Tradeshow planning timeline

Consider these exhibition industry facts:

The average tradeshow attendee will visit approximately 26 exhibitors.

76% of attendees arrive with an agenda of exhibitors they plan to visit.

As many as 3 out of 4 exhibit visits are preplanned.

Less than 20% of exhibitors utilize targeted pre-show marketing campaigns.

Effective trade show marketing includes a multi-phased strategy, essential to fully benefit from event participation and achieve your exhibiting goals.Excuseto procrastinate on your promotion strategy

8 Weeks ahead of Show

Plan your engagement and follow-up strategies.

You want attendees to remember you—and buy from you.

Increasing your social awareness.

Stand out from the crowd.

Target show audiences to increase direct sales opportunities at the venue.

Strategize and design your display to replicate your online marketing material.

5 Weeks ahead of Show

Spread the word.

Promote your presence across channels.

Targeted emails, video, organic social media posts, texts or physical mailers.

Set up appointment times where you can meet with them face to face at the show.

Network with former and existing customer and let them know your exhibiting.

Get your existing customers to refer new business.

3 Weeks ahead of Show

Social media push with teasers, behind the scenes photos.

Increase all around hype – Email and social media.

If desired, begin a pre-show contest that includes giveaways at the venue or design booth activities.

Create special promotions.

Reach out to customers who have expressed an explicit interest.

Incorporate social listening .

1 Weeks ahead of Show

Announce any pre-show buzz.

Product launch teaserst.

company news.

Send a reminder E-mail to ALL engaged clients.

Employee branding to target the most interested attendees .

Include high potential accounts.

AT Show

Work the plan.

Social media is the perfect channel to reach attendees during the show.

Designated hashtag.

Post photos.

Encourage conversation with attendees in front of your booth.

Live-tweet gems from the keynote or workshops that strike a chord with you.

Give them something to remember you by.

Thank all of your attendees and appointments for attending, and remind them to check the landing page after for show coverage and information.

After Show

Post show outreach solidify sales.

Analyze leads.

Prompt follow up’s is perhaps the most important post show strategy.

Connect virtually.

Run de facto remarketing campaign and Measure your results or evaluate your success .

8 Weeks ahead of Show

Plan your engagement and follow-up strategies.

You want attendees to remember you—and buy from you.

Increasing your social awareness.

Stand out from the crowd.

Target show audiences to increase direct sales opportunities at the venue.

Strategize and design your display to replicate your online marketing material.

5 Weeks ahead of Show

Spread the word.

Promote your presence across channels.

Targeted emails, video, organic social media posts, texts or physical mailers.

Set up appointment times where you can meet with them face to face at the show.

Network with former and existing customer and let them know your exhibiting.

Get your existing customers to refer new business.

3 Weeks ahead of Show

Social media push with teasers, behind the scenes photos.

Increase all around hype – Email and social media.

If desired, begin a pre-show contest that includes giveaways at the venue or design booth activities.

Create special promotions.

Reach out to customers who have expressed an explicit interest.

Incorporate social listening .

1 Weeks ahead of Show

Announce any pre-show buzz.

Product launch teaserst.

company news.

Send a reminder E-mail to ALL engaged clients.

Employee branding to target the most interested attendees .

Include high potential accounts.

AT Show

Work the plan.

Social media is the perfect channel to reach attendees during the show.

Designated hashtag.

Post photos.

Encourage conversation with attendees in front of your booth.

Live-tweet gems from the keynote or workshops that strike a chord with you.

Give them something to remember you by.

Thank all of your attendees and appointments for attending, and remind them to check the landing page after for show coverage and information.

After Show

Post show outreach solidify sales.

Analyze leads.

Prompt follow up’s is perhaps the most important post show strategy.

Connect virtually.

Run de facto remarketing campaign and Measure your results or evaluate your success .