24/07/2010 12:37:19 AM
Topic:
Are you a trade-show tragic?
Toruk Makto
Posts: 127
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550 Leads at RSVP Sydney- no chocolates plus a constant buzz at the stand and our Giveaway cost 10 cents per unit which was the ring and spring trick AKA The 24 carat Gold jewellery covered in aluminium (to protect the gold from tarnish ) A Very good show for my client- we had a great spot, but we really engaged those who were walking past and this really was the key plus we never stopped- while other stands around us were packing up early we continued to the end the 550th lead came right on the buzzer we also set targets and pushed our own comfort levels to achieve greater results plus with the crowds we had- you could see our stand from a distance
We had no chocloate we had no Plasma screen demo's or pretty models, we had a standard 3by3 stand, with limited signage. I am happy to discuss strategies with anyone who will listen
edited by Toruk Makto on 25/07/2010
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20/07/2010 12:03:06 PM
Topic:
Trade Show Competitions
Toruk Makto
Posts: 127
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OK Folks it is that time of the year with RSVP coming up
in past topics we have talked about having chocolates at the stand but what are some of the other competitions or rather what prizes would you like to win.
Yes I would like to win a gazillion bucks but lets keep it real.
I have seen
Free holidays
Ipod touchs
Baggage
Food
wine
Hypnotherapy MP3's (Quit smoking, stay in shape etc)
Magic Tricks giveaways (Mine)
Please let us know prizes that interest you that you have seen or what prizes you have used in the past (good or bad)
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14/07/2010 2:59:31 PM
Topic:
Social media platforms and business events
melanietk
Posts: 55
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Thanks Sonya! I would be honoured if you passed this along. I just wish I had the opportunity for more frequent updates. Having recently just come out of a 'post event comedown' combined with a pretty ferocious head cold, I probably have a bit of fodder incoming.
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14/07/2010 2:54:19 PM
Topic:
Social media platforms and business events
Sonya Petkovska
Posts: 6
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David...I'll see you at ABEE/RSVP.
Melanietk. I love your BLOG. So good to see someone so passionate about what they do! Keep it up. Hope you dont mind but I'm going to pass it onto a few of my industry friends.
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14/07/2010 2:00:55 PM
Topic:
Social media platforms and business events
Toruk Makto
Posts: 127
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Yes I have moved on, but they are now attacking me.
as for narrow view
I think to see things from both angles is more of an open view- If all you do is see it from a positive light without seeing the negative- then you are narrow in your thoughts.
I have moved on from fighting the guy making the false claims- the last time I mentioned it was on this forum along time ago- I have moved on. So I don't want to go into that argument- it was not good for my health and I have bigger more important things to do now.- so I have moved on- it is just that they keep coming back- but I have a feeling that it will pass- they will get bored and move on themselves in time.
so Yes I have moved on- I was just letting people know of a different side of facebook so their views were not so narrow
I have not given much info about myself and only friends can view the details- not friends of friends. I Have not really promoted it only because I am still learning it, most of the content are rss feeds from my twitter (which doesn't get used) and my news directory which I havn't really promoted because of my brand new spanking corporate magic site that I have been working on-- which I am very proud of (I have been filming with cool green screens and have made info videos that appear as tho I am walking onto the web page) and I have been incorporating Various databases into the site which is taking me forever to do (I don't enjoy transfering databases) This and working gigs has been what I have been working on - Not fighting others. I am trying to get it ready for RSVP but I am not so sure- red bull and nooooo sleep and I think it will be ready. To get back on topic ummm
Yes at the moment I have family and some friends who are my friends on facebook- I'll have to look it over more to see what I can do with it.
edited by Toruk Makto on 17/07/2010
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14/07/2010 10:25:20 AM
Topic:
Social media platforms and business events
melanietk
Posts: 55
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Downside to Facebook because someone is trolling you? What an interestingly narrow view. (I almost typed in 'downside to the Internet' - Freudian slip?)
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14/07/2010 10:12:36 AM
Topic:
Social media platforms and business events
Sonya Petkovska
Posts: 6
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Makes you think...is it all worth it? Do we really need to give people too much information about ourselves?
Toruk Makto is this your 'company' facebook account or your 'personal' facebook account.
Maybe its time to stop posting negative things about other magicians and concentrate on what you do best. Seems to me that you are competant enough as I've seen your tradeshow video...
Even though our industry is small there's room for everyone to do what they do without the negativity.
