Trade Show InsightsNews, tips & tools to expand your knowledge of exhibiting

There’s no doubt that gadgets and apps have taken the trade show world by storm, but just how efficiently are you using the latest tools? Here are some resources to get you up to speed.

This list of 50 apps contains some handy ones for road-warrior trade show pros, including Alfred or Fondu (restaurant finders), CardMunch (converts business cards to digital contacts), SpringPad (personal assistant), and of course two rising stars –Instagram and Pinterest.

Although these books weren’t written specifically for the trade show industry, there are great lessons in them that both exhibitors and show organizers should take to heart.

Brand Sense: Sensory Secrets Behind the Stuff We Buy* by Martin Lindstrom
It’s a known fact that our senses play a huge role in how we react to things all around us, and that includes why we buy certain products. This book outlines how companies are using multisensory marketing and why it works. Once you understand the science, it will be much easier to apply it in your next trade show.

This week, Social Media Examiner posted 30 predictions from experts on what to expect this coming year. It’s definitely worth clicking over to read the entire article, but here’s a quick summary for you:

• Consolidate & focus (tips #1 & 16) – Which tools are working? Where does your target audience hang out?
• Use photos & videos (tips #2, 13 & 14) – Hard to believe YouTube is only 6 years old. How did we ever live without it? And more important … you are using video in your trade show marketing, right?

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Speaking of goals, this post is the first in my 31-day Ultimate Blog Challenge. Watch for many more written, audio … and even some video posts coming during the month of January. – Marlys)

This time of year — whether you admit it or not — you’ve likely been reflecting back on 2011 and looking ahead to 2012.

Note I didn’t use the “R” word … after all, statistics show that the vast majority of New Year’s resolutions are broken within days. Instead, here’s a system for establishing solid goals for your trade show program in the coming year.

Often exhibitors get caught up in the excitement of prepping their booth space and forget that there are other, less glamourous aspects to exhibiting. While some show organizers are good at providing these reminders, don’t count on it. Here’s a quick list of things you can do to take responsibility and be better prepared for your next trade show.

Read the Exhibitor Manual
Study all the rules, regulations and display guidelines — then follow them!

Inform All Booth Staffers
Clue everyone in on the show rules, your exhibiting goals, and how to behave in the booth.