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		<title>Top 10 Travel Trade Shows for Tour Operators, Hotels &#038; Destinations</title>
		<link>https://topropemedia.com/blog/2024/10/02/travel-trade-shows/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Meredith]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:27:45 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adventure travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best tradeshows]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[booth activation]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[event marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hospitality events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[industry events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[industry tradeshows]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[outdoor industry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[outdoor organizations]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[tourism tradeshows]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Top 10 Travel Trade Shows for Tour Operators, Hotels, and Destinations &#160; As adventure travelers and experienced marketers, we know you have many options to advertise your tours and travel packages.  Whether you&#8217;re selling luxury tours or ski packages at stellar mountainside resorts, you have to choose where and how to market your offerings to [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2024/10/02/travel-trade-shows/">Top 10 Travel Trade Shows for Tour Operators, Hotels &#038; Destinations</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://topropemedia.com">Top Rope Media</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Top 10 Travel Trade Shows for Tour Operators, Hotels, and Destinations</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As adventure travelers and experienced marketers, we know you have many options to advertise your tours and travel packages.  Whether you&#8217;re selling luxury tours or ski packages at stellar mountainside resorts, you have to choose where and how to market your offerings to attract new customers.  You&#8217;ll also need to connect with media partners and travel booking sites like Expedia, Viator, and Booking.com who can help you generate more buzz!</p>
<p>Besides the usual marketing tactics of running ads, dropping email campaigns, and posting on social media, <strong>one of the best ways to connect with B2B businesses in the travel and tourism industry is to attend travel trade shows!  </strong>In this blog, we share why you should attend these shows, how to make the most of your time at the show, and the Top 10 Travel Trade shows worldwide!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Why Go to a Tourism or Travel Trade Show?</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>At a tourism or travel trade show, you can:</p>
<ul>
<li>Build partnerships with hotels and rental properties</li>
<li>Develop relationships with booking engines like Viator, Expedia, Airbnb, and Booking.com</li>
<li>Connect with travel agents and tour guides</li>
<li>Build media connections with bloggers, influencers, and journalists at industry publications</li>
<li>Learn how to generate reviews on sites like Trip Advisor and Google</li>
<li><a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2024/04/29/wrexham-tickets-guide/">Apply to speak as an industry leader and expert in your field!</a></li>
<li>Stay ahead of industry trends</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Best Destinations for Travel Trade Shows + Events</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We recommend searching for travel trade shows that are held in exciting destinations or exotic locations.  Skip the Las Vegas show and opt for Nassau in the Bahamas or the jungles of Panama.  More on who&#8217;s hosting events in these locations in a bit!</p>
<p>However, one downside to all this is that<strong> travel trade shows can gobble up a large portion of your marketing budget!</strong>  Therefore, with so many shows out there how do you choose which ones are best for you as a tour operator, travel agent, hotel, destination, or luxury cruise line?</p>
<p>Well, we&#8217;ve made it easier for you to choose by including our Top 10 List of Trade Shows for the travel and tourism industry!  We&#8217;ve included the best <strong>B2B trade shows, along with those that draw a strong consumer base. </strong> Keep in mind, there are dozens of other specialty shows out there, and we’ll be updating this list every year!</p>
<p>Finally, we have included lots of tips for how to make the most of your time at a travel trade show.  So, what are you waiting for?  Let&#8217;s go!</p>
<h4></h4>
<div id="attachment_10901" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10901" class="wp-image-10901 size-large" src="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/wrexham-country-road-wales-1024x576.jpg" alt="wrexham wales travel trade show" width="1024" height="576" srcset="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/wrexham-country-road-wales-980x552.jpg 980w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/wrexham-country-road-wales-480x270.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-10901" class="wp-caption-text">What are the top destinations people want to travel to this year? Are they searching for hiking or biking along winding country roads, or is it the big city life they crave?</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Top 10 Best Travel Trade Shows Worldwide</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>1. World Travel Market (WTM) London</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Audience:</strong> B2B<br />
<strong>Location:</strong> London, plus Africa, Asia, and Latin America<br />
<strong>Dates:</strong> Annual in November, plus 3-4 events throughout the year in other world markets</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>One of the largest travel industry events in the world, <strong><a href="https://www.wtm.com/london/en-gb.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WTM London</a> attracts over 50,000 professionals from across the globe!</strong>  <a href="https://www.wtm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The World Travel Market shows</a> offer a vast platform for networking with buyers, suppliers, and media.  WTM London is perfect for tour operators and travel guides looking to expand their global reach.  In addition, with smaller WTM events in places like South Africa and Latin America, you can choose a smaller, more destination-specific show. Furthermore, adventure travel has a growing presence at the World Travel Market shows, with many exhibitors and sessions dedicated to the segment.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Why attend World Travel Market London?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Access to thousands of potential B2B partners</li>
