Discover how your general service contractor, electrical contractor, freight companies and venue work together to create the show floor environment. Take a tour of the show floor, freight dock, service center and working areas behind the scenes during move-in of TS².

*Open to conference registrants only. Pre-registration is required.

Boot Camps are designed to give someone a crash course in survival. The TSEA Boot Camp gives marketers who are new to the tradeshow and event industry a crash course in all the essential tools you need to survive in this fast-paced industry. 1) How to create a marketing intelligence program that works 2) 7 crucial questions you need to address with your marketing intelligence 3) 38 questions needed to pinpoint items of particular interest, and eliminate dead-end avenues of investigation

Is this your first time at TS² or maybe it's been a few years? Then this sessions should be your first stop. TS² has a whirlwind of things to do and see. This program is your personal guide to the three pillars of the show...Programs, Exhibits and Networking. Select the sessions with the best fit for you. 1) Prevent disasters from happening out in the field 2) Implement simple procedures to safeguard their equipment and display 3) Overcome disasters once they occur

The Certified Manager Exhibits™ (CME®) is the only association-sponsored certification program that recognizes professionalism in exhibit management and marketing. Created by exhibit managers like you, this program helps you earn valuable industry recognition and advance your career. Join current and future CME® candidates and learn how to become a recognized professional by using CEU credits from many sources.

Successful event managers recruit, train and continuously develop the members of their show and event team. In this interactive workshop we’ll discuss how they provide direction and training, define performance standards and expectations and empower their staff to act without requiring constant approval to accomplish their specific objectives (or more). 1) Lead by example and enhance credibility as a leader/manager/coach 2) Coach, counsel and provide constructive feedback 3) Use performance standards and individual development plans to teach team members how to self-coach and continuously improve their knowledge, skills and results

Being proactive and engaging visitors into a meaningful discussion is a crucial step missed by many booth staff. As a result their conversation is often all over the map. Conversely once the conversation is over it is often difficult to disengage. During this workshop you will learn valuable techniques that will ensure that your staff professionally and politely engage and disengage from their visitors. 1) Become a Media Darling 2) Use trade shows as a great publicity tool for your company 3) Create a media frenzy around your booth and company

In the event marketing industry, the workday rarely ends at 5…at the same time, your personal life often can’t sit and wait for you to complete the business day. As professionals, it is essential that we learn to weave the strongest threads of our professional selves with the fibers of our non-working selves to yield our most durable and productive life. In this session you will learn how to identify your individual and team strengths that fosters a supportive team environment that respects the whole person. 1) Measure ROI of your exhibits using a wide range of tools from simple and free web-based tools to comprehensive measurement programs 2) Use information from these measurement tools to identify strengths and weaknesses that will lead to increased ROI in the future 3) Make better investment decisions based on quantifiable results/ROI

You want to be an exhibit manager for your company (and all that entails) but the powers that be don’t understand what you do and its value to your company. You also want to have more input into what occurs at the shows you do. In this seminar, we’ll review the steps you should take to move management and get your ideas heard and understood. 1) Determine the real corporate perception of exhibit marketing 2) Communicate with management on the benefits 3) Reposition yourself as a manager and marketer

Customers are now enabled to control more of their experiences and build their own communities. By integrating technology, two-way communication and face-to-face events, marketers can capitalize on this. An emphasis will be put on the emergence of community building strategies that integrate both live and virtual experiences as the next generation of integrated marketing. 1) Decrease costs and increase ROI 2) More efficiently and effectively market your events, venue, or services and increase branding 3) Manage workflow

This session will provide an overview of new entertainment technologies and show many graphic examples of how they can be applied to increase the "Wow!" factor in face-to-face events.

If you're new to the trade show industry, TS² or TSEA, or just looking to continue building your network, join our famous Mentor Program. Start with this workshop and end your journey with the mentor wrap-up on Thursday morning. Mentors will provide answers to your questions, an ear to bend and a contact to meet throughout the week. Guides will introduce you to many of the "regulars" and you will form long-time friendships. This is not just a TS2 connection for a week...it's a partnership for your entire career.

