The globalization of the world and the rapidly evolving travel industry have made it essential for many businesses or event hosts to organize travel trade shows and exhibitions. The demand is valid as travel trade fairs serve as vital platforms for professionals to connect, collaborate, and stay ahead of the curve. For participants, attending such grand events is such a blessing whereas for the travel trade exhibitions host, there are many complexities associated with managing such events. But with event tech tools, strategic planning, and effective marketing efforts a successful event can be assured. Here in this blog, we are going to discuss all the crucial pointers regarding the planning, execution, basics like what these events mean, benefits, and other added event techs that can be helpful overall. So, without further ado, let’s get started;
What are Travel Trade Shows and Exhibitions?
The travel trade shows and exhibitions refer to gatherings where industry leaders, businesses, and key organizations showcase their offerings, services, and products to participants. These types of events are meant for networking, knowledge sharing, and business transactions within the travel sector. The main objectives of the travel and hospitality show is to offer networking sessions, conduct educational seminars, and presentations, and deliver varied opportunities for the exchange of ideas and building relationships.
Planning and Preparation of Travel Trade Show & Exhibitions
Every travel event organizers plan to host an international travel show and for that there is crucial strategic planning needed. This is a subjective approach, however, few of the pointers remain the same from venue selection to event registrations as well as the event tech solutions. So, let’s see some crucial pointers;
Setting Objectives
Firstly, it is a good step to define all your goals for the event you want to achieve as the host. For example, the purpose of events like whether you want to generate leads, increase brand awareness or launch new services or products. Once you are clear, it is easier to align all your planning efforts to ensure a focused event.
Budgeting
The next step is the budgeting which covers all your expenses that includes; venue rental, booth construction, marketing materials, staffing, and logistics. Not just that but also pay attending to the cost of deploying event tech tools like mobile event apps (for registration, ticketing, and networking), check-in solutions, and event badges. Make sure you stick to your budget so that ROI can be easier to recover.
Venue Selection
There can be open space venues to closed packs, based on the size of audience, booths numbers, and other scope of event. Choose the right space that has all the amenities for attendees. Also, consider factors like easy accessibility in terms of location and facilities while making your venue selection.
Logistics Management
Every travel show arrangement needs logistic support to transport much equipment even like camera setups, audio-video equipment, and more. Plan well so that all the components and equipment are transported safely and executed seamlessly on the day for hassle-free execution.
Marketing Strategy
As said, marketing is one of the critical steps to attract more attendees and to ensure successful events. So, create a strategic plan, start promoting your travel show registration pages on all the social channels, and endorse it. So, that your targeted audience can get aware. Do not forget to utilize all sources of media like digital and print channels to maximize your reach.
Exhibitor Management
To manage the exhibitors effectively providing clear guidelines, instructions, support, and resources. So, that success and satisfaction at the event can be ensured. Also, if any new technology is introduced or deployed, make sure to take training sessions.
Attendee Engagement
Deploy networking and engagement opportunities by introducing event gamification, AR, VR and other interactive experiences. Also, with mobile event apps open doors of opportunities with meetings and matchmaking integrations. Host, education session, breakout rooms possibilities, chat, poll questions and other key things.
Post-Event Evaluation
After the event, conduct an evaluation by sending automated feedback forums using Event CRM or WhatsApp automation. This helps hosts to easily collect feedback from attendees, exhibitors, and stakeholders to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
Travel Trade Exhibitions: Explore the Essential Tips for Marketing and Promotion
Promotions and strategic marketing is the most essential step to create awareness about what is going to happen. And without it any host can land up to zero registrations. As you promote, the visibility will increase and please more audiences to register and to attend your event. So, here we have concluded some of the major tips that will surely help you;
Target Audience Identification: Identify your target audience based on industry segments, job roles, and geographic locations. Tailor your marketing messages and strategies to resonate with the needs and interests of your audience.
Marketing Channels: Utilize a mix of digital and traditional marketing channels to reach potential attendees, including email marketing, social media promotion, online advertising, and direct mail. Create compelling content that highlights the value proposition of your event and encourages registration.
