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eShow Help Center Relaunch

You spoke and we listened. Our industry experts have relaunched the eShow Help Center Portal to better suit your needs. New and improved, the tool features enhanced ways to find articles and access modules efficently so you can spend more time on what really matters. 

The team at eShow has taken client feedback from the former Help Center and turned it into a system designed to simplify and expedite support for you, 24/7.

Key Updates include:

“What’s New”

When you enter the Help Center take a look at the orange ‘What’s New’ button. This section houses instructions and a step by step video tutorial on how to navigate the enhanced tools. Keep an eye out for featured articles that will be rotated in and out as the Help Center evolves. We want to keep you in the loop!

Ticketing

The Help Center serves as a centralized repository of information regarding the event, ticketing process, and FAQs. Clients now have the opportunity to create and submit tickets easier than ever! Use this tool as a shortcut to create tickets for your show and get it to your event staff in no time.

Those familiar with the former Help Center know it existed as a glossary of features. We’ve expanded its capabilities and added ‘How To’ documents, keyword search, and more. By typing related keywords into the search bar you can find useful articles that match your demands. Use the search tool to your advantage by using single words instead of phrases. This will adjust your search and yield more specific results.

Categories

Take a dive into the depths of your search by utilizing the ‘category’ tool. This will help narrow down articles related to each category. 

Choose from our 5 most used modules:

  • Registration
  • Conference
  • Exhibit
  • Mobile 
  • Abstract
  • Other (Onsite deliverables, housing, and more.)

You can also click on the sections under the category that will then guide you to related product and module material. For instance, maybe you’re looking for speaker management information. Refine and filter the sections under the conference module by unchecking the module boxes that are irrelevant to your search. You will then be left with articles pertaining to speaker management. 

Articles

Once you’ve consolidated your search efforts, click on the articles and material relevant to your inquiry. Each article offers a hub of material at your disposal. For instance, maybe you need more information relating to your website checklist. Choose from getting started tasks like website defaults and copied web pages to client deliverables like headers and social media URLs. The “share” button gives you the option to share an article with a colleague or client. Don’t forget to give the article a “thumbs up” if you found it helpful!

As your event management support team, we want to give our clients the upper-hand in accessing information, before, during, and after your event. eShow’s Help Center has your answers readily available and reduces the risk of material slipping through the cracks. Learn more about the upgraded Help Center through your Administrative dashboard or event manager!

Because when you let eShow take control, you really get to enjoy the suite experience.

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How an Enhanced Registration System Increases Registration Count

Skip the long lines and avoid the hassle of paper registration forms. Invest in the luxury of a digital registration system. While digital systems aim to simplify the registration process for participants, they also directly benefit event planners. A well-designed registration system offers planners the convenience of time-saving, data management, increased mobility, and so much more. Continue reading to see how you can incorporate a high-tech registration system that will boost attendance rates, ROI, and engagement at your next event.

Resource Allocation

  • An enhanced registration system helps organizers allocate resources such as space, staff, catering, and promotional activities more efficiently. 
  • An enhanced registration system can help increase registration count significantly by making the process faster, simpler, and more secure. By reducing the amount of time it takes for users to register for an event, businesses can make their registrations process more inviting and convenient.
  • An online ticketing system helps minimize avoidable last-minute expenses like the cost of printing forms and brochures. 
  • A high number of registrations also allows organizers to optimize time slots for different segments effectively. Organizers can use data collected from registration to plan better workshops or breakout sessions at peak timings, reducing conflicting programs.

Minimize Errors, Enhance Security

Human error is inevitable and manually entering information into one system is bound to cause some hiccups. 

  • An enhanced registration system can help businesses improve their bottom line by providing a user-friendly solution that makes signing up for events or services more efficient. Not only does this make the process faster and simpler for users, but it also helps ensure that customers’ personal information is secure from malicious actors.
  • When you invest in a dynamic registration system it makes both your organization and event planner look more seasoned and experienced in the industry. Additionally, most registration systems are PCI compliant; assuring reliable card payment data security across the board.  With an enhanced registration system in place, businesses can rest assured that their registrations will be safe and secure while improving the overall experience for their customers.

Increased Engagement

A high registration count increases the chances of attendee engagement with exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers. 

  • If attendees engage more and find value in the event, they are more likely to return next time or spread the word, leading to better attendance numbers. 
  • If an event has a higher number of registrants, it is more likely to get better traction and visibility for future events. This can lead to positive word-of-mouth marketing, improved brand recognition, and a better reputation in the market.

Badge Production

Offer your attendees a polished registration experience with an extensive menu of badge and ticketing options. Badge production can help organizers identify which sessions or areas of the event were more popular and optimize future events based on attendance trends. Benefit from personalization offerings that sync with your registration records for less manual input. This not only increases customization options, but ensures that badges are being produced according to schedule and that no errors or delays occur. 

