by Jennifer Hart Yim | Jan 9, 2025 | Logistics
Trying to figure out which logistics trade shows and events you should attend in 2027? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re a logistics veteran or planning your first industry event, this list will help you choose the conferences that are actually worth your time (and budget). Below you’ll find all the major shows happening across North America, Europe, and Asia, complete with dates, locations, and an insider’s look at what makes each one special.
One note before you start planning: 2027 looks different from recent years. Several major shows have moved quarters, changed cities, or changed venues. Read carefully before you book.
Q1 2027 conferences
BGSA Supply Chain Conference
- Date: January 20-22, 2027
- Location: Palm Beach, Florida
- Why attend: This invite-only, CEO-level conference brings together senior executives from across transportation, logistics, and supply chain. Smaller and more selective than most events on this list, BGSA is built for candid strategic discussion rather than exhibit hall browsing. If you’re at the executive level and looking for depth over breadth, request an invitation early.
Learn more about BGSA >>
SMC3 Jump Start 2027
- Date: January 25-27, 2027
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Why attend: Jump Start sets the tone for the freight year. Carriers, shippers, logistics service providers, and technology providers gather for market forecasting, pricing insight, and relationship building before the calendar gets crowded. A practical first stop if you want a read on market conditions heading into Q1.
Learn more about SMC3 Jump Start >>
Manifest 2027
- Date: February 8-10, 2027
- Location: The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Why attend: The first major logistics trade show of 2027, Manifest brings together supply chain technology leaders and innovators to showcase the latest in logistics automation, robotics, and AI solutions. Expect 7,000+ attendees and heavy startup and investor presence. Particularly valuable if you’re tracking emerging technology or looking for partnerships outside the usual vendor set.
Learn more about Manifest Vegas >>
RILA LINK 2027 Retail Supply Chain Conference
- Date: February 21-24, 2027
- Location: Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando, Florida
- Why attend: Essential for retail supply chain professionals, LINK focuses on retail-specific logistics challenges and solutions, featuring senior executives from major retailers sharing their insights and strategies. The LINK Connect program pairs solution providers with retail and CPG buyers through pre-scheduled meetings, which makes this one of the more efficient shows if you’re selling into retail.
Learn more about RILA LINK >>
2027 Food Shippers of America Conference
- Date: February 28 – March 2, 2027
- Location: JW Marriott Desert Springs, Palm Desert, California
- Why attend: The 71st annual conference focuses exclusively on food logistics and transportation, addressing cold chain management, food safety compliance, carrier capacity, and sustainable food transportation. Worth noting that attendance is invitation-based, so request your invite early.
Learn more about Food Shippers of America >>
TPM27
- Date: February 28 – March 3, 2027
- Location: Long Beach, California
- Why attend: The premier conference for international container shipping, TPM provides unparalleled networking with ocean carriers, ports, and international logistics providers. This is where annual contract relationships get built. TPM Tech, TPM Cold Chain, and TPM Academy run alongside the main program, so check the full agenda before locking in your travel dates. Registration is already open with early bird rates.
Learn more about TPM >>
LogiMAT 2027
- Date: March 16-18, 2027
- Location: Messe Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
- Why attend: Europe’s largest intralogistics exhibition showcases the latest innovations in material handling, warehouse automation, and supply chain software. The last edition drew more than 61,000 trade visitors and 1,600 exhibitors. Particularly valuable if you’re tracking European market trends and automation technologies.
Learn more about LogiMAT >>
SITL 2027
- Date: March 23-25, 2027
- Location: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris, France
- Why attend: France’s premier logistics event brings together European logistics professionals to discuss innovations in transportation, warehouse management, and supply chain optimization. Heads up: SITL alternates venues, and the 2027 edition is at Porte de Versailles rather than Paris Nord Villepinte. Note also that SITL moves earlier in 2027, landing in Q1 rather than Q2.
Learn more about SITL >>
LogiChem EU 2027
- Date: March 2027, dates to be confirmed
- Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Why attend: The leading chemical logistics and supply chain conference in Europe, LogiChem focuses on challenges specific to chemical industry logistics, including safety regulations, sustainability, AI adoption, and specialized transportation requirements. Check the organizer site for confirmed 2027 dates before booking travel.
