There are a lot of great trade shows to attend in 2020, and this is a list of the trends you'll be seeing.
Technology has completely changed the way people work, socialize, and relax. The iPhone wasn't even invented until 2007. Less than fifteen years later, practically everyone has a smartphone in their pocket. For trade shows, utilizing technology to find and qualify leads is a must. Not only can technology and digital trends help gain exposure for your brand, but it can also help you qualify leads and increase your conversions. If you're planning your next event, watch out for these trade show trends in 2020, so you can maximize your opportunities.
Lead capture forms are crucial for finding new leads and increasing your customer base. The best lead capture forms are long enough to get the information you need to qualify and contact the lead, but short enough to keep the lead's attention and ensure they complete the form. A lead capture form of average length that is laser-focused on the right questions is going to help you both capture and qualify leads. For 2020, you'll want to start using digital lead forms in trade shows.
There are numerous apps on the market today that provide businesses with a customized lead capture form. These digital versions of lead capture forms make it easier and quicker to collect information on leads and also qualify those leads for future conversions and sales. Using digital forms at trade shows gives you a few different advantages.
For one thing, it makes your business look modern, forward-thinking, and tech-savvy. Digital lead forms are also more convenient for attendees to use than filling out info via pen and paper. Paper forms take a longer time to fill out than a digital form. Plus, any digital form, no matter who fills it out, will be legible. When you offer digital forms to trade show attendees, you'll be more likely to get people to fill out your lead capture forms and increase your number of leads.
Digital lead capture forms don't need to be long or complicated. Ask three to five qualifying questions, and this should give you enough information to qualify the lead and determine what level of marketing you should use to follow up with them. Some examples of qualifying questions are:
After getting information on your leads via the lead capture form, you don't want to have to enter that information into your CRM manually. That would take up a lot of time and could increase the chances of errors and typos occurring. Instead, have the digital lead capture forms automatically add the information to your CRM, saving you time and hassle.
Make sure that your digital lead capture form or app is compatible with your CRM and connects to it. This is one major trend for 2020. Take advantage of this opportunity and save yourself a lot of time trying to qualify leads.
One aspect of technology that has drastically changed the way people interact is social media. Social media has the power to both unite and divide people. Social media can also shape people's opinions and perspectives. But all that aside, businesses can leverage the power of social media to find and qualify new leads and increase their brand exposure. There are several ways social media can be used at trade shows in 2020.
As a business trying to operate in the modern, digital age, it's critical that your lead capture forms can identify ways to follow up with your leads. One way to do this effectively is to get your leads' social media handle.
Consider offering a prize for having trade show attendees enter their social media handle into a drawing. This is a great incentive for getting people to provide you with their social media contact information so you can follow up with them later. Or, advertise your branded contest via Facebook before the trade show, and have people enter the contest on social media. Winners get announced on social media and can come to the trade show booth to pick up their prize.
Another 2020 social media trend is using the power of influencers on social media to increase your brand's exposure. People who are enthusiastic about your products or services at a trade show can have their photo taken at your booth in front of a bold, branded image. Have them share the photo on social media, using a branded hashtag for your business.
Another significant reason that brands will use social media even more in 2020 is that social media can be used while your brand is at the trade show. In this way, you can bring the trade show to your online audience, despite the fact they can't attend in person. Be sure to post current photos and videos, showing trade show updates to people who are miles away.
Trending in 2020 are pre-scheduled social media posts for brands while attending a trade show. Trade shows are super busy, but that doesn't mean you have to forget about leveraging the power of social media even while occupied. There are many apps, like Buffer and Hootsuite, as well as programs available that let you post at specific times. This presents unique opportunities for businesses that will be giving a presentation. Consider scheduling tweets or Facebook posts of key talking points during your presentation. That way, people who aren't in attendance but are interested in your brand's expertise can still benefit from the presentation and share your posts or tweets with their network.
Trends for trade shows in 2020 are going to heavily rely on social media, automation, and digital lead capture forms. Do you have a trade show scheduled for sometime next year? Unveil Production Group can create a customized, unforgettable display for your business. Contact us today, and let's get the conversation started.