BLME’s Guide to Virtual Exhibitor Booths
Unless you’re new here (and if you are, welcome!) you know that since March 2020, BLME has been full steam ahead in terms of virtual events. The pandemic has allowed us to innovate and pivot in order to do things we never thought would be possible in a virtual setting. One of these things is creating engaging virtual exhibitor booths.
We have gotten many questions about how to create a virtual experience that is similar to what you would offer at an in-person exhibitor event. Some companies even feel it is better to pull out of a virtual exhibitor event than to take part in it. However, we believe that wouldn’t be further from the truth. So, we decided to share our tips on how to host an effective and impactful virtual exhibitor booth.
BLME’s Guide to Virtual Exhibitor Booths
1. Create a Schedule
With many of these virtual events, companies have an allotted amount of time for their exhibitor booth. In this example, we’ll say you have two hours. At an in-person event, it is obvious that no one would spend the 2 full hours at your booth. The same goes for a virtual event. We suggest creating a schedule of various activities to fill those two hours. Start with a panel discussion, then move to things like a Q&A, a “meet the founders” session, product/service demos, or a virtual pitch. It is essential to not just be sitting in the Zoom room waiting for guests to come in: you should already be engaged in an activity when they arrive.
2. Take Post-Event Connections into Account
Something many people forget to think about is how to continue engagement with attendees after the event. However, this is an essential part of creating and maintaining customer relationships for your brand. One way to extend this connection is to create a calendar invite that you can put up so people can book time with you after the event. Or, you create and announce daily/weekly/monthly office hours where attendees can connect with you further.
3. Have Someone From Your Team Attend the Event
Of course we all know that exhibitor booths are great for getting your company on people’s radar. But, what is often overlooked is the opportunities that come from attending these events. BLME suggests sending someone from your team to the event as an attendee to network, engage, be present, and sell your brand.
4. Consider Your Content
Do you have pre-recorded content you want attendees of this event to see? Is your social media an amazing representation of your company? Think about ways you can drive attendees to go and view this content. You can post links, tell them about upcoming webinars, provide downloads, host promotions, etc.
5. Offer Something Tangible
Just because the event is virtual, it does not mean that providing a tangible aspect is impossible. Instead, inquire with event producers about getting an item in the event’s swag bag. Or if the event isn’t doing official swag bags, you can ask the host for attendees’ mailing information and send them a promo item to open during the event.
6. Present an Immersive Experience
With the technology of today, just because an event isn’t in person, it doesn’t mean it can’t feel like it is. To have your virtual exhibitor booth standout from the rest, partner with companies like Agora World to offer virtual reality elements to your attendee experience. Your booth coming alive on people’s screens is sure to elevate your presentation and have the audience remember your company long after the event is over.
Are you looking to get creative with your virtual exhibitor booth? BLME is here to help. We would love to work with you to come up with a custom proposal to work with the five senses of your brand and for your customers.