Onsite printing takes away the worry of pre-badging and sorting by offering On-Demand printing. When you have an integrated system with a barcode your records are tied to Lead Retrieval. This service allows you to collect accurate and complete lead information throughout your event. No lost business cards or tedious hours of data entry!

Data Tracking and Analysis

By collecting data on attendees, registration systems can provide organizers with valuable insights into attendee demographics, preferences, and behavior. This can help organizers tailor the event to better meet the needs of their audience and improve future events. Data analysis can also pinpoint and identify new revenue opportunities such as sponsorship or product sales.

All in all, implementing an enhanced registration system is a great way for businesses to increase their customer base and lower overhead costs associated with managing registrations. With a streamlined, secure registration process in place, businesses can easily sign up more customers while providing a better overall experience. By taking advantage of this technology, businesses will be able to make the most out of every registration opportunity and maximize their profits. 
Learn more about how eShow can help level up your registration management with a personal demo. Our expert team is ready to find a customizable solution that fits your needs and ensures success at your next show.

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The Importance of Exhibitor Marketing

Exhibitor Marketing is a surefire way to generate quality leads and increase brand awareness if done effectively. These industry-specific events allow you to showcase and promote your products to an audience that may have little knowledge of your services. Our industry experts at eShow offer a strategic guide on how to make your next exhibitor marketing campaign one of success.

Lead Retrieval

Lead retrieval is one of the most effective ways to share contact information and network on the event floor that in turn, transitions into qualifying leads. We recommend using a fully integrated lead retrieval system that offers both exhibitors and attendees a universal experience. Our on-the-ground experts equip you with all you need to know for attendee detail tracking, Excel reporting, CEU verification, and more. Self-powered and easy to use, our compact and portable units will help you take entrepreneurship to the next level. 

Show Organizers

Set your next tradeshow up for success with a show organizer designed to optimize your tech stack. Lay the groundwork for long-term growth and expansion by developing a comprehensive strategy and plan of action. Look for a show organizer that provides you with the necessary tools to promote, sell, and manage your next exhibition or trade show. Utilize services like partnership outreach, market research, and more.

Exhibit Sales Management
Exhibitors want technology services that are straightforward and set them apart from the competition. With Exhibit Sales Management, users can easily select booths, add sponsors, and smoothly manage all functions of shopping and finances; they even get access to VEM Exhibitor Analytics for a smart, enhanced experience. Utilize our administrative tools to manage your exhibitors financially (and beyond) with reporting, eBlasts, invoicing, and more.

Attendees

Connecting to your target audience has become more crucial than ever. Engagement and exposure are at the forefront of exhibitor marketing, and we want to help you incorporate new opportunities for growth and ROI. Gamification has become more prominent over the last few years, and we don’t see it going away anytime soon. Gamification is known to spark engagement and increase lead capture more so than exhibiting booths that do not have activation or gaming features. Get ahead of the curve and integrate SmartMatch technology that will ‘wow’ your audience.

A few steps to ensure success from both exhibitor marketing expenditures and sales success:

  • To ensure your company’s business objectives are incorporated into your trade show sales messages, collateral, product positioning, etc., it’s essential to establish specific, quantifiable goals that you want to achieve. Whether the show is online, in-person, or hybrid, the goals should be measurable and achievable.
  • Once you have established your goals, write and design product and company brochures as well as any other necessary collateral. However, hold off on printing them for now as you may need to update them before the show.
  • Create a pre-show email marketing campaign to inform prospects and customers that you will be exhibiting. Offer them a discount registration code if you have one, and let them know what products or services you will be showcasing at the event. This will help generate interest before the event even starts.
  • After the show, create a post-show email marketing campaign to thank participants for attending and provide them with additional information on your company and products. This is an excellent opportunity to convert leads into customers by offering promotions, discounts or free trials.
  • You should work with your sales team to determine what constitutes a qualified lead and come to an agreement on how the leads will be turned over to sales for immediate follow-up after the show.
  •  Establish clear protocols on how and when leads will be distributed to each salesperson as well as the follow-up process. By doing so, you will ensure that your sales team can effectively convert leads from prospects to customers.

Learn more about how eShow can help level up your exhibitor marketing with a personal demo. Our expert team is ready to find a customizable solution that fits your needs and ensures success at your next show.

For additional helpful resources, check out some industry partners we highly reccomend!

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The Exhibitions & Conference Alliance Announces 2023 Public Policy Agenda

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In pursuit of expanding economic growth and providing tools to effectively aid in job prosperity, the Exhibitions & Conference Alliance (ECA) released its Public Policy Agenda for 2023 revealing four key areas of focus.

  • Ensure a favorable operating environment for the industry going forward
  • Fully welcome international exhibitors and attendees back to the  U.S.
  • Support industry efforts to address sustainability and climate change
  • Promote government involvement in developing the industry’s future workforce

Hervé Sedky, Emerald Holding Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the ECA board of directors said: “As the unified advocacy voice of the face-to-face business events industry, ECA’s 2023 public policy priorities serve as our industry’s North Star as we continue to engage with policymakers to help drive economic growth, support job creation, and empower small businesses from coast to coast.”