<li>A truly global scale with participants from over 180 countries</li>
<li>Valuable insights into industry trends and market innovations</li>
<li>It&#8217;s London- the accents, the pubs, the charming countryside!</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>2. Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS)</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Audience:</strong> B2B<br />
<strong>Location:</strong> Varies (Global)<br />
<strong>Dates:</strong> Annually in October</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The <a href="https://events.adventuretravel.biz/summit/panama-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adventure Travel World Summit</a> is a premier trade show for adventure travel operators, tour guides, and travel professionals organized by the <a href="https://www.adventuretravel.biz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)</a>.  It attracts over 1,000 delegates from around the world, including tour operators, media, and destination representatives.  The Adventure Travel World Summit offers similar opportunities to other travel &amp; hospitality trade shows where you can network, attend educational sessions, and showcase your brand.</p>
<p>In addition, <strong>one of the best parts of the Adventure Travel World Summit is that you can participate in adventure excursions before the show to experience all the destination has to offer!</strong>   As an example, this year&#8217;s 2024 Adventure Travel World Summit was held in Panama- perfect for those who want to make new connections in Central and South America, discover the rainforest, learn about the history of the Panama Canal, and perhaps splurge on a luxury resort stay over the crystal blue waters at Bocas del Toro after the show!</p>
<p>Furthermore, <strong>ATTA also hosts smaller, more intimate events such as Adventure Elevate, Adventure Next, and Adventure Connect.</strong>  These cost less to attend and are destination-focused events as opposed to a standard travel trade show.  Here you will find educational sessions, workshops, and one-on-one meetings that make it perfect for smaller operators looking to gain valuable insights and form strategic partnerships.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Why attend the Adventure Travel World Summit?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Focused on B2B connections in a particular destination</li>
<li>Access to top travel journalists and influencers</li>
<li>Opportunity to learn about emerging trends in adventure travel</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h1>3. ITB Berlin</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Audience:</strong> B2B and B2C<br />
<strong>Location:</strong> Berlin, Germany<br />
<strong>Dates:</strong> Annually in March</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.itb.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ITB Berlin</a> is one of the largest and most prestigious travel trade shows, with over 10,000 exhibitors and 160,000 attendees!  <strong>While primarily a B2B event, ITB Berlin also opens its doors to consumers for a portion of the show</strong>, offering a unique chance for adventure travel tour operators to engage with industry professionals and directly with potential customers.  As one of the few shows that has stood the test of time, they&#8217;ll be celebrating their 60th Anniversary in 2026, ITB Berlin is a must-attend for those wanting to make inroads into the EU travel market.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Why attend ITB Berlin?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Comprehensive B2B and B2C event</li>
<li>High-profile global audience and luxury brands</li>
<li>Adventure tourism has a dedicated section</li>
</ul>
<h4></h4>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1346 size-large" src="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CentralParkNYC-1024x576.jpg" alt="new york travel trade show" width="1024" height="576" srcset="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CentralParkNYC-980x551.jpg 980w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CentralParkNYC-480x270.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw" /></p>
<h2></h2>
<h2>4. The New York Travel &amp; Adventure Show</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Audience:</strong> B2B and B2C<br />
<strong>Location:</strong> Jacob Javits Center, New York, NY<br />
<strong>Dates:</strong> January</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Frank Sinatra once said, &#8216;If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere.&#8221;  In a city with over 19 million people, of which I was once one, it&#8217;s a tough place to stand out in the crowd.  If you want some history of how I got my start in the Big Apple, read my blog- <a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2022/05/02/starting-fresh/">Starting a Business: From Side Hustle to Full Time.</a></p>
<p>However, not everyone makes it in New York.  There was a New York Times Travel Show, however, after 18 years, they pulled the plug.  In addition, the New York International Travel Show also did not host a show in 2024, and 2025 also looks unlikely.</p>
<p>The good news though, several other trade shows catering to the decerning New York traveler have filled their comfy loafers.  Our favorite trade show for travel, which is also consumer-facing, is the <a href="https://travelshows.com/shows/new-york/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York Travel and Adventure Show</a>.  With over 35,000 attendees, including both travel enthusiasts and industry professionals, it’s a great platform for adventure travel tour operators to showcase their offerings, especially for the North American market.  <strong>The New York Travel and Adventure Show is ideal for connecting with couples, families, and solo travelers seeking their next adventure.  Toss in the chance to meet Rick Steves and other travel celebrities and we&#8217;re all in!  </strong></p>
<p>The Travel &amp; Adventure Show Series hosts similar events in other major U.S. markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, the Bay Area, and Washington, D.C.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Why attend the Travel &amp; Adventure Show Series?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>It&#8217;s New York, one of the largest markets for travel sales</li>
<li>Strong focus on adventure and experiential travel</li>
<li>Direct access to consumers across multiple key U.S. cities</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>5. U.S. Travel&#8217;s IPW</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Audience:</strong> B2B<br />
<strong>Location:</strong> U.S. destinations<br />