Learn more about LogiChem EU >>
Q2 2027 conferences
TIA 2027 Capital Ideas Conference
- Date: April 5-7, 2027
- Location: Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando, Florida
- Why attend: The Transportation Intermediaries Association’s annual conference is essential for freight brokers and 3PLs, offering insights into transportation market trends, fraud prevention, and brokerage best practices.
Learn more about the TIA 2027 Conference >>
The Logistics World Summit & Expo 2027
- Date: April 7-8, 2027
- Location: Centro Banamex, Mexico City, Mexico
- Why attend: The largest logistics event in Latin America, offering insights into regional markets and connecting professionals across the Americas. Particularly valuable for understanding Mexican and Central American logistics trends, nearshoring dynamics, and cross-border opportunities.
Learn more about The Logistics World Summit & Expo >>
ProMat 2027
- Date: April 19-21, 2027
- Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois
- Why attend: One of North America’s largest manufacturing and supply chain trade shows, ProMat features more than 1,000 exhibitors across 670,000 square feet of manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain equipment. Two changes to know: ProMat has moved from four days to three, and it shifts from March to April this cycle. ProMat takes MODEX’s place on the calendar in 2027.
Learn more about ProMat >>
Intermodal Asia 2027
- Date: April 21-23, 2027
- Location: Shanghai, China
- Why attend: Asia’s leading intermodal and container transport event, expected to draw 7,250+ global professionals. A useful complement to TPM and Intermodal Europe if your container business extends into the Asia Pacific market.
Learn more about Intermodal Asia >>
transport logistic 2027
- Date: April 26-29, 2027
- Location: Messe München, Munich, Germany
- Why attend: One of the world’s largest transport and logistics trade fairs, with comprehensive coverage of global logistics trends across all transport modes. Expect 80,000+ attendees and 2,600+ brands. Air cargo Europe, the world’s largest air freight event, runs concurrently. Note that transport logistic moves from June to April in 2027.
Learn more about transport logistic >>
The 2027 IWLA Convention & Expo
- Date: May 2-4, 2027
- Location: El Conquistador Resort, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
- Why attend: The International Warehouse Logistics Association’s annual event brings together warehouse operators and 3PLs to discuss industry trends, technology innovations, and operational best practices. New destination this year, so book flights early.
Learn more about the IWLA Convention >>
Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo 2027
- Date: May 3-5, 2027
- Location: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, Orlando, Florida
- Why attend: The largest gathering of chief supply chain officers and senior supply chain executives in North America, drawing 5,000+ attendees. Content skews strategic rather than operational, with heavy focus on AI ROI, margin protection, and navigating volatility. If your goal is reaching or learning from decision-makers rather than evaluating equipment, this is one of the highest-value events on the calendar. A European edition follows in Barcelona, May 24-26, 2027.
Learn more about Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo >>
Breakbulk Europe 2027
- Date: May 11-13, 2027
- Location: Rotterdam Ahoy, Netherlands
- Why attend: The leading international exhibition and conference for project cargo and breakbulk, and considerably larger than most people expect. The 2026 edition drew more than 12,800 professionals and 740+ exhibitors from 134 countries, making it the largest in the event’s history. Essential if you’re moving oversized, heavy-lift, or industrial freight, and a strong fit for manufacturers with complex outbound shipping requirements. The 2027 edition adds a new exhibition hall.
Learn more about Breakbulk Europe >>
ISM World 2027
- Date: May 16-18, 2027
- Location: Washington, DC
- Why attend: ISM World serves the procurement and supply management side of the house rather than logistics specifically. Worth attending if your work touches sourcing, supplier relationships, or category management, and useful for anyone selling into procurement organizations.
Learn more about ISM World >>
LogiSYM Asia Pacific 2027
- Date: May 2027, dates to be confirmed
- Location: Singapore
- Why attend: The premier logistics and supply chain conference in Asia Pacific, offering insights into regional markets and connecting professionals across the APAC region. Recent editions have run mid-May at Singapore EXPO.
Learn more about LogiSYM Asia Pacific >>
Home Delivery World 2027
- Date: May 25-27, 2027
- Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
- Why attend: Focused on last-mile delivery and e-commerce logistics, this conference addresses the growing challenges and opportunities in retail delivery operations. Big changes for 2027: the event moves from Nashville to Orlando and expands from two days to three, with 3,000+ attendees and 200+ speakers expected.