The ECA Board of Directions further divulged the top areas of concern for the coming year:

  • Prevent anti-growth state-level taxation of the industry
  • Bring back communicable disease coverage to event cancellation insurance 
  • Restore visa operations to pre-pandemic levels while making visa processing more modern and efficient
  • Encourage smart decarbonization efforts by governments while ensuring the right balance between environmental aims and industry feasibility
  • Support government policy and programs to attract, train, and retain the industry’s next generation of workforce

“ECA will be actively engaged on the issues that matter to the industry in 2023,” said Vinnie Polito, Society of Independent Show Organizers Chief Executive Officer and ECA Co-President. “From working on the restoration of visa processing at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to fighting back against efforts to introduce growth-stifling taxes on our industry, ECA will be front and center to champion our interests with elected and appointed officials in Washington, DC and beyond.”

Continuous Efforts

We will continue to see the ECA support small business growth, lift travel bans, advocate for federal relief programs nationwide, and more as the year progresses.

David DuBois, International Association of Exhibitions and Events president and Chief Executive Officer and ECA co-president said: “In 2023, we look forward to amplifying the voice of our industry’s many passionate advocates in the policymaking process, including at ECA Legislative Action Day, which will return to Washington, DC in person on June 1, 2023.”

View the ECA’s 2023 Public Policy priorities here.

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7 Emerging Event Trends To Consider In 2023

Industry experts have spoken and we’re here to give you a sneak peek at what trends to expect to ensure successful events in the new year. 

As we recover from the global pandemic that caused an immediate halt to the events industry, we have discovered and adapted to alternative learning methods that have opened new doors of opportunity and growth. 

With this newfound hope on the horizon, we will continue to see rapid advancements that would have otherwise taken years to reach without the destruction of Covid-19.

Take a look at the projected shifts in the events industry as we buckle in for a year of resilience and growth.

Eco-Friendly Events

As we work towards minimizing our carbon footprint for a more sustainable future, it comes as no surprise that environmentally conscious events are on the rise even more so than previous years.

In 2023 we will not only see many events encouraging reusable solutions but many suppliers will only offer sustainable products going forward. Event badges are a prime example of a new outlook on sustainability. Previously, planners may have opted for the hard plastic stock as it was more appealing. Now, planners look to decrease their carbon footprint and waste post-show by seeking options for economically friendly attendee badges. 

While we hope to see other businesses follow suit, we recognize the topic of sustainability may come as a learning curve and it is our civic duty to educate and guide others in their efforts.

The IBM Institute for Business Value conducted a survey in February of 2022 that 16,000 global consumers found that 51% of respondents say environmental sustainability is more important to them today than it was the prior year.

Virtual-Only is Out

The popularity of virtual events flooded the market during the rise of Covid-19 but with regulations lifting, event professionals are thriving on the inclusivity and accessibility that hybrid events offer.

The hybrid event model incorporates elements from both in-person and virtual events to help strengthen engagement across the board.

A study conducted by Airmeet states just one-third of virtual events are engaging. Further confirming the need for value, intimacy, and quality.

Industry experts suggest that any events going forward offer a hybrid model for many reasons besides just ease of access. With a financial crisis underway and inflation rising, the new generation of event planners are pushing the hybrid model forward in hopes of minimizing expenses that in-person events require.

Shifting from Content Driven to Experience Focused

The appetite for experiential events has only grown and we’re no longer satisfied by content-focused events that don’t deliver a memorable and personalized experience. 

Decide what content is ‘worth it.’ We’ve all experienced an event that has put us to sleep a time or two. What do experiential events look like? Attendees want to look back at your event and be able to recall specific moments that sparked connection or knowledge. Whether it’s the minute details of a sound or smell, create a space that feels inviting and immersive. 

Think of some of these ways to make it memorable:

  • Interactive food and beverage stations (Health code compliant of course!)
  • Signature-infused water stations
  • Memory building stations such as 360-degree photo booths, GIF stations
  • Location Inspired kick-offs

Long Term cognitive effects on attendees from a wow experience will develop stronger retention for return attendees, so the extra spend and effort is always worth it!

Strengthening Cybersecurity

As technology continues to advance, the dire need of quality privacy and data protection increases. As we enter 2023, event professionals are gearing up with cybersecurity to stay well-protected but also remain within budget guidelines.

According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the world is expected to take a hit of $8 trillion USD in global cybercrime damage costs for 2023. To add to the growing list of things planners need to account for, be sure to check your vendors for ample security guidelines. 

  • Do your event websites provide fail-safe methods to protect attendee data?
  • How secure are their servers?
  • Am I sacrificing security for the gain in design or ease of production?

Don’t let your organization fall victim to a successful data breach. We will see an increasing number of businesses providing education services and training about the threat posed from cybercrime.

Technology will Continue to Advance Drastically

It’s no secret technology is developing at a lightning speed. The virtual and hybrid model allows us to experiment and break barriers like never before.

AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) have been testing the waters and we will soon see it enter the market in 2023, bringing new life to the events world. 

The global AR/VR smart glasses market is projected to grow by $7297.59M between 2023 and 2027.

While innovative times lie ahead, we’re also incorporating solutions to simplify tech for a more user-friendly experience. People are tired of code-heavy and time-consuming systems. Expect to see more approachable event platforms with streamlined processes to ease organization and setup, as well as long-term use and functionality. eShow is a great example of an efficient and holistic event management system, compiling multiple modules and needs under one system. Once you go to an all-in-one system and ditch the API’s, you’ll never go back!

Tighter Budgets

As the cost of living increases and inflation surges, budgets will be revised with a fine-toothed comb. Moving forward, lack of financial discipline could be detrimental.

The projected cost per attendee in 2023 is forecasted to be 32% higher in comparison to 2019.

Having a strategic approach that aligns with your company’s objectives will be a crucial step of survival over the coming months. The increase in demand poses no threat, but profitability is where the question lies.

Analyze your event requirements, attendee needs and the “fluff” stuff to see where you can cut corners. A well-planned event worksheet with budget allocation is a great tool when analyzing your details. 

Increase of Health and Wellness Activities 

The health and wellness movement has taken the event industry by storm and we don’t expect it to leave any time soon. 

The pursuit of wellness is at the forefront of many of our personal lives and it’s finally being recognized in the professional world. 

This year we can expect to see planners integrating wellness practices into their programs for both team members and attendees. Flexible working, team-building exercises, and access to counseling have all skyrocketed in recent years.

Including breaks for yoga, massages, meditation or even smoothie stations has shown to increase the satisfaction of attendees, and decrease the likelihood of being completely drained.

What 2023 Event Trends will you be Implementing?

We believe these trends will dominate the market over the next year and we want to give you a head start. Stay ahead of the competition and capitalize on these trends-  they won’t stand still for long. 

Start the new year off strong with eShow. We offer a full suite of options for live, virtual, and hybrid events. Our team of experts will help you curate the perfect package for your needs. Contact us today to request a demo and learn more about how we can help take your event planning to a whole new level.

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Holiday Food & Drink Considerations for Event Managers

If you’re planning an event near the holidays, have you considered how you’ll handle the culinary aspect of the event (that is, if you are planning to offer food and drink)?  If you’re not planning to treat attendees to gastronomic delights, there’s something you should know. According to a survey of 2,000 Americans, food is the second most important factor people consider when deciding to attend any type of event — more important than both the quality of the speakers/performers and who else is attending. 62% of the respondents would go to an event just for the food, and 77% say food is important when attending any public event. So, as an event manager, you’d be wise not to make food an afterthought.

Budget Considerations

The way you handle the food aspect of your event will be part of your branding, so when making your menu selections be creative and bold. Don’t be afraid to take risks. You don’t want to simply fill attendees’ bellies or choose the most affordable option.

Of course, the budget should be considered (you can’t serve lobster on a bologna budget), but to make the most of your food budget, aim to make food a part of the overall immersive event experience.

Here are some affordable ways to offer a fun and memorable food experience:

  • Interactivity:  If you’ve visited a bd’s Mongolian Grill restaurant, you know how much fun it is to participate in the preparation of your meal. Offer “create-your-own” stations for salads, sundaes, etc.  Include healthy and vegan options for attendees with dietary restrictions.
  • Buffet style/Food stations:  Plated dinners are often more expensive (servers have to be paid) than budget-friendly options like serving buffet-style or offering specialty food stations. Create interest by having each station centered around a theme or cuisine.
  • Dessert-only:  Don’t feel that you have to offer a full meal. Depending on the time of your event, a spread of desserts and beverages (coffee, tea, sparkling water) will work nicely. A chocolate fountain with yummy things to dip (fruit, cookies, marshmallows) is always a crowd favorite. Or, how about a spread of traditional holiday desserts (Yule log cake, pfeffernusse, gingerbread cookies)

Keep it Safe

With conference-style events, attendees usually don’t eat while the event is in progress. They eat before, after, or during a break in the program. Since everyone is eating at once, crowds will likely form around the food-serving areas. To avoid over congested areas, you want to ensure that your layout allows for splitting the crowd up. Having multiple food stations is a great way to do this.  During the planning process, incorporate spatial planning tools such as eShow’s Exhibit Sales & Floor Plan Management module to simplify all of your floor plan tasks.

Add an extra layer of protection by having all servers wear masks and using signs that direct attendees to wait until the current person is served before approaching serving tables.

Selecting a Caterer

If you’ve settled on an event near the holidays, keep in mind that this is a busy time for caterers, so you’ll need to book as far in advance as possible.  Using your venue’s on-site food service is another option but often more expensive than bringing in your own caterer.

When working with a caterer, the following will help you cover all of your bases to ensure that everything goes smoothly:

Contract:  Make sure you have a detailed, signed contract that includes your menu, costs, a list of expected tasks (i.e., who will be responsible for cleaning up the food serving areas?), the layout of the event space, and the day’s schedule (so the caterer knows when you expect food to be served).