<strong>Dates:</strong> June</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As the leading inbound travel trade show, <a href="https://www.ipw.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">U.S. Travel&#8217;s IPW</a> connects America&#8217;s travel industry with international and domestic travel buyers and media outlets.  At the show, travel organizations, airlines, hotels, attractions, convention centers, and visitor&#8217;s bureaus from across the country showcase the best in the U.S.  <strong>This show is appointment-based and a great place to schedule lots of one-on-one meetings with international travel agents, travel buyers, and journalists.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Why attend U.S. Travel&#8217;s IPW?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Unique networking opportunities and more one-on-one meetings</li>
<li>If your business is based in the U.S., this is the place to be!</li>
<li>Position yourself as an expert or thought leader for U.S.-based travel</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_10074" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10074" class="wp-image-10074 size-large" src="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_7906-1024x683.jpg" alt="speaking at outdoor industry events and trade shows" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_7906-980x653.jpg 980w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_7906-480x320.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-10074" class="wp-caption-text">Can you apply to be a speaker at the next conference or travel tradeshow you plan to attend?</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>7. Fitur (International Tourism Trade Fair)</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Audience:</strong> B2B and B2C<br />
<strong>Location:</strong> Madrid, Spain<br />
<strong>Dates:</strong> January</p>
<p><a href="https://www.ifema.es/en/fitur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fitur</a> is one of the largest travel trade shows in the world, particularly strong in European and Latin American markets.  Organized by the IFEMA Madrid, this trade show for travel-focused brands starts with B2B days, followed by B2C access, making it a comprehensive show for adventure travel tour operators looking to tap into diverse markets.  <strong>The family adventure travel sector is particularly well-represented here.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Why attend the Fitur Trade Show?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Strong presence in European and Latin American markets</li>
<li>The B2B + B2C format allows you to reach travel buyers, media, and potential customers</li>
<li>Extensive media coverage</li>
</ul>
<h4></h4>
<h2>8. Outdoor Retailer</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Audience:</strong> B2B<br />
<strong>Location:</strong> Salt Lake City, Utah<br />
<strong>Dates:</strong> January and June</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>While primarily focused on outdoor gear and apparel, <a href="https://outdoorretailer.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Outdoor Retailer</a> or the OR Show also attracts a significant number of adventure travel companies.  The show offers an excellent platform for operators looking to connect with equipment suppliers, outdoor brands, and retailers who are influential in shaping trends for adventure travel products and experiences.  <strong>For more trade shows focused on the outdoor recreation industry, whether your sport is fishing, swimming, biking, or ice climbing, read our <a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2026/01/06/best-tradeshows-outdoor-industry/">Best Tradeshows for the Outdoor Industry blog!</a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Why attend Outdoor Retailer?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>A chance to build partnerships with big-name outdoor brands</li>
<li>Great networking events and education sessions</li>
<li>Good access to U.S. outdoor industry media</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_688" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-688" class="wp-image-688 size-full" src="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/KeenBoothOutdoorRetailer.jpeg" alt="event corporate sponsorship outdoor retailer trade show" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/KeenBoothOutdoorRetailer.jpeg 1000w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/KeenBoothOutdoorRetailer-980x735.jpeg 980w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/KeenBoothOutdoorRetailer-480x360.jpeg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-688" class="wp-caption-text">Pro Tip: Set up meetings in advance. Otherwise, the ‘gatekeepers’ staffing the entrance to most booths at Outdoor Retailer may not seem as friendly.</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>9. The International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM)</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Audience:</strong> B2B<br />
<strong>Location:</strong> High-end destinations like Cannes and the Bahamas<br />
<strong>Dates:</strong> Various</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Luxury brands, bespoke travel advisors, and grand destinations shine at the<a href="https://www.iltm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> International Luxury Travel Market shows.</a>  <strong>These trade shows for the travel industry are perfect for high-end brands, cruises, and tour packages that cater to upscale clientele. </strong> If you offer exclusive packages for the sophisticated traveler, you belong here.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Why attend the International Luxury Travel Market?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Connect with media publications like AFAR and Travel + Leisure</li>
<li>Great for positioning your brand in the luxury category</li>
<li>Opportunities to reach top-end travel agents and advisors</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>10. Arival 360 and Arival Activate</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Audience:</strong> B2B<br />
<strong>Location:</strong> Varies<br />
<strong>Dates:</strong> Varies</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The <a href="https://arival.travel/all-events-dashboard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arival 360 and Arival Activate Conferences</a> are B2B trade shows for travel that aim to create better in-destination experiences.  Held recently in destinations like San Diego, Seville, Edinburgh, and Valencia, <strong>Arival shows aim to support local tour companies, hotel chains, convention and visitor&#8217;s bureaus, and attractions.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Why attend Arival 360 or Arival Activate?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Excellent for networking in a particular destination</li>