Learn more about Home Delivery World >>
TMSA ELEVATE 2027
- Date: June 2027, dates to be confirmed
- Location: To be announced
- Why attend: Focused on marketing and sales strategies in transportation and logistics, ELEVATE helps professionals better position and promote their services. Recent editions have used role-based tracks for marketers, sellers, and company leaders. If you’re on the commercial side of a logistics business, this is the one built specifically for you.
Learn more about TMSA ELEVATE >>
Q3 2027 conferences
CeMAT South East Asia 2027
- Date: July 20-22, 2027
- Location: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Why attend: The trade show for intralogistics, robotics and automation, warehousing, and materials handling in Southeast Asia. Moving to Marina Bay Sands for 2027. Worth a look if you’re evaluating warehouse automation vendors with an APAC footprint.
Learn more about CeMAT South East Asia >>
IANA Intermodal EXPO 2027
- Date: September 13-15, 2027
- Location: Long Beach, California
- Why attend: North America’s leading intermodal freight event, bringing together roughly 1,800 professionals from railroads, ocean carriers, ports, terminals, equipment providers, and technology firms. Recent editions have tackled cargo theft, tariffs, rail mergers, and AI adoption. This is the domestic counterpart to TPM and Intermodal Europe.
Learn more about IANA Intermodal EXPO >>
ASCM CHAINge North America 2027
- Date: To be announced
- Location: To be announced
- Why attend: The Association for Supply Chain Management’s flagship North American conference focuses on supply chain transformation and innovation through interactive, scenario-driven sessions rather than a traditional lecture format. Recent editions have run in September.
Learn more about ASCM CHAINge >>
North American Supply Chain Executive Summit 2027
- Date: To be announced
- Location: To be announced
- Why attend: A premier gathering of Chief Supply Chain Officers, Chief Procurement Officers, and senior supply chain leaders focused on strategic planning, digital transformation, and industry leadership. Recent editions have run in September.
Learn more about the North American Supply Chain Executive Summit >>
Q4 2027 conferences
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) EDGE 2027
- Date: To be announced
- Location: To be announced
- Why attend: CSCMP’s annual conference is one of the industry’s largest events, featuring comprehensive educational sessions, impressive keynote speakers, and extensive networking. Recent editions have run in early October. CSCMP has also launched EDGE Europe, with a 2027 edition planned for Rotterdam, if you want European coverage.
Learn more about CSCMP EDGE >>
Intermodal Europe 2027
- Date: To be announced
- Location: To be announced
- Why attend: The leading exhibition and conference for companies associated with container and intermodal industries worldwide, essential for understanding global container logistics trends. The 2026 edition runs November 10-12 in Rotterdam, and 2027 details should follow.
Learn more about Intermodal Europe >>
FreightWaves F3: Future of Freight Festival 2027
- Date: To be announced
- Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Why attend: A two-day event combining technology demonstrations, market insights, and networking focused on the future of freight transportation, capped by the FreightTech Awards dinner. Recent editions have run in late October at The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo. While you’re in Chattanooga, you must eat a Moon Pie. You can thank me later.
Learn more about FreightWaves F3 >>
Frequently asked questions
Which are the biggest logistics conferences in 2027?
The largest events by attendance are transport logistic Munich (April 26-29, 80,000+ attendees), ProMat (April 19-21, 50,000+ attendees), and LogiMAT Stuttgart (March 16-18, 61,000+ attendees). For executive-level audiences specifically, Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo (May 3-5) draws the highest concentration of chief supply chain officers in North America.
What are the best European logistics conferences in 2027?
Key European events include LogiMAT in Stuttgart (March 16-18), SITL in Paris (March 23-25), and transport logistic in Munich (April 26-29). If you’re moving project cargo or oversized freight, add Breakbulk Europe in Rotterdam (May 11-13). Note that Europe front-loads heavily in 2027, with the biggest shows landing between mid-March and mid-May.
Which conferences focus on supply chain technology?
