How Should Speakers Connect With Attendees Before a Trade Show Session?: Part One

Published on:

May 13, 2024

Published in:

Part One, Speakers

Each week, we delve into the realm of artificial intelligence, posing one burning question to three prominent AI programs. After three decades in the event industry, TPNI has discovered that AI offers valuable insights and innovative perspectives on the logistical and technological advancements for planning successful events.
We asked three AI programs—ChatGPT by Open AI, Gemini from Google, and Bing’s Co-Pilot—our question for this week: 

First, here’s what ChatGPT had to say:

Connecting with attendees before a trade show session is crucial for maximizing engagement and ensuring a successful presentation. Here are some effective strategies for speakers to establish a connection:

1. Utilize Social Media

  • Announce Your Session: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to announce your session. Include details about the topic, time, and location.
  • Engage in Relevant Discussions: Join conversations related to your session’s topic. Share insights, answer questions, and provide value to demonstrate your expertise.
  • Create a Hashtag: Develop a unique hashtag for your session and encourage attendees to use it when discussing the event online.

2. Email Outreach

  • Pre-Event Emails: Send emails to registered attendees introducing yourself and providing a sneak peek of what they can expect. Include any pre-session materials or resources.
  • Personalized Messages: If possible, send personalized emails to key attendees or potential leads, inviting them personally to your session.

3. Leverage Event App

  • Profile Update: Ensure your speaker profile on the event’s app is complete with your photo, bio, and session details.
  • Push Notifications: Use the app’s push notification feature to send reminders or updates about your session.

4. Create Engaging Content

  • Teaser Videos: Produce short videos that highlight key points of your upcoming session. Share these on social media and through email.
  • Blog Posts or Articles: Write articles or blog posts on your session topic. Share these on your professional networks and with the event’s community.

5. Interactive Polls and Surveys

  • Pre-Session Polls: Conduct polls or surveys to understand attendees’ expectations and tailor your content accordingly. Share the results to build anticipation.
  • Q&A Sessions: Host a pre-event Q&A session online to answer questions and build rapport with attendees.

6. Network through Professional Associations

  • Industry Groups: Engage with industry groups or associations that your attendees are likely part of. Share your upcoming session and contribute to discussions.
  • Forums and Communities: Participate in relevant forums and online communities where potential attendees might be active.

7. Collaborate with Event Organizers

  • Highlight in Newsletters: Ask organizers to feature your session in their newsletters or other communications with attendees.
  • Pre-Event Webinars: Conduct a short webinar or a live stream with the event organizers to discuss what attendees can expect from your session.

8. Use LinkedIn

  • LinkedIn Posts: Regularly post updates about your session, sharing why it’s worth attending.
  • LinkedIn Groups: Join and engage in LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry and session topic.

9. Offer Pre-Event Resources

  • Reading Lists: Share a curated list of articles, books, or papers that provide background information on your session topic.
  • White Papers or E-Books: Provide exclusive access to white papers or e-books that are relevant to your session.

10. Personal Invitations

  • Direct Outreach: Identify key industry influencers or potential high-value attendees and invite them personally to your session.
  • Referral Incentives: Encourage attendees to bring colleagues by offering small incentives or exclusive content.

By employing a combination of these strategies, speakers can effectively connect with attendees before a trade show session, ensuring higher engagement and a more impactful presentation.

If you’d like to learn more about how to make the most out of your event, reach out to us at customerservice@tpni.com for a customized consultation.

Don’t forget to come back later this week for Part Two and Part Three! We’ll be sharing what the other two AI programs had to say in response to this week’s question.