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

Ever since I wrote my book, Build a Better Trade Show Image — ten years ago — I’ve been trying to convince both show managers and exhibitors that doing shows the same way won’t cut it anymore. If you look at the statistics for many expos (especially association shows), you’ll see the primary demographic is age 40-plus, with many averaging even age 50-plus. But if you want your show to stay alive, you better figure out how to reach the 20- and 30-somethings, and you better do it quick!

In case you weren’t able to make it to Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show this week, here’s a way you can keep up with what’s happening. CES has created a great dashboard that archives all their social media feeds, including Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr. So take a look at what you’re missing as well as get some ideas for what you can create for your own upcoming shows.

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?