<li>Dive deep during their Elevate and Explore sessions</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_10098" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10098" class="wp-image-10098 size-full" src="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/outdoor-retailer-alex-honnold.jpg" alt="Book signing alex honnold tommy caldwell Outdoor retailer trade show" width="1024" height="981" srcset="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/outdoor-retailer-alex-honnold.jpg 1024w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/outdoor-retailer-alex-honnold-980x939.jpg 980w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/outdoor-retailer-alex-honnold-480x460.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-10098" class="wp-caption-text">Now that you&#8217;ve committed to attending or exhibiting at a tradeshow, how will you draw people into your booth? How about hosting a book signing with an industry celebrity? Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell signed my books back in the day at the La Sportiva booth at Outdoor Retailer!</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Defining Your Travel Trade Show Marketing Strategy</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="">Still not sure which shows to attend, how much to budget, who to send, and what your return on investment could be?  Well, you are not alone.  Here are some things to think about:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>1. What are your tradeshow costs?</h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>First, add up your costs for the tradeshows you&#8217;ve selected to attend this year:</p>
<ul>
<li>Flights, accommodations, transportation (for you, your team, and your booth if exhibiting)</li>
<li>Food and beverages, hosting client dinners</li>
<li>Exhibitor booth space plus booth design if you do not have a booth already</li>
</ul>
<h4></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>2. What audience does the travel trade show serve?</h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Is the travel trade show or event you’re considering consumer-facing or B2B?  Will your booth be visited directly by consumers and travelers?  Or will this be a chance to meet with travel buyers, and get your offerings featured with new agents or media outlets?</p>
<h4></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>3. Can you schedule meetings at the trade show?</h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As you will be investing quite a lot of time and money to attend one of these travel industry tradeshows, can you set up meetings ahead of the show and plan out each day?</p>
<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Many tradeshows now have apps or an exhibitor/vendor portal where you can schedule or request meetings, and connect with media or travel buyers before you arrive!  In addition, <strong>many of the tradeshow apps let you schedule and promote a happy hour, meet &amp; greet, or giveaway at your booth!</strong></p>
<h4></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>4. What is your expected ROI for each event?</h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Attending one of the bigger travel trade shows can eat up a good portion of your marketing budget.  Therefore, make sure you have goals set for what you expect to get out of each event:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sell tour packages</li>
<li>Get a media outlet to feature your destination or offerings</li>
<li>Collect email addresses from travel buyers</li>
<li>Connect with travel agents and advisors who will sell your offerings</li>
</ul>
<h3></h3>
<div id="attachment_10100" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10100" class="size-large wp-image-10100" src="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0189-scaled-e1696273031636-1024x908.jpg" alt="outdoor events and tradeshows" width="1024" height="908" srcset="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0189-scaled-e1696273031636-1024x908.jpg 1024w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0189-scaled-e1696273031636-300x266.jpg 300w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0189-scaled-e1696273031636-768x681.jpg 768w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0189-scaled-e1696273031636-1536x1362.jpg 1536w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0189-scaled-e1696273031636-1080x957.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><p id="caption-attachment-10100" class="wp-caption-text">For big tradeshows, do you have team members not only to staff your booth but also to walk the tradeshow floor?</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>5. Can you craft an engaging event activation at your booth?</h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Creating a memorable opportunity to engage with potential buyers and journalists, and create user-generated content at the show is a no-brainer.  However, more often than not, it is left until the last minute!  Instead, plan ahead and launch a giveaway.  Host a competition at your booth to generate buzz.  Use social media to advertise it.  <strong>And remember to have a way to collect those email addresses!</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here are a few other ideas we’ve used:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Bring a big wheel that people can spin to win</strong> your products or fun items with your logo on them.</li>
<li><strong>Host a booth happy hour</strong>, or a happy hour near the convention center if you’re not exhibiting.</li>
<li><strong>Create a daily booth giveaway,</strong> winners must be in attendance!</li>
<li><strong>Set up a photo booth</strong>, complete with fun hats, glasses, and wigs themed to match your brand!</li>
<li><strong>Create a video testimonial booth</strong> where people can talk about why they are excited about your destination or offerings!</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Pro tip:</strong> You can easily set up a photo or video booth using a tripod with an iPad, or even a phone and a nice backdrop.  In order to seamlessly collect emails, and have guests share their photos on social, use a photo booth app like <a href="https://dslrbooth.com/lumabooth-photo-booth-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LumaBooth</a>, <a href="https://www.simplebooth.com/products/halo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simple Booth Halo</a>, or <a href="https://outsnapped.com/trade-show-photo-booths/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unsnapped.</a></p>
