by Jennifer Barham

Summer’s here and the living is, well, not really easy (as the song goes), but there’s lots to look forward to. And after last year’s “Cruel, Cruel Summer,” we can all look forward to a little more lightness and a little more celebration and a little more fun in the sun.

That’s right, folks! You heard it here: real life trade shows coming soon. Not cancelled. Not postponed. Not rescheduled. Not online. IN PERSON! {And the crowd goes WIIIIILLLLLD!}

“They’re baaaaaack!” Live events are returning, and we are here for it. With all the trade shows cancelled in 2020 and the lack of personal interaction, it’s about time. However, don’t expect the trade show season of 2019. No, sir. There will be new procedures and protocols as organizers consider the health and safety of exhibitors and attendees and staff.

2020 Proved That Relationships Should Be Your Business's 2021 Priority

We have made it through the first quarter of 2021 already! Even so, we are still reeling from the past year...a year for the history books. No one could’ve predicted the happenings or the fallout or the hidden blessings from 2020. The global pandemic’s impact on the event industry was no small thing, and though we didn’t cause it and we can’t control it, we can learn a lot as we move on toward a healthier, more productive year.

We are all anxiously awaiting the return of trade shows and events to make us feel like we are back to business as usual. And continue to wait we will. Events keep getting postponed, trade shows are being pushed later and later, and hosts and attendees alike are wondering what the future of exhibiting is going to look like.

What a year so far! As look forward to heading back (hopefully and thankfully!) to face-to-face meetings in 2021, we have a few new considerations to add to our to-do lists:

12 Items to Check Before Trade Shows Return

With all of the canceled shows and rescheduled events this year, it can seem as though trade shows are a thing of the past. Exhibitors have taken a hit as their prime opportunities have been put on hold. Discouraging as all of this might have been and as uncertain as it continues to be, anticipation is high concerning when trade shows will return. One major trend shows that many larger events have opened up for the 2nd half of 2021. This is positive because they could have easily switched to a virtual format. Instead, they are recognizing the value of in-person events.

Not Every Virtual Event is the Same

Sooooo, by what percentage in 2020 did you increase your usage of the words cancelled, rescheduled, and postponed (not to mention VIRTUAL)? We are all pivoting in this brave new world, and our flexibility is being tested. For the trade show industry, which thrives on in-person events and face time with people, this can present a challenge. So, who’s up for a challenge?!

As we move on from 2020 into a brand new year, the excitement of resuming meetings and trade shows cannot be understated! We have new rules and even a new vernacular.  "Social Distancing" is a newly coined term thanks to coronavirus(!) and is now priority one for gatherings of all sizes. We have all become familiar with it thanks to those handy directional arrows and neatly-spaced “X” spots in grocery stores and retail outlets. We all know how to keep our distance. But what about when we all get back together at trade shows and marketing events? How do we stay safely distant but intimately connected to our customers and prospects?

What Has The Highest Marketing Value? or 10 Reasons Face Time Beats Screen Time

With the very limited amount of face time that 2020 has afforded us, those of us in the marketing and exhibiting business have had to get very creative with our outreach and customer service. Now more than ever, we’ve utilized email, social media, “live” videos, and webinars to reach clients.

Exhibiting is largely a visual industry, so it’s interesting that the most visual of all social media outlets, YouTube, is vastly underused in our marketing world.

About In-Person Exhibiting

Most trade show marketers I know can’t wait to get back to business as usual at real live events. Because of the global pandemic, many businesses are facing big losses and a temporary stay in their ability to market face-to-face. As we in the industry know, there’s no replacement for in-person marketing. It’s what we love to do, and here are just a few reasons why we look forward to the return of trade shows as soon as possible!

Travel Industry Safety Measures to Keep Exhibitors and Attendees Safe

After months of cancelled events, rescheduled shows, and general uncertainty concerning work and travel and exhibiting, everyone is growing eager to get back to face-to-face meetings. As the world begins opening up and returning to normal, everyone is wondering if it’s going to be business as usual or a completely new normal. Fortunately, the travel industry knows that people needMe to feel safe and comfortable and have taken great measures to ensure customer safety and trust with airlines, hotels, and convention centers. Read ahead for the latest updates in these industries to be inspired and reassured about the great strides made to get us all back to a booming trade show season safely.

The whole world is going through a particularly trying time right now. People are stuck at home, family members feel isolated, physical and mental health problems abound, and economic stability seems fragile. With 56% of people reporting that they struggle to stay positive day to day, and 58% saying they struggle to look to the future, it’s clear that much of life seems gloomy and uncertain.

Ah, Instagram. . . with over a billion active monthly users, there’s no doubt of its belovedness and influence as a social media outlet. What began as a purely personal venture turned into a business opportunity very quickly. Having a strong IG following means a stronger community for your brand, more hits on your blog or website, and more sales for your business.

...but often not considered

In the flurry of activity that goes into preparing for a trade show – from the best technology to the flashiest graphics to the prime booth location at the event – don’t make the critical mistake of overlooking a crucial element of your brand and your marketing: DESIGN. Good design creates more space, improves the functionality of space, enhances space through lighting, color, texture, scale. Design is meant to be both very visible and magnetic, but yet subtle enough as to be almost invisible. Since many marketers are worrying about how to get noticed, design is the answer. It’s the visual image that will make people notice you. Through the use of balance, focus, and repetition, you can inspire your prospects and elevate your presence at any event.

Maintain Marketing Momentum

Canceled! Postponed! Rescheduled! TBA! What’s a marketing department to do when trade shows and events can’t be put on the calendar in ink?! All this penciling in and erasing is likely to drive even the most hardcore marketing folks crazy. But never fear. You don’t have to wait until trade shows resume to pick up with your marketing goals. Making lemonade out of lemons is part of a marketer’s job, and here are several ways you can make the sweetest lemonade during this stagnant summer season.

Go Beyond Customer Satisfaction

If you’re with a long-standing company, you probably have loads of repeat customers or customers who’ve been with you through thick and thin. You might assume it’s because you’re the best or they are pleased as punch. In reality, these customers might be sticking around out of convenience or habit or because nothing better has come along for them. That’s not the same as loyalty.

Recently, Amazon announced the creation of its “Operations Center of Excellence” right here in my hometown of Nashville. This $230 million investment will focus on improvements and innovation in customer fulfillment, transportation, supply chain, and related functions. Its footprint will be evident as the behemoth covers a million square feet and employs 5,000 people.

Trade Show Displays in Nashville: 7 Benefits To Your Brand

Effective marketing means successfully exposing your corporate brand as many consumers as possible. For business owners throughout the region, this means using trade show displays in Nashville. At Skyline Exhibitor Source, we have worked with business owners in a wide range of industries to showcase their distinctive brand differentiators at trade show displays in Nashville as well as throughout the region.