Live Marketing on the Up Despite the Social Media Marketing Boom

Figures released in ‘The Facts 2011’ reveal that live marketing is very much alive and kicking. Compared to magazine and newspaper marketing, the live events industry has shown an increase in the number of exhibiting companies. The annual survey of the live events industry, produced by Vivid Interface and published by FaceTime, indicates that between 2009 and 2010 there was a 2% increase in the number of companies exhibiting at trade shows. It would appear that while other forms or marketing have seen a decline, such as TV and print, events and exhibitions are an essential part of the marketing mix.

Austen Hawkins, FaceTime CEO commented: “Given the on-going economic conditions that we face, The Facts 2011 shows a remarkable performance by live events in 2010. A small decline in space booked and visitor numbers compared to a much bigger percentage in decline of other media demonstrates the continuing strength of face-to-face marketing”.

The boom in social media marketing explains why some of the more traditional marketing methods have fallen out of favour. One might expect tradeshows and exhibitions to be amongst them, however, face-to-face marketing has never been more important. Exhibition, event and festivals lend themselves to product launches simply because of the nature of face-to-face marketing and the unique experience visitors can gain from custom built exhibition stands.  A captive and highly targeted demographic can be capitalised on and can produce significant conversion rates. According to a report from Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the conversion rate of prospects to customers was 40% as a result of face-to-face meetings, and without face-to-face meetings 28% of business would be lost.
 
The strengths of social media marketing are increasingly being combined with those of exhibition and event marketing to create a campaign with real impact. We are seeing social media marketing being used to introduce new products/services, raise brand awareness and create demand for a company’s appearance at an event or tradeshow. By the time the event takes place the marketing campaign has already gained momentum, however, its success will be depend on the overall exhibition stand design and build.
 
Trade shows have long been popular and will continue to be so because they are a cost-effective means of acquiring leads, sealing business deals and increasing overall brand awareness. Online preshow marketing efforts combined with face-to-face marketing looks to be the way forward.
 

About RB Design & Display
RB Design & Display are exhibition stand contractors with over 20 years experience within the industry. Whether you require a custom or modular exhibition stand or are simply looking for exhibition stand hire, they can provide the most effective marketing solution for your campaign. To view their range of exhibition stands and portfolio visit www.rbdisplays.co.uk

Contact Information

Ruth Williams

Marketing

Bird and Co Creative

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