Have you ever had a demo that didn’t go as planned? Learn how to replace “Death by Demo” with creative demos that give customers a hands-on experience that forges a connection. Discussions will include case studies of both demo dos and demo don’ts. Leave with a planning checklist to help increase the success of your demos. 1) Tactics for making your demo an engaging, personal experience 2) Integrating your demos with a message, and the importance of making your demo relevant to the audience 3) The who, what, when, where and why of successful demos

The Optical Fiber Conference (OFC) was the perfect opportunity for Opnext to show its new public face following its initial public offering (IPO). This session details the value of consistent branding across all aspects of marketing communications. See how the exhibit added value to customers, competitors, employees and importantly, Wall Street. Learn about the marketing and PR strategy that made the OFC exhibition the culmination of all marketing communications efforts for the entire year. 1) Understand the value in brand management to their company s bottom line 2) Develop a tradeshow program that reflects the overall brand strategy for their company 3) Convince product marketing, public relations and sales to use your brand to lead your people to the promised land  your booth!

Too often exhibit programs lack integration of the different components that touch customers. This session will show how it is possible to integrate design, technology and measurement to provide an organic, memorable attendee experience. 1) Conceptualize a program with no 'afterthought' 2) Choose the right technologies to complement the exhibit design and engage attendees 3) Integrate and utilize technology and design for program measurement

Propriety events, such as user conferences, private tradeshows or leisure events, are more popular than ever and many take place in hotels. Whether planning an event at a hotel for the first or the twentieth time there are various aspects you should be aware of in negotiations. Communicating what is important for you and understanding what hotels will compromise on will go a long way. This session will discuss what to consider when negotiating with a hotel, what areas are most flexible and what you need to do to make sure the hotel will meet your needs and expectations. 1) Effectively communicate requirements to all contractors 2) Order services in advance to take advantage of discounted rates 3) Work with contractors and vendors in advance and at show-site

There are differences between attending an exhibition or putting on an event in the US and internationally. But to your advantage: international is not as difficult. How to recognize a myriad of differences and prepare in order to avoid potential conflicts. In addition, the music in events and exhibits is being played increasingly outside of the US. Find out what this means in terms of mind-boggling dimensions! However, the need to exert corporate control over all major events brings the opportunity to have more influence, provided one has a basic grasp of international issues in the event and exhibit business. This session will give you just that! 1) What the differences are between the US and international and how to cover your bases (e.g. dimensions, exchange rates, voltage, plugs, documents, customs, show services, forms to be filled out, forms you need to have with you, labor, drayage, visas, you name it!) 2) How to choose an effective way to do international work without exposing yourself to more risk than normal and how to create back ups for critical situations when away 3) Find out what other multinationals are doing when it comes to events and exhibits and learn to exert more influence within your organization within the event and exhibit business

Stakeholders like sales, marketing, corporate communications and your exhibit house are really your show/event team and you’re responsible for results, but have no authority. Sound familiar? This session will teach you how to lead this or any team successfully. You’ll learn about your leadership style, the predictable stages of teamwork, and how to resolve team issues for show/event success without stress!

This session will be an interactive session with the speakers presenting a Plan A situation. The audience will have a chance to come back with their creative feedback on how they would have created a Plan B. Learn what the speakers Plan B was. All plans have been past experiences of the speakers.

Studies have shown that your customers will remember an experience long after they have forgotten the details. Booth hardware is brought to life when you add the experience. Now is your chance to learn the rules. During this workshop you will learn: The three elements to create a booth experience: Memorability, Connectivity and Interest. How to incorporate these elements into your display experience; color, lighting, flooring, signs and graphics, technology, demonstrations, booth draws, and hospitality. 1) Plan ahead for disasters for seamless knowledge to audience 2) Preparedness of alternative methods with quick thinking 3) Thinking out side your comfort zone

In 2006 Lucent Technologies sought to improve the global impact of it’s brand by creating a single set of global strategic messages for use at all trade shows Objectives were set and metrics gathered so that the events team could understand the return on objectives and the level of investment for the following year. The results of this strategy have been an improvement in the market understanding of the Lucent brand value and attributes.

