Exhibitor Best Practices Guide February Sheraton Puerto Rico

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1 Exhibitor Best Practices Guide February Sheraton Puerto Rico

2 Why This Guide? Our expo is considered the best showcase of vendor organizations in the industry. We love our exhibitors and the value they bring to the Industry Conference. To improve your experience, we ve done a deep dive over the past year, assessing what engages with our attendees most and analyzing how and when attendees flow in and out of the expo, as well as increasing the expo-centered events for attendees. We hope this guide gives you insights to improve your 2019 Running USA Industry Conference experience for both your organization and the attendees!

3 Snapshot - Running USA Industry Conference 7% 5% 9% 66% of conference registrants are returning attendees 9% 11% 59% Event Management Technology Manufacturer Charity Media Other

4 2018 Expo By-the-Numbers 92% of conference attendees visited the expo in 2018 Expo Day % Total of Attendees Day 1 76% Day 2 92% Day 3 69%

5 How Running USA Helps Exhibitors Expo Stage Our expo stage, including the stage branding and screens, provide a constant rotation of activity, bringing attendees in various times throughout each day. Innovation Showcase A select few vendors have the chance to connect with attendees on the expo stage with a 15 minute demo - take advantage of the session or simply prepare yourself for the rush of attendees in the expo during this time. Advanced Marketing Opportunities* Exhibitors receive the registered attendee list prior to conference. Be thoughtful in your outreach to the attendees you want to connect with and be personal in your connections. Opening Reception The first day of conference, attendees are looking to connect with not only old friends, but also make new ones. The Opening Reception is social time for exhibitors to reach attendees. *Premium levels and above Expo Happy Hour Who doesn t love a good Happy Hour? Mingle with attendees at the end of the second day. You ll have your booth, which will undoubtedly get action during this time, but feel free to walk the expo, too. Break Time While the conference schedule is loaded with sessions, which we encourage exhibitors to attend, breaks in between sessions are perfect times to drive traffic to your booth.

6 Exhibitor Best Practices Connect with Purpose Present in a Remarkable Way A table with a bunch of products spread across it doesn t cut it. Attendees need a reason to stop by a booth and it s vital to have a booth that allows you to stand out. Let Running USA connect with you with the hotel for fun ideas like a popcorn machine or a barista in your booth. Creative a Festive Environment While music, slides, stage presentations and our other expo experiences will create its own festive feel, bringing energy and flair to your booth and your interactions with attendees is a vital key to success. Gameify Your Booth Many of the most active booths we ve seen over the past few years have offered games or contests to attendees, creating an upbeat atmosphere and a way to connect over multiple days. Add to the Conversation Add your own photos, session quotes and event experiences on social, showing you re more than just an exhibitor. Set up your profile in the conference app, which is another way to engage attendees. Give, Give, Give There is nothing worse as an attendee than to walk around the expo feeling like you are constantly being sold to. Whether it s information, swag or something else, giving to attendees is a way to earn their trust and attention. Carry Your Connections On Did you give attendees a reason to connect with you after the conference? Make a list of those you had good experiences with and then create a value piece you can follow up with afterward.