<p>Check out the <a href="https://www.tasco-mtb.com/blogs/all/tasco-tribe-takeover-at-the-sea-otter-classic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">event activation we helped create for TASCO MTB at the Sea Otter Classic!</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Final Thoughts on Trade Shows for Travel Industry Brands and Tour Operators</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As one of the top B2B marketing tools, you want to carefully select the best travel trade shows for your brand.  <strong>Don&#8217;t forget the last step in this process is to ensure you have a follow-up plan.</strong>  Meaning, how will you follow up with those you met at the show?  In addition, will the staff who attended present their discoveries to the rest of your team?  Lastly, don’t forget to bring home some fun swag for those who kept the shop running while you were gone!</p>
<p>So whether you&#8217;re looking to connect with industry peers, form new partnerships, generate media buzz, or market directly to adventure travelers, these tradeshows and events provide the perfect platform.  From global B2B events like WTM and ITB Berlin to consumer-focused shows like the Travel &amp; Adventure Show, there&#8217;s something for everyone!</p>
<p>Want more tips for attending trade shows and events?  Here are some of our best blogs:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2023/09/29/industry-events-tradeshows/">Industry Events and Tradeshows: Successful Marketing Strategies</a></li>
<li><a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2026/01/06/best-tradeshows-outdoor-industry/">Best Tradeshows for the Outdoor Industry </a></li>
<li><a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2018/12/11/how-to-find-the-right-brand-ambassadors-and-influencers-for-your-brand/">How to Find the Best Brand Ambassadors and Content Creators for Your Brand</a></li>
<li><a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2024/03/18/travel-marketing/">Travel Marketing: 5 Tips to Book Your Vacation Packages, Cruises and Tours</a></li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Until next time, happy traveling!</p>
<p>Meredith McConvill, Top Rope Media</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2024/10/02/travel-trade-shows/">Top 10 Travel Trade Shows for Tour Operators, Hotels &#038; Destinations</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://topropemedia.com">Top Rope Media</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Industry Events and Tradeshows:  Successful Marketing Strategies</title>
		<link>https://topropemedia.com/blog/2023/09/29/industry-events-tradeshows/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Meredith]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Sep 2023 15:20:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Digital Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adventure travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[b2b marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[b2b marketing strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[b2b vs. b2c]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best cycling events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best events to attend]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best tradeshows]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bike events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bike tradeshows]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[CES show]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CES Vegas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean tech tradeshow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[corporate sponsorship]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[event]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[industry events]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Why Attend Industry Events and Tradeshows &#160; Are you searching for ways to get your products or services seen by more people?  Do you want to be seen as a leader in your industry?  If so, then attending industry events or tradeshows is a great tactic to add to your marketing strategy!  In this blog, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2023/09/29/industry-events-tradeshows/">Industry Events and Tradeshows:  Successful Marketing Strategies</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://topropemedia.com">Top Rope Media</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2></h2>
<h2>Why Attend Industry Events and Tradeshows</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Are you searching for ways to get your products or services seen by more people?  Do you want to be seen as a leader in your industry?  If so, then attending industry events or tradeshows is a great tactic to add to your marketing strategy!  In this blog, we&#8217;ve outlined the top five reasons to not only be at industry events and tradeshows but also how to get the most engagement and generate leads!</p>
<p>In addition, <strong>this blog has tips for B2B and B2C brands in the outdoor industry, however, the tips could also be applied to clean tech, renewables, automotive, you name it!</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Finding Success at Tradeshows When You&#8217;re a Small Brand or Startup</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>While you probably already know about the big B2B industry shows like <a href="https://www.ces.tech/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CES,</a> <a href="https://www.outdoorretailer.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Outdoor Retailer</a>, <a href="https://eurobike.com/frankfurt/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EuroBike</a>, and <a href="https://www.semashow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SEMA</a> there are dozens more!  These events are a great place to network, however, <strong>if you&#8217;re a small startup brand, the steep exhibitor fees could be a major deterrent.</strong></p>
<p>Well, we can help!  At Top Rope Media we attend dozens of industry events, tradeshows, conferences, and festivals each year.  Some for B2B clients, B2C clients, and others because it&#8217;s a great networking opportunity, or it&#8217;s just fun!  And <strong>as a small business seeking B2B clients, we have to be smart when it comes to planning our conference schedule, event activations, and follow-up.</strong> So, let&#8217;s get started with <strong>real marketing strategies</strong> you can begin using at your next tradeshow!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_10090" style="width: 819px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10090" class="wp-image-10090 size-full" src="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_3202-e1696030456519.jpg" alt="outdoor industry events" width="809" height="482" srcset="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_3202-e1696030456519.jpg 809w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_3202-e1696030456519-480x270.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 809px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-10090" class="wp-caption-text">When setting up your booth or table at a tradeshow, what do you have to draw people in? Freebies with your logos on them like this table at Connect&#8217;s Innovation Day are great, but do you have an interactive booth? Is it staffed by someone engaging? Read below for more ideas on event activations!</p></div>