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13/07/2010 10:26:24 PM
Topic:
Social media platforms and business events
Toruk Makto
Posts: 127
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Well I am getting attacked on Facebook at the moment- I can't seem to block the user because they set up an account and post me a message and then delete their account under the name of Kylie Tan
I can't repeat the message because they are too rude, but It has to do with my comments against those magicians using false advertising
They are taking shots at my physical features, but I cannot reply to them. So there is a downside to facebook.
cowards hide themselves, and this is what can happen when you allow people not to identify themselves
Dave
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13/07/2010 7:51:26 PM
Topic:
Are you a trade-show tragic?
Toruk Makto
Posts: 127
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Yes Most students are are not going to help your business but some will
Is it worth Qualifying every single student that comes to your stand- in the hope that one day they might be a customer- I think not
Time is money on the trade show floor- you don't want to waste it talking to someone who probably is not going to be your customer
But don't be rude- just tell them to move on- because there are plenty of people at the trade shows who are your customers who have needs and wants right now
With students- get their email address add them to your emailing list but don't waste a second going through your business with them.
I have had students do the following- (this was back before I knew what students would get up to)
1: Not wear a student name badge- and somehow get their hands on Corporate Visitor badge
2: Not wear their student name badge and wear a hosted buyer badge
3: Tell me that they really have a large event on and I sit down and talk with them after buying them a coffee- only to find out that it was an exam and that the event wasn't real, but they needed to put on "in theory" for their tafe
4: Hand me their resume asking for jobs
5: Take my expensive DVD Promotional Packs in Bulk
6: Crowd around my performance and not let anyone enter my stand
7: Constantly coming up to me asking to perform "just one more magic trick" mean while real customers are walking past
8: Get me to perform for their Charity event for free under some BS Promise
So you can see I have no time for students they waste my time which means they waste my money
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11/07/2010 2:33:57 AM
Topic:
Are Awards in our industry a joke
Toruk Makto
Posts: 127
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great
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9/07/2010 3:02:45 PM
Topic:
This Fringe Benefits Tax minefield
melanietk
Posts: 55
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Argh, tax! It's enough to make my head explode normally, but when adding the dreaded 'FBT' word in there... yikes. I had a long discussion with my accountant on the subject - I work in the entertainment industry where a significant portion of my outlay is spent on 'Benefit' items - riders, show tickets, food and alcohol, gift baskets, travel, tours, etc etc... Truth be told I sort of close my eyes, hand everything over to the accountant, and pay up what he tells me. lol....
We are a different kettle of fish when it comes to business operations. So many of event expenses and the type of functions held would fall neatly in the 125% bracket (is that still the rate? I don't know this year's rate) it would be nice for the policy makers in our industry to define the scope of what we do as legitimate business transactions rather than being what any other industry would call 'benefits'.
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9/07/2010 2:49:00 PM
Topic:
Are Awards in our industry a joke
melanietk
Posts: 55
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So hey, guess what, there's a public vote for "Australia's Favourite Event" as part of the Australian Event Awards. I'm really impressed with the direction they're taking these awards, and while I will be out of the country at the time of the presentation, I wish I could be there to show my support. In time I think the initiatives they're taking will finally bridge the gap between corporate and community/public events and show everyone in the industry we're in this together.
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9/07/2010 2:17:02 PM
Topic:
Are you a trade-show tragic?
melanietk
Posts: 55
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Toruk Makto wrote:
No- students are not your customer- and students who attend with their resume are going to get a really cold reception from me- WATCH OUT!
when they get a job, they are not in a position to make decisions.
While I'm still catching up with the rest of this thread, I would like to contradict you there. As I've said in other (earlier) threads, I will admit that most students (at least, in the beginning) see these shows as a free lunch with swag for grabs, but for the few dedicated students amongst us (as I was in the day) I beg to differ... Students CAN and WILL be your customers. Within 6 months of my graduation I was in a position of sourcing and recommending to my superiors suppliers for events, and oh boy, did I remember those that were callous, cold, and snobbish towards my 'student status' at the trade shows. I may not have been the one signing the cheques - at least at that stage - but I was the one who put forward the recommendations. Guess who didn't make the cut because they didn't make the time to sell their service to me, or were in some cases, extremely rude and made sure they were not interested in talking to me. Two years later and I WAS the one making the bookings, writing up contracts and paying the bills on behalf of my employer, and now, for my personal business. How much time has passed? A mere 5 years.
I have huge folders of assets and materials collected at these trade shows and use these for reference as much as I do the A-List Guide or other Event publication/guides, try to keep them updated as much as possible, and while at the time I may not have had direct business with them at the time, every event I work on has different requirements - that obscure supplier I met 3 years ago might now be exactly the thing I'm looking for.