Content Creation: Develop engaging content, such as event teasers, promotional videos, blog posts, and infographics. To generate buzz and excitement around your event. Showcase key features, speakers, and exhibitors to entice attendees to participate.
Partnerships and Sponsorships: Forge strategic partnerships with industry associations, media outlets, and corporate sponsors to extend your reach, enhance your credibility, and secure additional resources for your event. Collaborate on promotional campaigns and co-hosted activities to maximize exposure and impact.
Attendee Engagement Strategies for Travel Trade Show & Exhibitions
There are arrays of ways by which attendee engagement can be improved and these below three tips will surely maximize your current efforts.
- Create immersive experiences that captivate attendees and leave a lasting impression. Incorporate interactive elements such as live demonstrations, product samples, virtual reality experiences, and interactive games to engage and entertain.
- Facilitate meaningful connections and collaborations among attendees through structured networking sessions, matchmaking programs, and one-on-one meetings. Provide designated areas for networking and encourage attendees to exchange contact information and insights.
- Offer informative seminars, workshops, and panel discussions featuring industry experts and thought leaders. Cover relevant topics and trends that address the needs and challenges of your target audience, and provide actionable insights and best practices.
Benefits of Hosting a Travel Trade Show or Exhibition (B2B & B2C)
There is no such thing we all do without benefits and hosting travel trade exhibitions comes with a set of many benefits. Here are added benefits for B2B and B2C organizers that they can leverage from hosting such events.
Lead Generation: As usual to any international travel show it offers an opportunity for exhibitors to generate qualified leads and foster relationships. Furthermore, by parenting with clients and attendees, capturing their information through lead retrieval systems and sending personalized communication is easier.
Brand Exposure: It is a clear statement that goes like the more you are visible, the audience gets the impression. It simply means that exhibitors and businesses taking part in the exhibitions can increase their brand visibility within the industry. By showcasing various products, services, and expertise within the show. There is a huge chance to attract an audience and professionals leading to increased ROI through potential leads.
Market Insights: Attendees gain access to the latest trends, and innovations, within the travel industry and what if your offerings please them. If yes, you get your customer right. Furthermore, engage with exhibitors, host educational sessions, and network with peers to keep informed and attendee inspired.
Networking Opportunities: Trade shows and exhibitions offer unparalleled opportunities for networking with industry peers, forging partnerships, and exploring new business opportunities. Connect with potential clients, collaborators, and suppliers to expand your professional network and grow your business.
Professional Development: Educational seminars and workshops provide attendees with valuable insights, skills, and knowledge to enhance their professional development and stay competitive in the marketplace. Learn from industry experts, share best practices, and gain practical takeaways to apply in your own work.
Tips for Attendees for Attending in Travel Trade Show
For attendees hosting any short of national or international travel trade show or exhibition they need to plan it and explore as much as they can. As such events provide many opportunities for networking, and learning various things.
- Research exhibitors, speakers, and agenda items in advance to maximize your time and make the most of the event. Create a schedule and prioritize your must-attend sessions and meetings.
- Approach networking opportunities with clear objectives in mind, whether it’s to make new connections, explore partnership opportunities, or learn from industry experts. Prepare your elevator pitch and exchange contact information with valuable contacts.
- Actively participate in sessions, workshops, and discussions to gain insights, share experiences, and contribute to meaningful conversations. Take notes, ask questions, and engage with speakers and fellow attendees to make the most of your learning experience.
- After the event, follow up with new contacts and lead to nurture relationships and explore potential collaborations or business opportunities. Send personalized follow-up emails, connect on social media, and schedule follow-up meetings to continue the conversation and deepen your connections.
Keynote
Travel trade shows and exhibitions are great places for people in the travel industry to meet, learn, and improve. From this blog we have learned various helpful tips for both organizers and attendees to manage these events. As a host if you’re setting up a travel exhibition going to one, use this guide to help you make the most of it. Look for opportunities and reach your business goals in the changing world of travel and tourism. If you are also, think of managing your next travel trade show in terms of its registration and ticketing, check-ins, and event badges. We at Dreamcast can help you with such event tech solutions. So, do not miss the chance to achieve all the benefits of hosting with ease of travel show management with us. Book your free demo and learn how we can help you.