1) Create a single set of global strategic messages to improve brand impact 2) Identify and sort events in order to deliver the correct strategic message 3) Match speaker placements to ensure a consistent message to support strategic objectives

Adjusting your event calendar can be the most obvious step after your brand conducts a portfolio audit. But an equally important adjustment - and often an overlooked one - can be adjusting how you deploy your department's staff. Hear what Pfizer has learned about repositioning its event marketing specialists to better suit its event portfolio.

In this dynamic and fast-moving session you will discover a treasure trove of killer exhibiting ideas and techniques. Our focus is on practical, easy-to-implement ideas that get immediate results. Plus highly unconventional, yet highly profitable ideas that will allow you to outfox your competition, and make more money at the same time! Some of the techniques you’ll learn are so powerful that you'll never think the same way about exhibiting again. 1) How to use 5 critical advantages successful exhibitors have when they put together their tradeshow campaigns that help them close more sales after the show 2) How to avoid 7 huge bloopers most exhibitors make before, during and after their tradeshow participation 3) How to utilize a time-tested plan to quickly master proven techniques to at least double your exhibiting result

This session will move from identifying a need for a traffic builder, to finding funds, developing a strategy, creating innovative concepts, and execution of the program. Practical advice on how to leverage the event, in the exhibit, promotional techniques, best practices, and reusable programs to extend your investment will be covered. Attentive participation earns each participant a “graduation” and an Honorary Mastering Degree in Traffic Builders…an MTB. 1) How to identify a need for a traffic builder and secure the funds to execute the program 2) How to develop a strategy, create a unique concept, and get approvals 3) How to execute the program

China plays an ever-increasing role in the world economy. You need to be a part of it. Get an overview of the exhibition industry there, learn how you could sensibly plan an event or trade show participation in China and understand a few basics of interacting with the Chinese. 1) Understand and start doing business with the Chinese 2) Understand the importance of China in the world economy 3) Plan and organize an event or exhibit in China

This energetic and highly-interactive session will show you how to avoid common marketing mistakes, as well as providing a step-by-step, “how to view the world” through your customers’ and prospects' eyes… that will allow you to communicate your unique value proposition instantly and powerfully. The formula known as “The Marketing Equation”, the ‘how to’s of the four essential steps, will be revealed in this break-through session. The strategies, tools and ideas you’ll take away from this session will exponentially increase your income. 1) Differentiate themselves, their organizations and their unique value propositions from all competitors 2) Expedite and facilitate the buying process 3) Enroll new customers by strategically leading them to the "no-brainer" conclusion that not doing business with you is the highest risk option

Mobile Experiences are pervasive in today’s market. The challenge is delivering an impactful experience to multiple audiences in multiple cities. This highly interactive session examines...Defining your audience, Setting measurable objectives, Selecting the best locations, Focusing your message, Connecting through creative, And infusing interactivity. Industry B-to-B and B-to-C case studies will showcase approaches to delivering mobile experiences that truly engage your target audience and ultimately make them brand advocates. 1) Effectively qualify their target audience and set realistic objectives that align with that audience 2) Focus and align their message, creative approach and site selction with their audience 3) Engage and apply interactivity to convert prospects into advocates

There is no greater teaching tool than a live experience. Join Barry Siskind as he takes you on a field trip to the TS² trade show floor where you will glean new ideas and see first hand how exhibitors bring the rules of exhibiting to life. During the expo-tour you will see examples of: The effective use of color, How traffic barriers block interactivity - The proper placement of product - How and where to use booth lighting-The increased drawing power of in-booth activities - The power of creating an experience - The inclusion of the “WOW” factor-The importance of well trained booth staff - Hints for maximizing a limited show budget - The proper use of collateral materials - Creating powerful signs and graphics - Determining booth location - having the display “walk the talk.” 1) Back to the Basics. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of planning and execution that can make the difference between glowing success and mediocre response. 2) Effective execution. Learn through example how promotion ideas and plans never fail but the execution does. This session focuses on how to balance the great ideas with great implementation. 3) Why promotion Basics Count. Whether you invest $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000 the session focuses on how to get the most from your promotion investment.

