Most event metrics, including overall registration numbers, have been on the upswing in this new post-pandemic normal. The long-term outlook for exhibitors, however, may not be as rosy. Because of pandemic-era deferments, exhibitors are just now reaching the end of previously invested show funds, and many are taking a fresh look at the return on investment traditional events have historically delivered before recommitting. The following are our thoughts on this sea change and what to do about it.
Why is this a turning point for exhibitors?
The pandemic led some exhibitors to the conclusion that they didn’t need events to advance their objectives. Some found success generating leads and exposure through smaller, proprietary events or online. Others realized the critical role that events play in their marketing mix and just how dependent on them they are for cost-effectively gaining widespread exposure for their brands, launching new products, meeting with international buyers, etc.
During this time, many companies moved the function of “events” from the sales department to the digital department, which rolls up to marketing. Freeman research has uncovered the fact that post-pandemic, events have stayed under marketing — and marketing is more influenced by data and facts than the less quantifiable reasoning that was once used to justify a booth (e.g., “What will the industry think if we’re not there?” or “What if our competitors are there talking to our customers?”). This actually signals more of a turning point for event marketers — it’s time to tell our stories differently to ensure we are making a compelling, data-driven case to exhibit.
Why is now a good time for exhibitors to invest in live events?
There’s a massive shift happening in the workforce as the baby boomers retire and millennials, many of whom are now in their 40s, are filling more and more management positions. Events provide an unprecedented opportunity for exhibitors to fill their sales pipeline with next-gen customers. What’s more, recent Freeman data shows that 71% of the younger generation trust a brand more following their interaction at a live event.
What do exhibitors want from events that they currently aren’t getting?
Freeman data shows a widening gap between exhibitors’ expectations and satisfaction levels as it relates to meeting new customers, lead acquisition and generating more awareness for their brand or product. It’s imperative that event organizers work more closely with customers to facilitate deeper connections and create opportunities that allow them to further their objectives. To do this, we’re going to have to think beyond the traditional model and learn to say “yes” more often than we say, “That’s not how it’s done at a trade show.”
What are some key message points events marketers should be using to convince exhibitors?
We don’t do a good enough job of positioning our attendees as the product we’re selling to our exhibitors. We need to better communicate who is coming in order to help exhibitors plan their presence accordingly. As an example, one event mdg marketed rotated into Florida for the first time several years ago, but event organizers failed to educate the exhibitors about everything that was being done to attract the Latin American market that we anticipated attending based on geographic proximity. Exhibitors were both thrilled to get exposure with so many prospective Central and South American customers who hadn’t previously attended the event and disappointed that they didn’t have enough Spanish speakers and international sales staff in their booths. For another event, attendee research revealed a major benefit of the event was getting beyond the salespeople in the booths to the engineering staff who could answer tough, highly technical questions. This is the kind of information that exhibitors deserve to know to increase the likelihood of having a great show.
Looking Forward
To close the gap between expectations and reality for exhibitors and sponsors, we need to reframe our return on investment into a return on objective. The short-term calculation of ROI can’t account for the long-term relationships companies need to nurture as they fight to retain customers and pursue new leads. Now is the time to align our exhibitors’ objectives with our attendees’ needs and adapt to a changing world!
A version of this article originally appeared in PCMA Convene.
