The marketing benefits of conferences

Posted on May 4th, 2018 in Event Marketing, The Power of Events

The networking and sales benefits of conferences and exhibitions are known by most businesses and industries, but one of their biggest benefits is often overlooked: marketing.

With such a high percentage of potential customers and related businesses, a conference is a gold mine to build your brand, boost product awareness or simply build your client base with effective marketing techniques.

Show them what you’ve got

While attending a conference to see what’s happening is a great way to keep abreast of industry changes and to see who’s doing what, having a stand at one is even better.

Many companies reject this opportunity because they don’t think they’ll make enough immediate sales for it to be worth the time and effort, but they’re ignoring the marketing benefits. Even if people don’t stop to talk to you at your stand – and many will – they’ll see your name as they walk past and on marketing material for the event. These people almost certainly have an interest in your industry, and putting your name in front of them is invaluable.

The fact that your company has invested in having a stand also gives off a strong message – one that you’re successful and you’re confident in establishing yourself or growing in the industry. Communicating that to potential clients (and competitors) is a great way to increase your brand awareness.

Tell them what you’ve got

If the conference you’re thinking of going to has a portion for talks or panel discussions, speak to the event holders about the possibility of stepping up to the mic.

Being able to get up in front of a room full of your cohorts is a great way to make people aware of you and what you do. It also gives people the confidence to talk to you afterwards, as they’ll be able to reference what you talked about as an ice breaker.

Depending on the conference and your experience, you may have your request turned down, but if you don’t ask you don’t get. If this year’s show is already booked out, you may be kept on file for next year’s show as you’ve made your keenness known to those in charge.

Chip into your marketing budget

There will be times when you don’t feel that the advice above is relevant to you, and there will be times when you’re too late to join in. However, there’s one last way to get involved – sponsoring the event.

Conferences normally have different tiers for different sponsors, meaning you can what you feel is appropriate for your business. Benefits will vary from event to event, but at a minimum you’ll get your name and logo printed on the conference’s marketing material, which will be spread far and wide. Depending on what you’re willing to pay, you may also get a stage with your name on it or an advertising sign in a prominent location.

No matter what option you go for, being prepared to dig into your pockets and put yourself out there can mean you get a much greater return on investment for your next show .

Partner with the leading exhibition and conference organiser to uncover your event’s potential

Successful events start with a conversation! Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF) is a full service organiser with over thirty five years experience in trade and consumer exhibitions, conferences and events. Our goal is to provide exhibitors, sponsors, visitors and the industries they represent with an effective opportunity to meet to do business, network and learn. Have an obligation-free chat with our team today by sending an online enquiry or by calling us at +61 2 9556 7999.