Does your event create a lasting experience for all of your audience? Can you confirm this? Is your message relevant? In this session, learn how to create a relevant experience for all your attendees. We'll share proven strategies to create a memorable experience and allow you to give your events a facelift! 1) Extend the personality of their brand at an event 2) Give dimension to their brand 3) Create a memorable, lasting experience

If you are a neophyte to creative marketing or an experienced promoter that needs a few ideas and wants to review the basics than this course is for you. In this session attendees will learn the fundamentals of planning and implementing a successful promotion strategy. This 7-step program provides a wealth of ideas and examples of do’s and don’ts that will help you avoid the pitfalls, keep the pizzazz, and ensure effective promotions and results every time.

Your booth staff can be your biggest allie at a trade show - helping you achieve your goals and objectives or they can be your biggest headache if they don’t understand their purpose and the role they play in the success of the program. This presentation will give exhibit managers the basic tools they need to prepare booth staff pre-show, maintain team enthusiasm with daily at-show downloading meetings, and give booth staff closure and help them understand the importance of their participation with a post-show wrap-up meeting 1) Integrated campaign management 2) How to be consistent in messages, promotion, and other pieces of the trade show campaign 3) Best-practices on trade show marketing

The hybrid exhibit (custom design, system and fabric exhibit elements) has a significant position in exhibit design. Driven by budget constraints, sophisticated marketing and affordable solutions, hybrid exhibits continue to grow in application and popularity. Learn how it looks today and what the future holds, including an explanation of benefits and common things to avoid. 1) Learn the three rules to creating a positive approach question 2) Learn the two most powerful disengaging technique 3) Increase the efficiency of booth time

Do you consider yourself a creative person? What makes someone “creative”? Can you learn how to be creative? How can you harness the power of creativity to help you plan a trade show strategy that will knock the socks off your competition and make you the company hero? These are some of the questions this course will address. 1) Cope with mommy guilt  while away from young babies and children 2) Discuss how to achieve work/life balance, and why it is different with young children at home 3) Create a support network with others who are experiencing similar situations

1) Identify how to get found online to extend your marketing investment 2) Use newer media formats like blogs, podcasts, and online video 3) Take advantage of easy-to-implement search and conversion tactics for social media

Business success is won by the thinnest of margins in today’s highly competitive market. Most businesses engage in market intelligence at tradeshows – but none of them want to talk about it. In this fast-moving session you’ll discover insider secrets about what’s really going on on the tradeshow floor and how to effectively put together a market intelligence program that works! Through practical and easy-to-use strategies and techniques, you’ll learn how to identify meaningful information and initiate action. And, you will leave this session armed with a CTK (Counterintellingence Tool Kit) to defend your company’s assets and prevent prying eyes and ears learning your trade secrets! 1) Learn the difference between "urgent" and "important" and how to sort them out 2) Learn 10 tips that will improve your ability to "make" time for what is "urgent" in your life 3) Understand that small steps lead to large results in time management

Communicating conceptual information during the design process is often challenging. Whether it’s interpreting management's desires or your goals, what we hear and what we say to creative teams may be misinterpreted. This interactive program shows how the process can work for you through role playing examples, interactive problem solving exercises and practical tools. 1) Design an exhibit that communicates clearer 2) Design an exhibit whose funtionality matches their marketing goals 3) Design an exhibit that stretches their budget

If you are among the legions of exhibitors that needs fresh ideas on how to market effectively in small spaces this program is for you. When you have considerably less to invest, this course demonstrates through case studies and examples how you can be clever, creative and effective when size and money matter most. Experience the sweet smell of small exhibit success with ideas you can take home and apply now. 1) Learn through example: See case studies with direction on how to adapt ideas for less in a variety of programs 2) Discover innovative creative ideas that can be leveraged effectively in limited space 3) How to hold down expenses and increase the response through replication and good planning techniques