I do agree with you however that going along with resumes is just poor form, but I also know the opening line on your first day of study: You probably wont get a job where you want, it's who you know, most established companies don't put (much) value in Event education and don't even think about being able to get a job without hundreds, if not a thousand or so, hours of internship or volunteer work behind you. There are more jobs available for young event professionals than there were a few years ago, but most of us in the industry know that the real stellar jobs are not as widely advertised as most other employment opportunities. We tend to employ from within, from recommendations or referrals, and newbies just don't really know where to look, or where to get that foot in the door.
I'll go back to reading the rest of the thread now.
....
Toruk Makto - I will agree with you again about the impact of seminars at trade shows. My major trade show tour is a different sort of beast than those we are currently discussing (public vs industry). During the show (pre-show I'm exhibition coordinator and WH&S officer) I am in charge of our guest speakers, but am acutely aware of the impact these very popular seminars and subsequent public appearances (autograph signing etc) suck the punters away from the trade show itself (to address the other topic in the thread - giveaways are not par for the course of our traders, 99% are pure retail) and this is becoming a real issue for us in retaining the exhibitors and sponsors.
We work hard to position the seminars and appearances in areas that force the flow of patrons through the bulk of the trade show floor, where possible. Our limited access to venues that will allow this hinders the effort somewhat (budget, venue size and layout, etc). We wish we knew the magic formula that would see patrons visit and spend in the trade hall, and work closely in consultation with advisors and venue managers to help, but ultimately it is these special guest speakers that are drawing the bulk of the crowd to our shows in the first place, so it's sort of a catch 22.
edited by melanietk on 9/07/2010
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2/07/2010 5:38:39 PM
Topic:
Events in 2020 and beyond
ianhoskins
Posts: 5
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I have to agree with other Posts!! Yes Video Conferencing has reduced the need for many smaller meetings, which weren't particularly profitable anyway but I think it will be a long time before technology can really replace that face-to-face contact which is so essential for real communication.
So I don't think we need to worry, those special events with themes, entertainment and people getting together will always continue. Technology will help us perform better but I am sure it won't replace us!!!
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2/07/2010 3:35:35 PM
Topic:
Events in 2020 and beyond
AB99
Posts: 8
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While small meetings and consultations may be conducted via the web, and people may more often attend training classes or seminars online, I believe larger meetings, conferences and trade shows will continue to be held as physical events. We get so much more from seeing, talking in person, and interacting that this is unlikely to change.
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2/07/2010 3:33:12 PM
Topic:
Events in 2020 and beyond
PeterGray
Posts: 4
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This is an age old question and has been raised regularly almost since I became a PCO (which is a long time). Events, particularly seminars, meetings, conferences, conventions and even congresses, succeed because they bring people face to face in one place which is generally not their place of employment. The interaction which takes place amongst delegates between and after sessions is as important than the sessions themselves. Not everyone imparts or receives information in the same way and at any presentation only around 70% of the audience will be able to fully understand the information presented. The 'social' sessions enable the remainder to receive the information from those who did understand it and can communicate on their wavelength. This alone makes events more cost-effective (if presented professionally) than electronic media. The removing of delegates from their place of work also enhances concentration and tends to eliminate distractions (although with mobile phones these days distraction is everywhere). Choosing a destination and venue carefully can also enhance relaxation and provide facilities not generally available to delegates at their place of work.
Where a conference is part of an incentive reward I doubt whether many will consider sitting in front of a screen, no matter how large, a reward for their efforts!
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2/07/2010 2:12:36 PM
Topic:
Events in 2020 and beyond
bfoster
Administrator
Posts: 52
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What will the events industry look like 10 years from now? Will we still be attending meetings globally or will we be utilising the latest technology and be beamed in when in reality we are sitting in front of our computer in our office? Will live events be a thing of the past? If not, then what can we expect in the entertainment sector? In micenet AUSTRALIA magazine's August edition we'll be bringing readers a snapshot of what the future may be like in the business events world. And we need your help! Tell us what you think here.
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28/06/2010 1:45:21 PM
Topic:
Are you a trade-show tragic?
Toruk Makto
Posts: 127
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That's cool AB99
I don't offend easily, and it is a forum not a blog (which is why the word forum is in the header) so you can say what you want- that is what a forum is all about---communication
Your right, look of stand accounts for about 12% of visitors stopping, size is about the same. (I do have the statistics somewhere)(Live demonstrations are around the 27%)
and at the end of the day- if chocolates or whatever is working for the exhibitor then go with it.
I prefer a systematic approach to selling on the trade show floor, it is the difference between 150 leads and 600 leads. and the ability to measure and compare results from previous years as a result of that system.