Dietary Restrictions:  Although you won’t know about all of your attendees’ dietary restrictions ahead of the event, ask the caterer to include vegetarian/vegan options within the menu. (On event day, have these options clearly marked).

Vendor Contact List:  If you’ll use multiple vendors to supply your treats, it’s a good idea to create a list of all vendors along with the names and phone numbers of all points of contact. 

Walk-Through:  If food stations are part of your event’s food experience, if feasible, have the caterer visit the venue to get a sense of how everything should be efficiently and safely set up.

Don’t Forget Virtual Attendees

If you’re planning a virtual or hybrid event, all attendees can still be part of the culinary experience, even if they don’t attend in person. If your event’s food offerings are centered around a theme, send food gift baskets with that same theme to the virtual attendees. Or, partner with a food retailer to obtain gift cards/coupons (hopefully at a discount or gratis) in exchange for promotion in your event advertisement.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know that event attendees place food high on the importance scale, you need to ensure that their dining experience is just as enjoyable as other parts of the event. You don’t need a massive budget to accomplish this. Creativity and resourcefulness will go a long way in satisfying attendees’ taste buds in a way that they’ll remember.  

For health and safety precautions, insist that all food servers wear masks. Ensure the comfort of all by devising a plan to safely distance attendees in the dining space. Let eShow’s interactive Exhibit Sales & Floor Plan Management module help you make the most of your venue layout. You’ll see ahead of time how best to set up food stations for efficient and safe serving.

At eShow,  we have everything you need for a successful and memorable event all under one “roof.” From planning to execution, we’re with you every step of the way. Contact us today for a no-obligation demo, and let us show you why we’re the “go-to” supplier for event management.

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How To Have a Successful Worksgiving With Remote Employees

It’s no secret that in recent years, the increasing number of remote workers has risen exponentially. As we enter this new wave of learning, we are no doubt faced with some unique challenges to navigate along the way. 

Holiday parties serve as a celebration of company milestones, recognition, and the opportunity to create a sense of community within your organization. But how do we share that same feeling of inclusion with our remote employees?

Sending out a quick company-wide zoom link won’t cut it this holiday season. Follow these tips and tricks to make this year’s Worksgiving one of inclusion and remembrance. 

Include Remote Employees in the Party Planning Process

Today’s technology makes it relatively easy for everyone in the workplace to collaborate and share ideas. Brainstorm different themes, activities, prizes, and other interactive ways to create an inclusive environment for both remote and in-office employees. 

Send out a company-wide email to pitch ideas/activities and ask who might want to lead them. This allows everyone to contribute and share their preferences. Remember, not everyone celebrates the same traditional holidays. Make sure to welcome diversity by considering different traditions to create an inviting space for everyone. 

Ask employees what they liked/disliked from previous celebrations. Feedback is always likely to curate a better experience moving forward. Keep in mind the different time zones of remote employees. Try your best to be considerate of scheduling conflicts and work around office hours. 

Connect In-Person and Remote Employees Through a Gift Exchange 

Gift exchanges are a great addition to any holiday celebration and help encourage employee participation across the board. Randomly assign coworkers a person for the exchange. This is a deliberate way of connecting people from outside departments. You might be thinking, I don’t know this person’s likes or interests. How do I shop for someone I don’t know personally? Consider sending out a questionnaire for employees to list 2-3 of their interests. This will lend guidance to everyone who might be struggling in the gift-giving department.

Remember to set a monetary cap that everyone is comfortable with. This will keep things light and enjoyable for all participants. Give plenty of notice and make sure addresses are up to date. Delays in shipping can occur, especially with remote employees across seas. 

Join the excitement of watching everyone open their gifts through a video conference with the whole team. Get to know your recipient better and build a work culture that you’re proud to be a part of.

Encourage Dressing Up

We’ve all heard the saying ‘Look good, feel good.’ Studies have shown the relationship between clothing and mood play a bigger role on the psyche than we might think. Just because this year’s holiday party is taking place in the comfort of your living room doesn’t mean you can’t express yourself through clothing. Themed dress codes are an easy way to boost energy and morale. Consider implementing an ugly sweater contest. This is a sure way to spark discussion, even through the lens of a video call.

Formal or not, wear what makes you feel your best self and who knows, it might even be a conversation starter!

Get creative and share food remotely

What’s a Worksgiving without the company of delectable food and drinks? How do we share this experience with remote employees? 

Just because you don’t have the luxury of sitting side by side at a dining table doesn’t mean it’s impossible to incorporate something palate-pleasing to enjoy with others. Consider adopting a recipe from a fellow colleague to share. Maybe someone will introduce a tasty pumpkin pie recipe. Try your hand in baking and host a breakout session where participants can enjoy their pie in the company of others.

