There are so many new ways to change how we do business with social networking technologies. Traditional revenue streams may dry up, but opportunities for building new business relationships have never been better.

That is why we started a new LinkedIn group called "Greener Tradeshows" for entrepreneurs and marketing professionals who are looking for eco-friendly display options.

Greener Tradeshows is a leading resource for event professionals who want to provide cleaner and greener trade shows, conferences and expos. Many green entrepreneurs and marketers need sources for greener products.

This networking group provides a venue where people can sort through the greenwashing to find the best options for sustainable exhibiting practices.

Topics include: greener display products, greener sign and graphic materials, green business networking, re-using with rentals, and green trade show tips.

I think that trade shows are an essential part of relationship networking, and always have been. There is nothing like in-person contact. But, getting to know people before the show via LinkedIn, Facebook and industry specific associations will help to make each contact more valuable.

We are saturated with so many marketing messages that we can often be running on information overload. That is why building relationships is still so important in business. Use trade shows for meet-ups and in-person networking.

Good News!
I also think that sustainable business practices - think reduce, reuse, recycle - will help people to make decisions based on needs... We will still be spending money, but each choice will be carefully thought out.

The internet is a great place to start when planning to exhibit or attend a trade show event. Most trade show events offer websites prior to the show dates. Take a few minutes to virtually explore the trade show on the internet before you head out the door. This will save you time on the exhibit hall floor.

Exhibiting -The Latest and Greatest

Exhibitors will find professional exhibit companies online who can provide helpful advice. Most professional exhibit companies offer tips on the latest exhibiting trends and products.

Remember, there are many exhibit companies competing for your marketing dollars. Credibility is important in the trade show industry. Look for experience, great customer service and guarantees. Check out a few websites to get a sense of the “look and feel” of the exhibit companies to find a good match.

Connect and Save

If you know of other companies in your area who are exhibiting at the same event, check into sharing shipping costs. Exhibit companies appreciate referrals and will often give you great discounts for multiple exhibitors going to the same trade show.

Attending a show?

Like planning for a great vacation, you can highlight the most important things you want to see ahead of time. Event websites often offer exposition hall maps, schedules, pre-show entertainment venues, meals, trade show specials, and workshop information. Navigating through the material ahead of time will help you feel familiar with the event.

Some things to consider are…
• Who are the exhibitors you are most interested in visiting at this show?
• How will you find the vendors you want to see? Print out the exhibit hall map and highlight the trade show booths you want to see – take note of any landmarks to help orient yourself when you are in the convention center hall.
• What are the show specials? Vendors often offer great discounts that are available during the show only.

Make Your Own Networking Opportunities

Trade show events are great networking opportunities. If you want to get some quality time with someone at the conference or trade show, try e-mailing your contact person 1 or 2 weeks ahead of the event.

Check out the event schedule and offer to meet-up at one of the meals or workshops. Connecting ahead of time will help you and your company to stand out in the crowd.

After the Expo

Once the aisles clear and everyone packs up and goes home, it is easy to forget the new contacts you have met. Take a few minutes on your first day back to connect with your new VIP’s via e-mail or phone. This will help to build a business relationship that goes beyond the trade show event.

The internet may seem like a “virtual” world. But, the business connections we make today over the internet are sure to turn into money-making opportunities in the real world.

Invite your audience into an interactive experience with your exhibit.

Brainstorm about each of these areas to increase interest.
• words
• pictures
• activity
• numbers or logic
• music/sound
• self-reflection
• social experience

The more you think about your goals for the show ahead of time, the more measurable your results will be after the show.

Intelligent design takes time and preparation. Make sure you meet with our staff 2-3 months prior to your event to begin to consider the details for your show.

Consider Your Market

Who do you want to see at your show?
What benefits do you offer that will attract your target market?

Utilize Experts

• Profit from the experience of experts and avoid costly mistakes.

• Trade show professionals will keep you up to date with the latest trends and tools for today’s dynamic face-to-face marketing.

The Exhibit Face Lift

Everyone knows the 3 R’s of Recycling: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Greening the trade show industry is a big trend and we expect it to continue for the next few years. “This is the perfect time to remember that a great “green” option is to reuse your existing booth.” says from ExPrT.com. “An exhibit face lift saves money and resources. Plus, it shows your company’s commitment to “going green”.

Tracy Estock from ExPrT – Exhibits, Graphics and Signs offers tips to renew your trade show display:

• Update the “look and feel” of your booth with bright new colors.

o Check out this year’s color trends on the internet: See The Color Marketing Group and Pantone.

• Refresh your image with new trade show signage –

o Remember … Fewer graphics on a grand scale will attract more attention.

• Convert to energy-saving LED lights.

• Change Direction - Add modular components to your existing booth and move from a backwall (inline display) to an island or peninsula display.

• Ask about new Earth-Friendly products.

o From fabric to aluminum, using recycled and recyclable products makes a big difference.

People are clamoring to get onto the “green bandwagon.” Refurbishing an existing trade show exhibit is a genuine way to engage in sustainable business practices. Companies get great press for using creative ingenuity when remodeling their old trade show booths. Plus, it adds an interesting news item to show before and after pictures of the exhibit in your company newsletter.

ExPrT has outlined a “Green Commitment” to sustainability. remarks, “We think it is important to be leaders in making Eco-Friendly trade show products available to our clients. We have a research and development team looking into new products that will help to protect our environment.”

Rent, Recondition & Recycle

Looking for more options? Most exhibit houses offer trade show rentals for portable exhibits, truss displays, carpet and trade show accessories. You can also purchase used displays and have them reconditioned to your specifications.

If your exhibit has truly seen better days and you need something new, consider the benefits of recycling your old exhibit. ExPrT – Exhibits, Graphics and Signs recently launched an Exhibit Recycling Program which offers incentives for recycling existing displays.

One way to make the most of your exhibiting venue is to get involved with the presentations.

Become an expert at something relevant to the show and “brand” yourself around this topic for the trade show.

Offer a workshop on your topic for the event and attract interested people to your booth.

When people recognize your face in the crowd they will be more likely to stop and chat, and learn more about your company in the process!

Evan DuQuaine helps us to implement projects.