionally, you can see who took the extra step to view or download your information. Who could ask for anything more?)
- IDENTIFY AND SAVE YOUR "FAVORITES"
Search for people you would like to meet with and save them to the in-app "Favorite / Business Cards list". This makes it easy to stay organized and ensure you meet those you had set out to.
- PRE-SCHEDULE MEETINGS
Send an in-app message to key prospective customers and schedule a time to meet during the event. (Make sure you identify and explain how they can benefit from meeting with you.)
Some Apps offer "B2B Matchmaking / Appointment Scheduling" features that helps to identify prospective clients based on their areas of interest - make sure you use it!
- MARKET YOUR LOCATION and SAVE TIME ONSITE
Use the interactive floor plan in the event app to quickly find the way to your booth. Do a screenshot and post your location on Social Media. Some events offer an EXPO Management App which makes it quick and easily to communicate with onsite EXPO Management to purchase last-minute services, or track your shipment.
- INCREASE YOUR VISIBILITY and ENHANCE LEAD TRACKING
Beacon technology offers new opportunities to engage with, interact and stay top-of-mind of visitors. There are several ways in which this can be used to A) alert you of the arrivals of key customers and prospects, B) deliver relevant content to targeted passers-by, C) track visitor volume and time spent in booth, D) access benchmark data, E) find out about those people that stopped by but you were to busy to exchange business cards with them, and more.
- IMPROVE FOLLOW UP
Forget trying to figure out what you wrote on the back of the business card or your lead-sheet, instead use the in-app Note Taking feature to capture important appointment information and keep it with the right contact for quick and easy follow up.
With best wishes for your continued success, I am looking forward to your comments and Best Practices.