Create Employee Spotlights

Employee recognition is a huge part of a healthy work environment. Company celebrations are a great way to highlight growth and commemorate accomplishments. I think we’ve all sat through a PowerPoint presentation that has nearly put us to sleep a time or two. Don’t let that be the case this holiday season. Remote workers are relying on engaging content to keep their attention. 

Many of us remember the ‘Most Likely to’ awards in high school that promoted individualism and boosted some egos. Consider implementing something similar, while recognizing important milestones along the way. This keeps the ambience upbeat and showcases personalities in an entertaining manner. Keep the content appropriate and focus on positive character traits. Consider highlighting one or two people from each department. This will lessen the chances of repeatedly recognizing the same people and help foster a more inclusive environment.

Build Community and Culture 

Wrap up this year’s worksgiving with a sense of community and belonging. At eShow, we’re here to make your next holiday celebration one to remember. We offer a full suite of options for live, virtual, and hybrid events. Our team of experts will help you curate the perfect package for your needs. Contact us today to request a demo and learn more about how we can help take your event planning to a whole new level.

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A Virtual Event Where The Sponsor Is The Star?

As an event planner, you know just how vital sponsorships can be. The right sponsor can provide you with the financial backing you need to “wow” your attendees while also lending credibility to your event. While this is certainly nothing new, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted sponsor relationships. 

In the past, event sponsors have readily paid large sums of money to advertise their brands at in-person events. Now that many events are held in a hybrid or virtual-only format, event managers must find creative ways to nurture sponsor relationships and provide them with the exposure they need to meet their objectives. Not sure where to start? Take a look at these seven strategies. 

1. Website and App Branding

When hosting virtual or hybrid events, you’ll want to give your sponsor plenty of opportunities to get their brand in front of attendees. The good news is, most sponsors understand the value of digital advertising.

As you plan your event, consider adding branded splash pages to the event website and pop-up ads or banners during your live streams. You should also add each of your sponsor’s logos on your event’s mobile app. You can also link the sponsor’s logo to their website or social media page, driving even more traffic to their desired location. 

To add even more value, consider allowing your sponsors to add gated materials to your event website. Not only can this position them as a thought leader, but since attendees will need to enter their email address to access the material, it will also provide your sponsor with valuable leads. 

2. Inclusion In All Communications

When promoting your event, communication is key. You’ll want to reach out to your attendees via email, text message, or even postal mail. You may also frequently post about the event on your social media platforms and private groups.

Whenever possible, be sure to include your sponsor’s name and logo. This ensures they’re getting maximum exposure in the weeks and months leading up to the event.  

3. Branded Breakout Sessions

If you have a top-notch virtual event management platform, you can easily include breakout sessions between speakers. This is a great way to improve attendee engagement, and it also gives you another opportunity to promote your sponsor.

Consider including sponsored entertainment, free downloads, special offers, and other exclusive perks that attendees can only get by attending these sessions.

4. Sponsored Speaking Opportunities

For many sponsors, the opportunity to speak directly with attendees is an incredibly valuable proposition. This gives them the chance to come face-to-face (virtually) with your audience, so that they can introduce their company and the products or services they want to promote in their desired way.

Providing a speaking opportunity is also a great way to drive revenue. Direct contact with the audience is a selling point that will significantly boost the value of your highest sponsorship levels.

One word of warning, though. If you’re going to offer a speaking opportunity, you need to be confident that the sponsor will bring a skilled speaker. Otherwise, it may be better to show sponsored videos and intros before each presentation instead. If the sponsor doesn’t want to speak, they could also host a panel or be a panelist instead.  

5. Branded Giveaways

Everyone loves free stuff, so offering branded giveaways is a win-win. If cost is an issue, consider offering branded digital swag bags. This could include free online courses, free trials for digital products or services, amazon gift cards, or other digital giveaways.

You could also surprise attendees with home delivery of physical swag bags or other branded items. For example, a bottle of wine or nonperishable snacks with branded labels would be perfect for a virtual happy hour.

6. Sponsored Games

Gamification is an increasingly popular way to improve attendee engagement. It’s also a great way to connect your sponsors with your audience. There are many ways to incorporate sponsor branding into games. This can be as simple as adding their logo to the game platform or offering prizes from the sponsor.

7. Virtual Store

Depending on the nature of your event, you may consider adding a virtual store. It is a unique approach that would allow your sponsors to showcase and sell their products easily. You could also offer souvenir-type products related to your event. Attendees may enjoy the opportunity to get their hands on exclusive items, and both you and your sponsors will have an opportunity to make instant profits.

Building Long-Term Sponsor Relationships with Your Sponsors

While the strategies above will help you offer value to your sponsors, that’s only part of the equation. You’ll also need to make sure you maintain your relationships with your sponsors. Start by making sure you reach out to them periodically throughout the year – not just when you need something from them. 

Please keep them in the loop about any significant changes or updates within the hosting organization. It’s also a great idea to occasionally check-in to ensure they’re still getting what they need out of the relationship and ask for suggestions or feedback.