The other side of the coin is - Know your customers- if they want chocolate then you should offer chocolate, although I think there are better and more effective ways to engage your customers
And I do understand what you were saying and yes I read it as semi light hearted, I wanted to make the point for the small businesses out there who exhibit and to give them the right way to exhibit. There are many small businesses that take part in trade shows and really this is what makes the RSVP expo's better than previous ones which were just a bunch of the big same old same old venues. It is the small businesses that create the difference and the unique- and the trade shows are a unique vehicle to create an experience and to engage potential customers - unfortunately people just seem to follow the crowd- they look at what the big companies do and follow suit- but the big companies really also have no idea on how to work the show. (most- not all) like seeing Accor Hotels with big white sofas in their stand- and their sale staff are sitting in them-big mistake. And many of the big customers have candy.
Many of these exhibition stand companies which are main sponsors of the EEAA will also have you believe that great looking stands are the way to go and having multiple plasma screen demo's- but all these do is distance you from the visitor even more so. The problem with them sponsoring the EEAA is that they have a voice and then they get promoted as leaders when in actual fact customers fork out allot of money for a stand but have no real way to engage or generate leads which is primarily what it is all about.
The problem is there is no place to learn the real secrets of exhibiting because the EEAA is government by companies with their own bank balance as the priority which makes the association a joke (and they are not my words but past members)
and even tho your suggestion was semi light hearted- it puts (in my mind) the wrong message across. so I am sorry to really ham up on it.- It was not directed at you personally but more so on the idea that exhibiting is easy and all you have to do is have some candy and a banner stand and you will have a successful show.
Most successful businesses have a business plan- they also need an exhibition plan as well. and if done right- you don't need candy.
I will say- that I don't like seeing small businesses get suckered into exhibiting by hyped marketing and not given any support and lose out big time because there is no place to learn how to make your stand successful.
edited by Toruk Makto on 28/06/2010
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28/06/2010 9:31:17 AM
Topic:
Are you a trade-show tragic?
AB99
Posts: 8
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Hi again, no offence taken or given (i hope) but I still totally disagree... and to clarify, I was not talking about stands yelling "hey, free chocolates here!" (or making popcorn), and I haven't ever been to the kinds of shows where crowds of people are thronging into stands "for free food" or drinks. (The biggest queues I have seen were for those fun Photo-booths!).
Chocolates was just an example, and a simplistic one - which I now think is going way over the top as I'm sure my statement is an anathema for somone in your field. I was just trying to say, lighthheartedly, what works on me - a, I am a legitimate buyer, and b, if I am walking by and don't have an appointment with you, but you have a bowl of Lindts or I see that you are giving something cool to buyers with whom you speak, I will come and speak with you because of that, and we both may benefit. I have just come from an exhibition for the events industry and many of the buyers I met felt the same way. The only thing I see in the bins outside the expo are all the magazines and paper materials. (Cds and USBs are so much better for travelers than all that heavy paper!)
Apologies, Toruk Makto, I am only speaking as a buyer, and as an individual, and I know you are on the exhibitor side, but I am not attracted to a stand based on how it looks. Maybe others are; it's just me saying what works for me!
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16/06/2010 5:23:29 PM
Topic:
Are you a trade-show tragic?
Toruk Makto
Posts: 127
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Sorry I was told not to hold back from Sonya
Mind you if candy is the only thing you have to try and attract customers to your stand, then go for it.
I remember at the Gaming Expo one of the big poker machine companies was giving out free red bull(i didn't sleep of a week)
and I went there in between presentations- They had set up a mini bar and people lined up to get their free drinks- now I never ever spoke to a sales rep to get my free red bulls and I have no idea what the company was, they never scanned my name badge nothing zero contact. they had hundreds of people at their stand- (It was a huge stand with hundreds of poker machines in the stand of demos)
so if your servicves or products don't really have much going for them, or your sales staff have no idea what they are doing you may be able to get a few people in with your free stuff.- however please note that once the candy has been eaten, the process of eating doesn't really convey your message, or generate a lead
But if you do sell candy for a living you would probably want to give away samples
I think that if your gift is worth advertising pre show- then go for it, so advertising that you can pick up your $25 gift voucher at Red balloon or Accor gift card- then go for it- as this will secure attention- but you probably wouldn't advertise- free candy at our stand pre show. Plus with The events expo- you really are competiting against all the taste food waiters walking around giving really amazing food. If it goes with your stategy, then go for it- but make sure you have a strategy. Sorry to keep going on- but there is no help for the exhibition industry, so many companies fail.
Organisers should do everything possible to educate their customers on how to get the best results, because it makes their job the next year easier to sell exhibitor space. It's the old saying retaining customers is cheaper than getting new ones. if 90% of your exhibitors booked the next year then that makes good business sence.
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edited by Toruk Makto on 24/06/2010
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