There are many misconceptions about what insurance is needed for the various parties involved w/ a trade show/expo, road-shows and private events etc. This session would be made easy to understand and include discussions on emerging issues such as terrorism, advanced shipment and higher venue-mandated limits of liability. 1) Review insurance requirements of the venue, contractor, exhibitor 2) Update their own insurance requirements based on recent information and maximize their insurance budget 3) Learn about how insurance can help with new cargo-security issues

Exhibiting overseas is a most effective way to grow your brand and company globally. Identifying the best marketplace and understanding the process doesn't have to be difficult. This session will help you make the necessary steps for successfully launching your global exhibit program. Bring lots of questions for these experts to answer.

This dynamic and fast-moving session jump-starts the process for exhibitors who want to develop and ask questions that get meaningful information and initiate action. Through practical and easy-to-use techniques, you will learn the principles of asking powerful questions that will generate short-term results and long-term success, you can foster outside-the-box thinking, build relationships with customers, solve problems and much more. You will leave this session armed with tools to determine which questions will lead to solutions in today’s complicated business world. 1) Choose what kind of lead retrieval system will work best for their program 2) What RFQ questions should be asked when evaluating lead retreival vendors 3) Capture badge data and enhance the information for effective follow-up after the show

This session will emphasize the components that you need to consider to maximize your return on your trade show spend. We will discuss both the hard and soft benefits of attending trade shows. Specifically we focus on selecting the right show, setting measurable objectives, matching your booth to your objectives, driving traffic to your booth, staffing and training smart, and your post show evaluation. 1) 5 proven ways to get booth visitors give you the information you need. 2) 3 keys to understand what visitors are really thinking 3) 7 guidelines to get your booth staff to know how to find the right solutions by knowing what questions to ask

This session will focus on post-event measurement that will arm attendees with strategic and tactical decision making information. Specifically, this session will cover the measurement planning process,research methodologies, questionnaire development, understating and calculating potential audiences, the number of staff and booth size required, and reviewing trade show norms. 1) The power of creating an experience with the proper placement of product and the increased drawing power of in-booth activities 2) The inclusion of the WOW  factor through effective use of color, how and where to use lighting, powerful signs and graphics and the use of collateral materials 3) The importance of well trained booth staff, how traffic barriers block interactivity and hints for maximizing a limited show budget

Exhibitions offer great opportunities for exhibitors to accelerate the sales process and enhance their brand. But with more competition for marketing dollars internally and cost-cutting the norm, how do you quantify and substantiate the ROI of your exhibit program to protect your budget? This session will present and demonstrate free web-based ROI tools available to small exhibitors as well as HPs award winning custom measurement program acclaimed to be the most comprehensive event measurement program available today. 1) Take advantage of social media techniques to drive participation and sales 2) Utilize easy-to-implement actionable social media tactics to enhance customer engagement and show ROI 3) Tap into existing marketing and company content to develop effective social media marketing materials

This session will present a series of best practices gleaned from various exhibiting companies over the past two years. It will focus on elements such as exhibit form and function, marketing strategies, staff performance and the use of promotions and sponsorships. The content for this session is based upon a formal Meta analysis of both qualitative (surveys) and quantitative research (structured observations) conducted by Marketech at various shows across a variety of industries. 1) Recognize best practices  within their own exhibit marketing program 2) Apply best practices  presented and takeaway at least one good idea that can be used right away 3) Communicate to others that it is more than just showing up 

This session provides participants with more than 15 great ways to be delightfully resourceful and ingeniously competitive without spending a lot of money. It focuses on how you can use creativity and effort to meet and exceed your marketing goals and rely less on giant budgets to generate results. It's based on a survey of the some of the top 'outsmart 'em' techniques from Fortune 500 companies and international ones as well. 1) Take away 15 ideas to stay competitive in your marketplace without overspending 2) Learn how to use creativity and resourcefulness as your competitive advantage 3) Hear how smaller organizations have successfully competed without spending larger budgets