Nurturing relationships with your sponsors is an ongoing process that requires a bit of effort. However, the payoff is huge! Once you’ve established a strong relationship with your sponsors and have shown that you can offer actual value in all event formats, you’ll find that it’s much easier to bring them back for future events.

Create Sponsorship-Worthy Events 

Sponsorships should be a mutually beneficial solution. To keep your event sponsors happy, you’ll need to make sure they feel that they’ve received sufficient value for their money. Not only does this require you to provide them with plenty of brand exposure, but you’ll also need to ensure you create a well-organized and value-driven event that your sponsors will be proud to be a part of.eShow provides all the tools you need to plan and execute top-notch events. From increasing event engagement to managing all of your event logistics and following up with leads, we can support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn about your options and schedule a customized demo.

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How To Use Impactful Data To Improve Your Events

From choosing the perfect location to planning your promotion strategy, countless decisions go into organizing a top-notch event. Using past experiences to make educated decisions is nothing new. However, today’s technology makes it easy to collect a wealth of data. This makes decision-making a breeze and helps make each event better than the last. 

Data-driven decision-making creates new and exciting opportunities for event hosts, organizers, and marketers. Today, we’re sharing some simple tips to help you find the data you need and leverage it to create a more effective event strategy.

Gathering Event Data

Since you can track just about everything online, it’s easy to collect all kinds of information when hosting virtual and hybrid events. Some of the best sources for gathering event data include landing pages on your event website, social media, promotional posts, and, most importantly, your virtual event management platform. It’s also possible to gather essential insights from in-person events by using on-site technology like RFID tracking and analyzing online interactions that occur before, during, and after the event. 

Here’s a look at some of the most pivotal information you can collect and use to shape future event decisions. 

Attendee Preferences and Engagement

  • Number of repeat attendees
  • Session choices
  • Number of event booths visited and dwelled time at each
  • Number of workshops and sessions attended
  • Number of questions asked during Q & A sessions
  • Number of one-on-one meetings scheduled
  • Number of mobile app downloads

Expectation Management 

  • Speaker ratings
  • Responses to post-event surveys

Virtual Engagement

  • Activity levels on chat channels
  • Live polling response rates
  • Number and quality of social media connections
  • Engagement on social media posts
  • Click rates and open rates on email communication

After the event, you can also analyze the number of leads and sales it brings to your event host, sponsors, and vendors. Doing so will help determine the return on investment (ROI) – a compelling piece of data for those in decision-making roles. 

Using Event Data for Decision Making

Once you’ve gathered your event data, you may wonder what to do with it. Effectively analyzing this information will give you the ability to improve your events consistently, ensuring an unforgettable experience every time. By using data to drive your decision-making, you can increase your conversion rates, boost attendee retention rates, and improve overall engagement. Analyzing data is also an effective way to find areas that need improvement and figure out how to correct them. 

While there are many ways to use data to improve your events, it’s important not to let it overwhelm you. Start by analyzing a few key points and making decisions based on them. Then, you can return to your data and take a deeper dive, repeating the process multiple times as you get more comfortable. Here are a few simple ways to leverage the data you’ve collected.

1. Narrow Your Event Goals

When measuring your success, few things are more valuable than cold, hard facts. Using data analytics to drive your decisions makes it easy to keep yourself focused on what really matters. The two primary objectives that always seem to rise to the top are the attendee experience and your business objectives.

Placing these at the forefront of your decision-making process helps ensure that each event you plan is a success. Even better, when it’s time to review the results with your clients, you’ll have the data to back up your decisions. 

2. Gather Insight into Attendee Preferences

The information you collect during your event will help you understand attendee preferences to accommodate them better going forward. For example, tracking traffic patterns will allow you to identify the most popular booths and vendors. You’ll also be able to see what types of offerings are creating the most engagement.  

This will help you decide whether to re-book speakers, choose topics attendees are interested in learning about and evaluate whether the space was suitable for your event.

3. Determine the Best Ways to Engage

When it comes to creating successful events, communication is indispensable. It’s critical to understand how your target audience wants to receive information. For example, an older audience may enjoy receiving email communications while younger attendees may never check their email, instead preferring to receive text messages.

If you want to make the greatest impact, don’t make assumptions! Instead, consider taking a moment before or during registration to ask your attendees about their communication preferences. Doing so will allow you to customize the experience to meet their needs and will give you better overall results. 

4. Identify and Track Key Outcomes

One of the best things about having so much data is that it allows you to measure the success of every touchpoint. If you’ve taken the time to define your objectives before you began planning, you’ll easily be able to compare your results to what you were hoping to achieve. Not only does this create accountability, but it also gives you the tools you need to improve your overall event experience.

5. Successfully Market Your Next Event

As you create a marketing plan for your next event, take the time to look at what did and didn’t work in the past. Consider factors like how many times promotional videos were viewed, how many people signed up via email, and how much activity came from social media posts. It will help you find areas where you want to double-down and identify marketing efforts that may not be the best use of your time.

eShow Makes Data Collection Easy

Each time you collect and analyze data, you’re creating a cycle of learning that allows for continual improvement. With the right tools in place, it’s easy to collect and manage many different types of data in a format that is easy to use.

