We’ve all heard the basic elements of trade show success: wear comfortable shoes, work in teams, and come ready with a game plan. However, as much as the retail and flea market industry is changing, trade shows are changing, too. Improved trade show websites and especially mobile apps have made organizing your contacts, planning your trip, and connecting with exhibitors much easier and more effective. Many major trade shows have a custom app for their events. Always check your phone’s app store for the latest version. They are usually released a few weeks to a month before the show date. Utilizing these apps allow you to:
Never Miss an Event
Many trade shows are jam-packed with networking events, happy hours, industry meetings, and more. Many show apps have an “event” section on the menu that gives you easy access to what’s happening when.
Receive To-The-Minute Show Updates
Enabling push notifications on the app will keep you informed in the moment. Many shows will send notifications about different events happening in the show, performances, and announcements from show management.
Easy Access to Show Specials
Many exhibitors offer exclusive deals and discounts on the trade show floor. It can be hard to keep track of them all and make sure you are not missing out on any promotions. Trade show apps keep them all in one place, so you can be sure you’re getting the best pricing on all the items you need.
Bookmark Educational Seminars
Lots of trade shows bring in different experts to offer advice and coaching on different topics from social media marketing, merchandising tips, consumer insights, and more. Bookmark or favorite your must-see speakers and sessions on the app to make sure you don’t miss out on any insights.
Be Social
Trade shows usually have a designated hashtag for Twitter and Instagram so attendees can share their experience and trade show finds. This can be a powerful tool for attendees looking to scope new and trending products. Seeing what other people are excited about can help give you an idea of what might sell well at your booth. Show apps usually link directly to all the different social platforms, so you don’t always need to create or use your own account to see what’s being posted.
Contact Vendors Directly
Most importantly, utilizing the show app keeps the exhibitor directory right in your pocket. You can easily look up their booth number and even their contact information so you can always find them, before, during, and after the show. It’s easy to lose track of paper business cards, and exhibitors can be hard to track down, especially if they don’t have a website. Luckily, show management has every exhibitor’s contact info and makes it readily available for show attendees.
Trade shows are critical buying and networking opportunities for market vendors. Make the most of your time at the event by utilizing trade show apps to keep you connected, informed, and on time.