Archive for April, 2010

CEO Roundtable Event

Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

Joe Connolly and Roberta Cohen at the CEO Roundtable Event

Last week, I went to the CEO Roundtable Networking Event in Stamford. Peter Shankman, the maverick founder of Help A Reporter Out, was the speaker. He talks as if he’s had a few hits of Red Bull but he is definitely on the leading edge of what’s happening with social media marketing. He introduced us to a cool new item called a Pokem which is a cute little device that you can put on your keychain. You load up all of your contact information and when you meet someone else who has one, then you just touch them to each other and you get an immediate exchange of information — no more key strokes in your database!

Joe Connolly, the Wall Street Journal reporter, who is on NewsRadio 880 was at the event as well and here is my photo with him.

Go Fish

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

I started Vector Expo Group in 2009 because I wanted to help trade show exhibitors capture more return on their investment. My friends and colleagues asked the question: Why the fishbowl? Because at a trade show you come back with lots of leads and I want to help you find the leads that maximize sales and make a difference for your business. I have a passion for helping you find the big fish.

I have been attending trade shows for over 15 years and have observed a lot of fabulous efforts and even more of what I called “science projects.” In a few seconds, it’s easy to see who is investing in their brands and messaging and who is not. Just like a great website, your trade show booth can position your company as a “player” in your industry – regardless of whether your company is well-established or has been in business for years. Your exhibit and the marketing you use to support it provide an opportunity to position your company for increased sales volume and show how and why your company is the smart choice.

The purpose of my blog is to help you think about your trade show marketing strategy in fresh and innovative ways. Consider this: industry statistics show that up to 75% of trade show attendees already know where they are going before they get to the show and yet 85% of exhibitors do not do any pre-show promotions. This represents a big opportunity for you to blow the doors off of your competitors. Spring is in the air, the crocuses are blooming and there is no time like the present to set your line and start fishing for “the big ones!”