Manifest (February 8-10) and ProMat (April 19-21) are particularly strong in showcasing new supply chain technologies. Both feature extensive exhibits of robotics, automation, and software solutions, with Manifest skewing toward startups and investment and ProMat toward equipment and systems you can walk through.
Is MODEX happening in 2027?
No. MODEX and ProMat run on alternating cycles. MODEX took place in Atlanta in April 2026, and the next edition is scheduled for 2028. ProMat in Chicago is the 2027 show.
Are there any virtual attendance options?
Many conferences offer hybrid attendance options combining in-person and virtual experiences. Check individual conference websites closer to the event dates for specific virtual attendance offerings and registration details.
Tips for attending logistics conferences
1. Plan your conference schedule early
Start planning at least three to four months in advance to take advantage of early bird registration rates and ensure accommodation availability. This matters more in 2027 than usual: ProMat and transport logistic fall within a week of each other, and hotel inventory in Chicago and Munich will move fast.
2. Watch the May crunch
May 2027 is unusually dense. IWLA, Gartner, Breakbulk Europe, ISM World, LogiSYM, and Home Delivery World all land within a four-week window across four countries. Pick your priorities before registration opens rather than after.
3. Maximize networking opportunities
Most conferences offer dedicated networking sessions and mobile apps to connect with other attendees. Download the conference app in advance and set up your profile. Several shows now run double opt-in meeting programs (LINK Connect, HDW Connect) that fill your calendar before you land. Here’s how to make the most of networking opportunities.
4. Budget realistically
Conference costs typically include:
- Registration fees ($1,000 to $3,000 on average, with premium events like Manifest running closer to $2,000)
- Travel and accommodation
- Additional workshop or certification fees
- Entertainment and networking events
5. Verify venue and city changes
More shows than usual are moving in 2027. Home Delivery World relocates to Orlando, IWLA heads to Puerto Rico, CeMAT South East Asia moves to Marina Bay Sands, and SITL switches Paris venues. Confirm the location before you book anything.
See you all out and about this year!
The 2027 logistics conference calendar offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in technology, retail logistics, procurement, or international shipping, there’s a conference tailored to your needs. Register early for the best rates and check back regularly as we confirm the remaining Q3 and Q4 dates.
Did we miss your favorite one? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list!
Need help with your trade show strategy? Let us know.
Read more:
Last updated: August 2026. Conference details subject to change. Please verify dates and locations with event organizers before making travel arrangements.
Important note: MODEX has no event scheduled for 2027. MODEX next takes place in 2028.
by Jennifer Hart Yim | Dec 12, 2024 | Marketing
Trade show marketing has become a cornerstone strategy for logistics companies seeking to expand their market presence. In this guide, we’ll explore how to maximize your logistics trade show marketing investment and generate qualified leads that convert.
Major logistics trade shows like MODEX and ProMat serve as crucial networking hubs for supply chain pros. A well-executed trade show strategy can generate 200-300 qualified leads per event, making it one of the most effective marketing channels for logistics providers. Here’s how you can make your next show the best yet.
Creating Your Logistics Trade Show Marketing Strategy
Pre-Show Preparation
Success in logistics trade show marketing isn’t about luck – it’s about meticulous planning and execution. The most successful companies typically begin their preparation three to six months before the event, ensuring every detail is carefully considered. Here are 3 ways to do that.
- Set measurable goals: Target specific metrics such as “schedule 30 qualified demos” or “secure 5 partnership meetings with retailers”
- Create a pre-show marketing calendar:
- Send personalized invitations to top prospects 6 weeks before the event
- Launch a LinkedIn campaign highlighting your booth location and key offerings 4 weeks out
- Schedule social media posts featuring behind-the-scenes preparation 2 weeks prior
- Develop a clear ROI framework: Calculate your cost per lead target based on total exhibition costs (typically $10,000-30,000 for mid-sized shows)
Stand Design and Presence
Your booth is more than just a space – it’s a statement about your company’s capabilities and vision for the future of logistics. The most memorable booths tell a story through their design and interactive elements, creating an immersive experience that draws visitors in and keeps them engaged.
