Trade Show University for Virtual & Live Events
Jim Cermak
Recent Episodes
Should your Corporate Event or Tradeshow have a Theme? Corporate Event Marketer & Trade Show professional, Kimberly Kee of Kee Consulting, joins Jim Cermak of Trade Show University to discuss the right way to incorporate theming at your next trade show, conference, expo and event!
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** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show?
Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowu
The goal of event marketing is to package a message using elements like costumes, sets, and scripts to create meaningful connections between companies and their buyers.
The Importance of Themes:
• Themes create a unifying experience for events like sales kickoffs or user conferences.
• Themes help in planning event details, ensuring a cohesive experience that reinforces the overall message.
• Themes should align with the company's or industry's current situation; they don't always need to be extravagant.
◦ A somber theme can be appropriate during difficult times.
◦ A more exciting theme can highlight company advancements.
• Theming strengthens brand identity and connects with the event audience.
Creating a Theme
• The theming process can be quick, but it may require brainstorming and mind mapping to develop the right theme.
• Consider the event's objectives and key messages when developing a theme.
• A strong theme should be marketed in advance to build anticipation and excitement.
• Incorporate the theme into all aspects of the event, including branding, visual elements, and themed activities.
• For instance, a "level up" theme can use video game elements like leaderboards and avatars to engage attendees.
Examples of Impactful Themes
• "Level Up": Uses video game references to create a positive and exciting atmosphere.
• "Better Together": Focuses on unity and teamwork, especially useful during times of uncertainty or change.
Avoiding Themes That Fall Flat
• Themes that are too abstract or lack a clear connection to the audience can fall flat.
• Ensure the theme lends itself to specific activities and is easy to understand.
• The theme should evoke emotion and create anticipation.
Top Tips for Event Themes
• Base themes on key objectives and messages.
• Make the theme memorable and catchy to create a unifying environment.
• Integrate the theme into every detail of the event, from keynote speakers to breakout sessions.
• The goal is to create an immersive experience where the theme is evident even when attendees aren't actively thinking about it.
The Importance of Food
• Food can significantly impact an event.
• Align food with the theme such as having a gourmet nacho station and corn dog vendor at an arcade-themed event.
Kimberly's Top Takeaway
• A well-executed theme is one of the most important elements of a hosted event, as it unifies the experience and makes the event memorable.
Connect with Kimberly Kee:
• Email: Kimberly@Keyconsulting.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyakee/
Connect with Jim Cermak:
• Email: jim@tradeshowu.biz
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcermak/
#theme #tradeshows #branding #strategy #events #corporateevents
Strategies for How to take trade show lead generation to the next level from a professional Magician! Scott Tokar, owner of Corporate FX joins Jim Cermak of Trade Show University to discuss strategies to maximize ROI at your next trade show, conference, expo and event!
** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show?
Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowu
Scott Tokar says simply drawing a crowd isn't enough; exhibitors must implement strategies to activate the audience, efficiently collect data, qualify leads, and ensure effective post-show follow-up. He advocates for moving away from linear processing and utilizing parallel processing strategies to maximize the number of quality leads.
Scott and Jim discuss:
- Beyond Crowd Gathering: Activating Your Audience
Tokar emphasizes that attracting a crowd is only the first step. The real challenge is "what do you do with a crowd once you've got them in the exhibit?" You activate them by:
- Moving the crowd to a theater-style presentation.
- Engaging them in a passport-style promotion with stamps.
- Using gamification, like a QR code and a prize wheel.
- Understanding the limitations of traditional badge and lead scanners
- Implementing Parallel Processing - collecting lead information from a large group simultaneously.
--- This process allows “30 seconds to scan a hundred people.”
- Quantification vs. Qualification - both are important for different reasons
- Qualifying Questions – The Key to Identifying Hot Leads. We give powerful examples of these!
- Automated Follow-up via Drip Marketing:
- Linear vs Parallel Processing
- Sales Staff Involvement and Observation
Scott's Top Takeaways:
-- Embrace Parallel Processing: Move beyond linear lead generation methods
-- Implement Gamification: Use QR codes and games to engage audiences and facilitate quick data collection
-- Leverage Data: Combine data from various sources for richer insights
-- Automate Follow-Up: Use drip marketing campaigns to stay in touch with leads
Connect with Scott Tokar:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotttokar/
Get your free Trade Show Traffic Scorecard: https://tradeshowuniversity.captivate.fm/
Innovative New Product entrepreneur and small business owner, Lauren McLaughlin of ChangeUp Kids (https://www.changeupkids.com), shares her story of how she found huge success at her very first BIG Trade Show! Her product for Parents of Kids was perfect for the Event she chose.
** Want More LEADS, More SALES and More PROFITS at your next Trade Show?
Book a free 15-minute strategy call here: https://calendly.com/tradeshowu
Lauren is a mom of three adventurous boys, and we are constantly on the go. I always desired a place for them to get changed with privacy without having them go into public bathrooms after a sandy day at the beach.
Change Up Kids is a portable changing station that gives kids and families Dignity, Privacy and Convenience.
Lauren attended the MomCon expo (https://www.momcon.co/) for a couple of years as an attendee and saw this event as the perfect place to launch her new product. Thousands of moms attend each year.
She realized being at the right show wasn't enough, so reached out to Jim Cermak of Trade Show University. Jim coached her as she prepared for MomCon and the 5,000 moms that were going to be there. She ultimately made changes to her signage, displays, offers, and engagement questions.
You will love her energy and her story as she shares what worked well and what needs to be improved for the next show!
Connect with Lauren:
- ChangeUp Kids: https://www.changeupkids.com/
- Email: lauren@changeupkids.com
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/change_up_kids/
Training Videos & Tips - Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity
Email Jim: jim@tradeshowu.biz