From advanced registration options to a robust virtual event management platform, eShow offers everything you need to ensure the success of each event you plan. We also offer integration with AMS and CRM systems, allowing for maximum efficiency and access to real-time information. Contact us to schedule a personalized demonstration to learn more about our user-friendly tools.

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Developing A Tactical B2B Event Strategy For ROI

From expos and product launches to user conferences and VIP dinners, B2B events can play a significant role in a company’s marketing strategy. Done right, these events can drive sales and boost your clients’ bottom line.

While return on investment (ROI) is essential for all events in the B2B marketplace, not only do you want your event to stay top-of-mind long after it’s over, but you’ll also need to show that it was fully aligned with your client’s objectives. The following marketing and lead generation strategies will help make your event a success so you can easily deliver the ROI your clients are looking for.

1. Optimize Your Pre-Event Strategy

Great events with a killer ROI don’t just happen. They’re the result of thoughtful, thorough planning and execution. Before you begin planning your event, make sure you’re crystal clear about precisely what the client is trying to achieve. Then, consider how you’ll leverage each aspect of the event to maximize ROI and meet other stated objectives.

You’ll want to incorporate social media and email promotion early in the planning stage. Consider working with other complementary organizations to promote the event. Also, send a press kit to each presenter so they can promote the event in their circles. 

Use event hashtags as early as possible. This will allow attendees and other interested parties to follow them and see relevant posts from the event host, sponsors, and speakers. This is an excellent way to encourage engagement and build excitement well before the event begins.

2. Incorporate Immersive “Live” Product Displays

Live product presentations are nothing new. After all, who could forget seeing Steve Jobs unveil the first iPhone live on stage? While they’re popular in the B2C world, they shouldn’t be overlooked when planning B2B events. In fact, since  B2B customers tend to put much more thought into product purchases, this can be a key driver of event ROI.

As events move to the virtual and hybrid world, you’ll need to get creative. For virtual events, plan to leverage the power of live video. You can also play shorter demo videos at optimal times throughout the event. Remember that these videos should not be a pitch. Instead, it’s all about showing the audience what it’s like to use the product and allowing them to visualize how they’ll benefit from it. 

For hybrid events, you may also incorporate virtual reality demonstrations. This will give in-person attendees an up-close, interactive encounter while also adding the “Wow” factor that comes with the virtual reality experience.

3. Enhance Your Virtual Event Platform

A top-notch virtual event management platform will include features designed to help maximize engagement and boost your event’s ROI. This may consist of interactive pages, exhibitor webcasts, video chats, and other features that allow businesses to create meaningful connections with attendees.

Your platform can also help the event host learn more about their customer. They can do this directly by using features like attendee polls or indirectly by analyzing behaviors through RFID tracking or leveraging reporting features within the platform’s software.

4. Leverage Your Event App for Consistent Engagement

A mobile event app is one of the best ways to keep event attendees engaged and informed. The capabilities can allow attendees to learn more about speakers, take notes during presentations, view interactive floor plans, and more.

When attendees can plan ahead to optimize their experience, they’ll get more out of the event. This will make conversions much easier. 

5. Focus on One-to-One Meetings

While group sessions will give your host or sponsors maximum exposure, one-to-one meetings are where deals get closed. The ultimate goal of every product or solution provider at an event is to actually talk to the attendees – even if only for a few minutes.

To ensure maximum ROI, you’ll want to create opportunities for one-to-one sessions. Using a networking and appointment management solution will help you match attendees with exhibitors or sponsors based on their industry or interests. When an attendee finds something they’re interested in, they can request a one-to-one meeting right from your event platform. This will improve the attendee experience while also creating real opportunities for businesses to profit from the event. 

6. Assist with Follow-Up After the Event

As you collect attendee data, it’s important to think about what you’ll do with it after the event is done. To maximize ROI, it’s important to give hosts and sponsors a way to connect with attendees beyond the few days surrounding the event. This may include lead generation strategies such as adding gated content to your event website. 

As an event planner, the bulk of the hard work is over after the event ends. However, there’s still a lot more to do for hosts, vendors, and sponsors. They’ll need to follow up with all the leads they collected. They may also want to share materials with attendees or send out a survey about the event along with an offer to schedule a follow-up meeting.

You can help with this by ensuring your platform collects all the necessary data and allows you to provide it to them in a format that’s easy to use. It’s best to reach out to leads within a day or two after the event is done, so it’s critical to provide this information as quickly as possible. 

Cutting Edge Tools Designed to Drive ROI

Companies spend a lot of money on B2B events, and they want to make sure they get a sufficient return on their investment. Taking the steps above will put you in a position to support their objectives while also setting you apart from the competition. Having the right tools in place makes everything easier. eShow offers you the ability to pick and choose the tools you need to create show-stopping events that deliver maximum ROI. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a free demonstration.

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