<h3></h3>
<h2>Successful Marketing Strategies for Industry Events and Tradeshows</h2>
<h3></h3>
<p>Here are our tried and true marketing strategies for industry events and tradeshows.  Not all will be applicable to your product or service, but we&#8217;ve packed this with lots of different ideas.  Find a few and test them out at your next tradeshow booth!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>1. Use the Tradeshow App</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Before we get too far in, keep in mind that <strong>many tradeshows and industry events now have apps or an exhibitor/vendor portal you can access.  </strong>These are often free to download to your phone, and easy to use. Common tradeshow apps like Whova, or an official app created for your particular show may allow for the following:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Scheduling or requesting meetings</li>
<li>Connecting with brands or buyers before you arrive</li>
<li>Access to vendor/exhibitor list</li>
<li>Scheduling a happy hour, demo, or talk at your booth</li>
<li>Promoting your giveaways or meet n&#8217; greets</li>
<li>Syncing with social media to allow for easy posting</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_10177" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10177" class="size-large wp-image-10177" src="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_5329-1024x768.jpg" alt="Cleantech industry events and tradeshows" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_5329-980x735.jpg 980w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_5329-480x360.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-10177" class="wp-caption-text">At Connect San Diego&#8217;s Innovation Day, we had the chance to speak with some amazing people whom we would never have met if we were stuck in a booth all day!</p></div>
<h3></h3>
<h3>2. Shake Hands and Kiss Babies</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>While often a trademark statement saved for politicians, &#8216;shaking hands and kissing babies&#8217; is how to garner not only more attention for your brand but also to be seen as a leader in your field.  When I show up at an outdoor event or tradeshow, I’m not there to drop business cards in a fishbowl, grab a free beer, and roll out.  <strong>I go to learn about new products, make connections, practice my pitch, and find new clients.  Oh and check up on my competition!</strong></p>
<p>As a small business owner seeking B2B clients, my marketing budget is tiny!  I need to be careful about which outdoor industry events and tradeshows I attend.  Going to shows like Outdoor Retailer is a huge chunk of change.  As a small startup, you may have the same challenges.  Therefore, for your next tradeshow, try the following:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Set up meetings ahead of the show-</strong> use that tradeshow app!</li>
<li><strong>Make connections with potential customers </strong>and remember to follow up right after the show</li>
<li><strong>Spend time walking the tradeshow floor </strong>and speaking with potential customers</li>
<li><strong>Practice your pitch!</strong> Tradeshows are a great place to try out different ways of describing what problem your product or service solves</li>
<li><strong>Bring a team member </strong>or several to help you staff the booth</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Bringing a few team members to your next tradeshow could be a great way to better connect with your team, give them the opportunity to pitch your product, or just create more brand awareness at the show!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_10100-2" style="width: 1930px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10100-2" class="wp-image-10100 size-full" src="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0189-scaled-e1696273031636.jpg" alt="outdoor events and tradeshows" width="1920" height="1702" /><p id="caption-attachment-10100-2" class="wp-caption-text">For big tradeshows, do you have team members not only to staff your booth but also to walk the tradeshow floor and interact with other brands? When we attended Interbike for Zoca, an apparel brand, we had a team of people in the booth, wearing their apparel, walking the tradeshow floor, handing out freebies, and inviting people to visit the Zoca booth! And we got to hang with cycling celebs like Ted King!</p></div>
<h3></h3>
<h3>3.  Create Engaging Brand or Event Activations at Tradeshows</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>While you might love the buzz of the tradeshow floor, <strong>exhibiting at an outdoor industry event or tradeshow should involve more than simply standing at a table with a logoed tablecloth.</strong>  Instead, create a fun, memorable opportunity to engage with potential customers.  We call this a <strong>brand activation</strong> or <strong>event activation.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Sadly, we see both B2B and B2C clients leave the event activation for the last minute.  Instead, plan ahead!  <strong>First, make sure your branding is dialed in, your website is ready for visitors, and you can capture leads.</strong>  Not sure what we mean by this?  Read our last blog, <a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2020/03/21/how-to-use-your-website-to-generate-better-leads/">How to Use Your Website to Generate Leads</a> now!</p>
<p>Once you&#8217;re ready with your branding and website, move on to brainstorming fun ideas you could try at your booth.  <strong>Remember to generate buzz on social media before, during, and after the show.</strong>  And encourage user-generated content from attendees!  Below are some of our favorite event activations that you could try at your next event.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Brand Activations or Event Activations Ideas:</h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>A big wheel that people can spin to win</strong> your products or fun, branded items</li>
<li><strong>A game or guess the (fill in the blank) </strong>to win a discount on products or services</li>
<li><strong>Create a daily booth giveaway,</strong> winners must be in attendance!</li>
<li><strong>Set up a photo booth or video testimonial booth</strong>, complete with fun hats, glasses, and wigs themed to match your brand!</li>
<li><strong>Set up a free charging station</strong>&#8230;you know everyone&#8217;s phones and laptops run out of juice!</li>
<li><strong>Bring in an industry celebrity</strong> and host a Meet n&#8217; Greet or book signing!</li>