Transform your booth into an experience center by including:
- Live demonstrations of your TMS or WMS
- Digital walls displaying real-time shipment tracking across global routes
- Interactive supply chain optimization simulators
- Climate-controlled storage solution demonstrations
- Video testimonials from current clients running on loop
Maximizing Your Trade Show Investment
The key to maximizing your trade show ROI lies in the delicate balance between attracting quantity and qualifying quality. While it’s tempting to collect as many business cards as possible, successful logistics companies focus on meaningful conversations that uncover genuine opportunities.
Lead Generation Tactics
Modern lead generation at logistics trade shows has evolved far beyond the traditional business card exchange. Successful exhibitors use a sophisticated blend of technology and personal interaction to identify and nurture potential clients. Maximize your time and effort in connecting with prospects by using this strategy.
- Create tiered lead scoring systems:
- Hot leads: Decision-makers with immediate needs (follow up within 24 hours)
- Warm leads: Prospects planning changes within 6 months
- Long-term prospects: Companies researching options for future consideration
- Offer exclusive trade show incentives like:
- 90-day free trial of your logistics software
- Complimentary supply chain audit
- Special pricing for contracts signed within 30 days post-show
Technology Integration
Technology isn’t just part of your service offering – it’s an essential tool for engaging prospects at trade shows. The right technology can help you demonstrate complex logistics solutions in simple, memorable ways (and make your life easier!).
- Deploy AR (Augmented Reality) demonstrations showing:
- Warehouse optimization solutions
- Cross-docking procedures
- Last-mile delivery innovations
- Use RFID-enabled badges to track booth visitor engagement (See? Makes life easier!)
- Implement AI-powered chatbots for initial visitor screening
Post-Show Success Strategies
The days immediately following a trade show are crucial for converting interest into actual business opportunities. The most successful logistics companies understand that prompt, personalized follow-up is essential for maintaining the momentum generated during the show.
Create a structured follow-up system:
- Day 1-2: Send personalized thank you emails with specific reference to conversations
- Day 3-5: Share relevant case studies based on discussed pain points
- Week 2: Schedule virtual demos or consultation calls
- Week 3-4: Present customized solutions and proposals
- Month 2: Check in with prospects who showed interest but weren’t ready to commit
Calculate Logistics Trade Show ROI
Understanding the return on investment from logistics trade show marketing requires a comprehensive approach. While traditional metrics like booth traffic provide basic insights, it’s the deeper dive into performance indicators that truly matter.
Cost Per Lead
This serves as a fundamental benchmark in the logistics industry. With the average cost ranging from $150-275 per qualified lead, companies must carefully balance their exhibition investment against potential returns. This metric becomes particularly crucial when comparing different trade shows or deciding which events deserve larger budget allocations.
Conversion Rates
They tell an even more compelling story. The industry target of 20-30% reflects the high-quality nature of trade show leads compared to other marketing channels. Successful logistics companies achieve these rates by focusing on meaningful conversations rather than collecting business cards. For instance, a company demonstrating its warehouse automation solution might connect with fewer prospects but secure more serious buyers.
Six-month Revenue Generation
Perhaps the clearest picture of trade show success. By tracking deals that close within this window, companies can attribute revenue directly to their trade show efforts. This longer-term view acknowledges the complex sales cycles common in logistics partnerships, where decisions often involve multiple stakeholders and careful evaluation periods.
Social Engagement Metrics
Social metrics have emerged as a valuable supplement to traditional measurements. Beyond simple follower counts, companies track event hashtag usage, LinkedIn post engagement, and video view duration to gauge their brand’s impact during and after the show.
Successful logistics trade show marketing requires a delicate balance of traditional networking and strategic digital follow-up. Those that invest in comprehensive pre-show planning, engage audiences with interactive demos, and maintain consistent post-show communication will stand out. As we move forward, the integration of virtual elements, sustainability practices, and AI-driven engagement tools will continue to reshape how logistics companies approach trade shows. However, the fundamental goal remains unchanged: creating meaningful connections that drive business growth. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, logistics companies can transform their trade show presence from a simple marketing expense into a powerful engine for lead generation and business development.
Read more
by Elizabeth Hines | Mar 30, 2017 | Blog, Content Marketing, Marketing, Social Media, Strategy
Follow these four steps after the trade show to ensure you’re getting the most out of your lead generation efforts.
This is the third installment in our three-part series about generating leads around a trade show.