What do budgets include? How to develop a practical budget? Which costs are expected or negotiable? The new build budget, ongoing expense budgets and what expenses can be cut will be covered in depth. Managing a budget effectively and being able to show the value of your program--and your position--is another part of the process covered in this session. 1) Budgeting for new build 2) Budgeting a program in various cities 3) Budgeting tips and templates

It is not uncommon for executives to question the value of tradeshows, especially when there are hundreds of them and some are among the largest items on the marketing budget. Opinions range from indifference to general opposition. Changing these perceptions depends upon providing information on accomplishments in a framework relevant to the executive perspective. This means specifically and consistently addressing business development, customer and partner relationship management, promotion and communication value, cost savings and other objectives held by the company.

Less is more is a cliche, but it’s true. Learn how the simplest item, like a napkin or inflatable, can build buzz at an event or trade show. Working on a small budget? It doesn’t matter. With a top-notch strategy, brilliant idea, you can make less look like more and drive traffic to your booth. Includes case studies and graphic examples. 1)The basics about leadership styles and behavior 2) How to recognize their own style and adapt it when needed 3) How to recognize the stages of team development and how to lead teams through each stage toward greater success

Join us for an information-packed how to adapt and overcome trade show disasters. Learn simple and creative ways to prevent many disasters before they ever happen and what to do when your world, or your booth, comes crashing down. Everyone in attendance will receive a check list of how to avoid disastrous situations. 1) A system maximizing trade show ROI 2) Specific recommendations to improve a trade show program's return 3) Real world tactics that can be implemented immediately

Experiential Marketing is the industry buzz word. But creating a truly unique and memorable experience that captures the mind share of your target audience requires adherence to some strategic planning and design fundamentals. This session discusses the 6 critical factors that will guarantee success when creating any experiential marketing program — be it an event, exhibit or mobile tour. Fortune 500 video case studies will be used to reinforce these 6 factors at work.

Are you a new mom? Thinking about mixing your career with having children? Join in a discussion about how to balance your career with young children. Trade show and events managers often have a difficult time achieving work/life balance due to hectic travel schedules, odd work hours and “mommy guilt”. Let’s talk about it! 1) Strategies to use during pre-show meetings to help staff succeed in the trade show environment 2) Ideas for at-show meetings to help maintain staff energy and enthusiasm 3) Post-show tactics to bring the staff full circle and close the loop for them so that they understand the importance of their roles

Consistency in messaging is an important component of ensuring that your trade show program is an integral part of the marketing mix. This seminar will help attendees develop a creative brief, articulate a concept that plays off the big idea while activating the brand, drive awareness & traffic through pre-show marketing, the event experience, and post-show marketing. 1) Develop a creative brief 2) Articulate a concept that plays off the big IDEA while activiating the brand 3) Drive awareness from pre-show to post show

This session will explain the development of truly interactive marketing in the events industry since 2005. We will use International case studies including companies such as Misys, Toshiba and Northrop Grumman. 1) Use the new interactive electronic media to maximise trade show performance 2) Understand how to communicate with visitors in a way that drives action 3) Develop customer-centric thinking

Much has been written and discussed about the need to “green” the exhibit and event industry. Identified as one of the nation’s contributors of excessive waste, this review of exhibits and events will provide a state-of-the-industry panel discussion on the most current and relevant look at what we all can do to save our world. More than just efficiently shipping and building with environmentally friendly materials, the panel will discuss the evolution of the green movement and provide an analysis format to examine your program and its effectiveness. 1) Evaluate the environmental impact of green iniatives 2) Differentiate value from price in selecting green options 3) Champion changes across the industry

In the ocean of options you have for lead retrieval, how do you pick the right system for your company? Learn 10 critical questions you should ask any lead retrieval provider before making your final decision. Find out what information you can get from a trade show badge, and what you can’t. See an overview of options that you can use to enhance the data that you capture at your events to empower your sales and marketing efforts. Find out what options you have and what will work best for your needs.