<li><strong>Host a product or service demo</strong> a few times a day!</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Remember to use the tradeshow app and social media to advertise your event activation.  <strong>And always have a way to collect those email addresses! </strong> In order to do this, we recommend clients have 1-2 iPads at their booth in stands, or on the table.  On the iPad, have your conference-specific landing page for the show up on the screen.  Then someone can easily enter their email, scan a QR code, or sign up for your next product demo at the show!</p>
<p>In addition, <strong>these iPad stations allow those who are more introverted to interact with your brand without having to start up a conversation.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_10092" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10092" class="wp-image-10092 size-large" src="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_0186-scaled-e1696031430660-1024x823.jpg" alt="photobooth outdoor industry events and tradeshows" width="1024" height="823" srcset="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_0186-scaled-e1696031430660-1024x823.jpg 1024w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_0186-scaled-e1696031430660-300x241.jpg 300w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_0186-scaled-e1696031430660-768x618.jpg 768w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_0186-scaled-e1696031430660-1536x1235.jpg 1536w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_0186-scaled-e1696031430660-1080x869.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><p id="caption-attachment-10092" class="wp-caption-text">You can easily set up a photo or video booth using a tripod with an iPad/phone. Bring a nice backdrop with your logo. Bonus if you can incorporate your products in the photo!  In order to seamlessly collect emails, and have guests share their photos on social, use a photo booth app like <a href="https://dslrbooth.com/lumabooth-photo-booth-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LumaBooth</a>, <a href="https://www.simplebooth.com/products/halo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simple Booth Halo</a>, or <a href="https://outsnapped.com/trade-show-photo-booths/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unsnapped.</a></p></div>
<h3></h3>
<h3>4. Build Community and Bond with Your Team</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>For both B2B and B2C brands, there are many conferences and tradeshows that involve cavernous convention centers.  Or a crappy night&#8217;s sleep in a subpar hotel in less-than-desirable locales.  <strong>So instead of filling your marketing calendar with these lackluster events, find events and tradeshows in locations you actually want to travel to!</strong>  We like to take this one step further and find tradeshows and events that allow us to camp, ride bikes, or ski.  In addition, can you invite some of your team members and make it fun for everyone?</p>
<p><strong>The goal here is to connect with a community of people who share the same passions as you do.</strong>  Maybe it&#8217;s creating more sustainable products or reducing carbon emissions.  Or selling more bikes.  Either way, there are dozens of B2B and B2C tradeshows that allow you to network with business leaders or consumers who share your vision.  In addition, <strong>being in a beautiful location where you can plan some fun activities outside the tradeshow will help you better connect with your team, and your partners, or allow potential clients to learn more about you!</strong></p>
<p>If you haven&#8217;t read our last blog: <a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2026/01/06/best-tradeshows-outdoor-industry/">The Best Tradeshows in the Outdoor Industry</a> bookmark it for later!  And if you are thinking about driving to one of these tradeshows, before you hop in the car, check out <a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2019/02/21/camping-packing-list-essentials-adventure-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our road trip checklist!</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a class="et_pb_button" href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2019/02/21/camping-packing-list-essentials-adventure-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_519" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-519" class="size-full wp-image-519" src="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Sedona-MTB-Festival.jpeg" alt="outdoor industry event" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Sedona-MTB-Festival.jpeg 1000w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Sedona-MTB-Festival-980x735.jpeg 980w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Sedona-MTB-Festival-480x360.jpeg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-519" class="wp-caption-text">With food, beer, live music, and bikes, the stoke is high at the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival in Arizona!  It&#8217;s also not a bad drive from SoCal, and team members were able to fly into Phoenix if need be.  In addition, getting to spend time outdoors at a tradeshow or work event will definitely make the day go by faster!</p></div>
<h2></h2>
<h3>5. Apply to Be a Speaker and Be Seen as a Leader in Your Industry</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>At shows like CES or Outdoor Retailer, you often need to set up meetings in advance to get some face time with a company founder, sales director, or procurement officer.  Forget about trying to walk into Patagonia&#8217;s or Tesla&#8217;s booth to speak with a decision-maker.  Therefore,<strong> in addition to attending and/or having a tradeshow booth, and using the tradeshow app to set up meetings, apply to be a speaker!</strong>  This allows you to reach a greater audience.  And garner some press coverage or user-generated content!</p>
<p>If you haven&#8217;t read our latest blog on <a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2023/10/19/speaking-at-conferences-tradeshows/">Speaking at Conferences: Why You Should Apply to be a Speaker</a>, bookmark it for later!  Remember, if you&#8217;re speaking, make it memorable.  Do not just go up there and pitch your product or service.  Let it be interactive and engaging!</p>
<p><strong>If you do get an opportunity to present, make sure to have someone there to record it and take photos.</strong>  This allows you to share on social media, as a follow-up to attendees, or those who signed up for your email newsletter at your booth!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_10074-2" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10074-2" class="wp-image-10074 size-large" src="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_7906-1024x683.jpg" alt="speaking at outdoor industry events" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_7906-980x653.jpg 980w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_7906-480x320.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-10074-2" class="wp-caption-text">Can you apply to be a speaker at the next conference or tradeshow you plan to attend? If you get the spot, how will you make your talk memorable?  <a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2023/10/19/speaking-at-conferences-tradeshows/">Here are more tips on how and why to present at conferences!</a></p></div>