After some busy days, the trade show has finally wrapped up. It is easy to get caught up with unanswered emails and other tasks you have neglected by being away from your desk, but this is the time to follow up with the prospects you met at the trade show.
Strike while the iron is hot
The faster you follow up with your leads, the better. Trade shows are busy, and you want to capitalize on the one-on-one time you had getting to know new prospects. The quicker you get back in contact, the greater the chance they will remember you and will be more likely to respond favorably to your follow-up.
Here are four additional tips to help you navigate post-trade show contact with leads.
Winning at follow-up
1. Connect and engage on social media
To convert leads to customers you need to be proactive. Entering leads into a database, or placing the stack of business cards you were handed in the top drawer of your desk, is not proactive. You need to really engage with prospects, and one way of doing so is to connect on social media. Follow prospects on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Create dialogue with them and ask them to follow you on social media as well.
2. Create more content
Trade shows provide great fodder for content. Think about the questions you were asked during the trade show and the challenges that prospects identified. Use this information to create a list of topics that can be addressed in your blog, white papers, eBooks and social media posts.
Similarly, create a list of industry trends that you identified during the trade show. Create fresh, innovative content around these trends, and link your company and products into the content. How does your company fit into these trends? Make sure to highlight any new products that were introduced at the trade show and how they incorporate into these trends.
3. Create a lead nurturing campaign
Companies that nurture leads have a 47% higher profit margin than companies who don’t. Create a lead nurturing campaign that is targeted at your trade show prospects. These campaigns should be relevant, informative, and should provide value to prospects. They should also capture the trade show buzz and move prospects down your sales funnel. Use the content you’ve created from tip #2 to incorporate blog posts and webinars into lead nurturing campaigns.
4. Get on the phone
Don’t be afraid to follow up with prospects on the phone. So many companies rely on email and social media that your personal phone call will go a long way. Keep the call conversational and make sure to address any issues that your prospect identified at the trade show. This will show you were really listening and make a personal connection with the lead. Highlight the new products you introduced at the show, and make the connection between your prospect and your products and services. Tell them how your products and services will work for them.
Attending a trade show is significant investment of time and money. If you want to maximize your trade show ROI and convert leads to prospects and prospects to sales, you need to be proactive and timely. Carve out time as soon as you are back from the show to reach out to those that you met. By engaging your leads, you’ll be getting the most out of your trade show attendance, growing your business and increasing your sales.
Other posts in this series:
by Elizabeth Hines | Mar 29, 2017 | Blog, Content Marketing, Marketing, Social Media, Strategy
Follow these four steps during the trade show to ensure you’re getting the most out of your lead generation efforts.
This is the second installment in our three-part series about generating leads around a trade show.
As you enter the convention center, you feel confident in your preparation for the trade show. You have been setting goals, researching your audience, advertising, and creating fresh content to distribute at the show.
But now you are focused on how to stand out amongst the other attendees. How do you promote your brand while you are surrounded by your competitors?
It should go without saying, but having personable, knowledgeable staff that are excited about the show and eager to educate customers is the foundation for trade show success. If potential customers enter your booth, and they are not immediately greeted with a friendly smile and a helping hand, you are missing opportunities for leads.
Once you have established which staff best suits your trade show needs, you can focus on standing out on the floor. Here are four tips to ensure lead generation success while attending the trade show.
Engagement and lead generation at the trade show
1. First impressions last
According to the Harvard Study of Communications, 55% of first impressions are based on visual cues. The way you look, the way you dress, and the appearance of your booth are saying a lot about your brand and products before you even open your mouth.
The visual displays at your booth should sell your brand as much as your staff. Invest the time and money into shirts with your company logo for staff to wear. Have tablecloths that represent your company’s image. And develop presentation boards that highlight new products and services. First impressions are so important because they last. You want to make sure that every person that walks by your booth gets the right impression about your brand.
2. Extend your reach with a giveaway
Cost-effective promotional items not only provide brand exposure, but also can attract quality leads to your booth. Get creative with your giveaways and use them as an opportunity to spread your logo throughout the trade show.
Giveaway items should be unique and useful. For example, promotional products guru Cathy Houston suggests a money clip for your smart phone. “This slim silicone pocket attaches to the outside of any mobile device and is perfect for storing driver’s licenses, credit cards, hotel keycards, business cards, and cash. … It can be useful to attendees right away.” With people constantly checking their phones, this giveaway will be a visual reminder of your booth across the trade show floor.