You’ve just been told you’re working on trade shows and everyone is using terminology you’ve never heard before. You also want to grow in your position and need to understand what is going on. What is the marketing mix? What do they mean by strategic planning? How do trade shows fit in the overall scheme? In this workshop, participants will learn about the four Ps; the different marketing functions; managing the functions; ingredients of a marketing plan. Most of all, you’ll grasp the meaning of the term “Marketing” and how its role fits in business. 1) How to exhibit and be creative on a low trade show budget

Successful exhibit and event programs require collaboration to define mutually beneficial goals and align strategies, plans and resources (both financial and human), as well as a commitment to each other’s success. Learn how to communicate in “sales speak,” and motivate management and salespeople to be actively involved prior to, at and after the event. 1) Analyze the 6 most critical factors to success in doing ANY experiential marketing program 2) Streamline messaging and develop appropriate creative to engage specific target audiences 3) Other Fortune 500 companies have created effective event, exhibit and mobile experiences

So, you manage your company's customer conference and your CEO thinks it would be a good idea to have a trade show as part of the conference. Where do you begin? This session will help you navigate through the long list of considerations to determine the value and need of a trade show. And, once you decide to include a trade show, where do you start and how do you measure it's success? This session offers a step-by-step guide in determining what's the right fit for your customer conference. 1) Why communities are critical to your business 2) How to generate new revenue streams from existing assets 3) Common obstacles and proven strategies for success

This presentation focuses on Designing booths for all budgets. The emphasis is on the specific components that you need to consider when you are selecting a design or deciding what particular items should be included in your booth. We discuss the concept of Total Cost of Ownership which in concerned with not just the cost of constructing your booth, but all of the costs that you need to consider when attending trade shows. We will also speak about the key trends today in designing a trade show booths.

Event planners often occupy the lowest rungs in the organizational ladder. How can you manage your career, resume, contacts, and skills to get that seat at the decision-making table? Learn how to work your way up that "ladder," and go from the corporate world to your own company. 1) Develop their career path from an entry level position to Chief Marketing Officer

We'll demonstrate how Novartis used games and a little custom database programming to increase leads 400%. We'll also show how to build on these core assets using web and email to juice up your entire tradeshow presence from pre-show to more qualified leads and less guesswork in the follow-up. 1) Engage, attract attendees pre-, during, and post-visit with interactive games 2) Create low-cost database solutions and reduce tremendous amounts of internal man-hours 3) Quickly educate and evaluate prospects, so that when they get to a salesperson, they're farther into the process

Trade shows are where new products are launched, concepts are introduced, trends are discovered, new contacts and sales are made, networking is fostered, and business is set in motion. No matter what ends of the industry you're in, exhibitors, attendees, sponsors, and partners can all benefit from being media-savvy. Learn strategies for increasing opportunities to garner coverage of your company at trade events, including how to get more editors to come to your booth, what should be in a press kit, how to help journalists get the story they are looking for, and how to merchandise the results of your company’s publicity. 1) Communicate more effectively with sales managers and salespeople 2) Integrate marketing and sales initiatives 3) Use shows and events to accomplish both marketing and sales goals

Whether used to augment physical events, or to keep audiences engaged in-between periodic events, virtual events present a cutting-edge and cost effective way to extend the reach of physical events. Technologies have advanced to the point where virtual events look and feel remarkably like their physical counterparts, while delivering similar knowledge-sharing and professional networking. 1) Gain a better understanding of the creative process 2) Develop tools that will help harness your creativity as well as others 3) Implement (and sell) your creative strategy to management

Time management is everyone's issue! This interactive session will explore 10 ways to manage yourself so that you can face the challenge of "making" more time of what is "urgent" in your life and your work. 1) Methodolgy to perform a needs assessment to determine trade show value as part of customer conference 2) Step-by-step process in developing a customer conference trade show 3) Suggested measurements to