<h3></h3>
<h3>6. Give Out Free Food, Beer + Puppy Time at Your Next Industry Event</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>One thing we&#8217;ve noticed at tradeshows was the opportunity to sample coffee, beer, pizza, and pet puppies, all while learning about a new product or service.  While these may not always help you generate leads or collect email addresses, they will help you generate brand awareness.  And give you the opportunity to have conversations with lots of people!</p>
<p><strong>Trying to score a beer during happy hour can be challenging, but it can also make your booth the most popular one on the block!</strong>  Therefore, if serving beer or pouring craft cocktails is of interest, check the show regulations first.  Each state or convention center may have different rules about what you can serve and who can serve it.  Often you need to use their bartenders and/or catering services.</p>
<p>However, as it&#8217;s often a big expense to distribute alcohol, we always have a long list of ideas for our B2B and B2C clients to drive traffic to their booth!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_10096" style="width: 618px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10096" class="wp-image-10096 size-full" src="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_3265-e1696032276388.jpg" alt="puppies at outdoor industry tradeshows and events" width="608" height="547" srcset="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_3265-e1696032276388.jpg 608w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_3265-e1696032276388-480x270.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 608px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-10096" class="wp-caption-text">Therapy dogs are not a new thing, but we see these pups pop up at more and more events like here at Connect&#8217;s Innovation Day.  And I bet the number of dogs that get name badges for the OR Show is close to 100!</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Here are a few more low-cost ideas to create a buzz at your tradeshow booth:</h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Hire a barista and set up an espresso machine </strong>for the morning crew.  You know how hard it is to find a decent cup of coffee!</li>
<li><strong>Fill your booth with music</strong>, bring in a guitarist or performer.</li>
<li><strong>Everyone loves puppies! </strong>Check the show regulations and see if there are therapy dogs available nearby.</li>
<li><strong>Puppies are great, </strong>but our favorite booth at Outdoor Retailer was filled with <a href="https://www.uintaalpacas.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uinta Alpacas!</a></li>
<li><strong>Give out free donuts or snacks!</strong>  Tradeshow attendees are always hungry and never have time to go out for lunch!</li>
<li><strong>Host a happy hour</strong> at a bar/restaurant just outside the convention center, especially if you’re not exhibiting!</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Consider the location, the season, and the show attendees, and then create something memorable!  Brainstorm with your team on things that might keep a tradeshow attendee energized and engaged. And in your booth longer.  <strong>A cellphone or laptop charging station is definitely a big winner if you&#8217;re in the cleantech or renewables industry.  What if it&#8217;s a solar or bike-powered charging station?!?</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_10103" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10103" class="size-full wp-image-10103" src="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/alpacas.jpg" alt="alpacas at Paka Booth Outdoor Retailer Tradeshow" width="1024" height="853" srcset="https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/alpacas.jpg 1024w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/alpacas-980x816.jpg 980w, https://topropemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/alpacas-480x400.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw" /><p id="caption-attachment-10103" class="wp-caption-text">Our favorite booth at a recent Outdoor Retailer was Paka, a clothing brand that makes soft goods out of alpaca wool. And of course, having 2 alpacas and their handlers on loan from <a href="https://www.uintaalpacas.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uinta Alpacas</a> in Willard, UT kept the booth busy all day long!</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Final Thoughts on Attending Industry Events and Tradeshows</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>People may not remember what you said at the tradeshow when they met you, but instead how you made them feel.</strong>  Well, when I&#8217;m happily fed, with a good beer in hand and some music, or petting your therapy dogs, I&#8217;m feeling pretty good.  And I&#8217;m more likely to remember your brand and give you my email address.  And open your email when it appears in my inbox next week! <strong>(Hint: Don&#8217;t forget about the follow-up!!)</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>To learn more about what we do on the regular, follow Top Rope Media&#8217;s adventures on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/top_rope_media/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://facebook.com/TopRopeMediaSD" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/TopRopeMediaSD" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter</a>.  Remember to check out the following blogs:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2026/01/06/best-tradeshows-outdoor-industry/">The Best Tradeshows in the Outdoor Industry to Grow Your Brand</a></li>
<li><a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2023/10/19/speaking-at-conferences-tradeshows/">Speaking at Conferences: Why You Should Apply to Be a Speaker</a></li>
<li><a href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2020/03/21/how-to-use-your-website-to-generate-better-leads/">Using Your Website to Generate Leads</a></li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Or click to <a href="https://topropemedia.com/digital-marketing-tips-travel-outdoor-industry/">view all of our marketing blogs!</a></p>
<p>Until next time, enjoy the reason we work in this industry and get outside!</p>
<p>&#8211; Meredith McConvill, Top Rope Media</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://topropemedia.com/blog/2023/09/29/industry-events-tradeshows/">Industry Events and Tradeshows:  Successful Marketing Strategies</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://topropemedia.com">Top Rope Media</a>.</p>
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