3. Create an experience
It’s not enough to simply promote your products and services at a trade show. You need to get attendees involved by creating an interactive booth.
The more hands-on, the better. Live demonstrations of new products allow potential customers the opportunity to try out what you are selling. Creating games or contests also gets attendees involved by having them answer questions or engage with your staff. While interacting with attendees, make sure you are capturing their contact information and leading them to your landing page (that you created before attending the show).
4. Make your attendance known on social media
You already have used social media to let prospects know you are attending the trade show. So keep up the posting and tweeting while you are at the show.
Use time-sensitive giveaways to boost booth attendance and promote special sessions and upcoming presentations live from the trade show floor. Videos and pictures of your live demonstrations and contests are sure to create a buzz amongst attendees. Use these posts to continue to push your landing page and let potential customers know what you are up to throughout the trade show.
Creating a presence at a trade show gives you a powerful platform for meeting new customers, reconnecting with existing clientele, and building a more established brand. Exhibiting at a trade show gives you unparalleled access to important prospects, who are taking the time to learn about your products and services. These four tips can help you get the most engagement from your attendance, while collecting leads that will ultimately grow your business and sales.
Other posts in this series:
by Elizabeth Hines | Mar 28, 2017 | Blog, Content Marketing, Marketing, Social Media, Strategy
Follow these four steps ahead of the show to ensure you’re getting the most out of your lead generation efforts.
This is the first installment of a three-part series about generating leads around a trade show.
As thousands of us prepare for our travels to Chicago to attend ProMat 2017, many are wondering: How can I maximize my time? What can I do to stand out? What will help me generate the most new business?
These are important questions — ones that deserve careful thought and strategy. So we created a three-part series to help you make the most of your next trade show.
In this first part, we will focus on the prep work you can do before heading to your trade show that will set you up for success.
Pre-show prep in 4 steps
With over 850 exhibitors attending ProMat this year, it is important to start the work of nurturing leads before you even leave your office. Strategically planning for this event can help you get the most out of your trade show experience, and get you the leads to grow your business and increase your sales.
Here are four tips to get you started on the right track.
1. Set clear goals
Why are you attending ProMat? What do you hope to gain from your attendance, in addition to leads? Understanding why you are attending a trade show is the foundation for creating what you want to achieve from your presence.
For example, if your goal is to boost your social media presence, make sure every handout, landing page, and face-to-face interaction includes a request to like your company on Facebook (or other social media sites). Or if you are hoping to educate potential customers on a new product, work on creating exciting new marketing handouts and presentations that can be displayed during the trade show.
2. Research your audience
Focusing on who will be attending the show can give you invaluable insight into the motivation behind their attendance and how you can best capture their attention.
Performing prospect research using the list of attendees — including anyone who has given you their contact information through social media, your landing page, or website — provides added awareness about your target audience. You can also go one step further and reach out to high-value prospects on your social media sites to step up a meeting time during the show.
3. Advertise, advertise, advertise
Your company has spent valuable resources to attend the show, so make it known that you’ll be there. Reach out to customers, attendees, and contacts through your social media outlets. Most trade shows have event-specific hashtags (#ProMat) to help spread the word on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Make sure to include your booth number and location, if possible. Get creative with fun teaser videos to engage with potential customers and get them curious about your new products. Creating an event-specific landing page to channel your prospects into one location, giving you a place to answer questions, create a running list of leads, and continue to promote your presence at the trade show.
4. Create content to distribute
It’s imperative to have content (brochures, templates, etc.) that highlights your brand and products. You should create content that can be distributed during the show that supplements your booth staff, helping them to educate and answer questions.
For example, you can create copies of a presentation you are giving. This allows attendees that cannot attend the presentation to still obtain the valuable information and affords you the opportunity to expand upon the presentation. Preparing these handouts ahead of time allows you to skip the last-minute scramble and focus on being present at the show.
These four tips can get you started on your journey to a successful trade-show experience. Using inbound marketing and social media tools, you are already ahead of your competitors before you even arrive at the show.
Other posts in this series:
