There’s no denying that trade show directors and event coordinators are highly skilled specialists.
Do you see those massive exhibits on the show floor owned by Fortune 500 companies? They’re often coordinated by small event planning teams. For smaller companies, the marketing director is sometimes the only one at the helm—a one-man band.
So, where do trade show marketers go to discover the newest trends in exhibiting and events and connect with other pros? For over 30 years, ExhibitorLIVE has been serving the trade show marketing community, attracting dedicated event directors and providing a platform for reputable exhibit houses to show off their design capabilities.
ExhibitorLIVE 2023 conference agenda
The 2023 edition of ExhibitorLIVE will take place in the Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville, KY. The four-day event runs from April 23rd to 26th. The theme of the conference is “The Great (re)Engagement.”
One thing that sets ExhibitorLIVE apart from other trade shows is its focus on education. Each year the show features over 100 sessions, a portion of which students can earn credits towards their CTSM (Certified Trade Show Marketer) certification. There’s plenty here for marketers to take away, from measuring ROI to the art of booth design.
The show also recognizes the best exhibit houses and companies selling trade show products. Their best-of-show award categories include
- Best Large Booth
- Best Booth Staff
- Best Small Booth
- Best New Exhibitor
- Portable/Modular Awards
- People’s Choice Awards
So, what can marketing directors and event coordinators expect to learn about the industry at this show? Here are our top hot takes and predictions for ExhibitorLIVE 2023.
Hot Take #1: There will be a lot of NEW faces
First there was the “great resignation.” Then there was “quiet quitting.” Now there’s “quiet hiring.” The fact of the matter is many people have left their job to start new careers since March 2020.
Last year’s ExhibitorLIVE was a mix of old and new faces, but we’re predicting even more new faces walking the show floor this year. According to Exhibitor Magazine, 48% of attendees are attend ExhibitorLIVE for the first time.
Honestly, there isn’t a better time to join the trade show and events industry because the demand for events has grown in the last couple of years. In 2022 alone, SHOT Show and NADA had their largest floor plans ever. Exhibit Space at MRO was fully sold out. The time to hop on the bandwagon is now.
Hot Take #2: The exhibit hall is going to be LIT
If the exhibit hall is anything like last year’s, there’s going to be a fantastic mixture of beautiful displays and fun experiential elements. Many top event coordinators understand that consumers want to experience a product or service, not simply consume literature or video playthroughs about them.
ExhibitorLIVE is the place to find all sorts of exciting breakthroughs with LED lights, holographic technology, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and ingenious giveaways.
Hot Take #3: Speakers are going to emphasize measuring ROI
Let’s face it, handling the logistics of designing a booth that’s on brand AND staying within budget AND proving ROI is strenuous for the most experienced of marketers. That’s why a lot of CTSM courses will be looking at easy ways to measure the effect exhibiting at trade shows has on revenue.
Of course, the reasons for exhibiting extend beyond obtaining immediate profits. Other reasons for exhibiting include
- Maintaining/building brand awareness
- Strategic positioning
- Testing new products
- Lead generation and nurturing
- Exploring new markets
Are there ways to measure these “softer” marketing goals? Sure. Expect concepts like Return on Experience (ROX), Return on Objectives (ROO), and Value of Cost Savings to be explored at the show.
Hot Take #4: Attendees will be partying at booth #815
The Trade Group is returning to the show with a special surprise for attendees stopping by our booth to say hello. At last year’s event we attracted furry visitors out of nowhere. This year is going to be even better!
If you’re thinking about stopping by, let us know ahead of time so we can be extra prepared to hand off something extra special. Please fill out a form on our website by clicking the contact us button below. We hope to see you there!
The Trade Group is a full-service trade show and event marketing company. We will work with you to create an exhibit or an event that brings in leads and helps you achieve your business goals. Contact us here or give us a call at (800) 343-2005.
