Giveaways are an extremely popular way to get more people into your trade show displays. But not all giveaways are created equal.

To help you whittle through the nearly infinite choices of giveaways, I've grouped them into 7 types, with the strengths and weaknesses of each type listed below. Keep this chart handy the next time your team gathers to brainstorm ideas for your upcoming trade show.

SPEEDING ON THE DIGITAL HIGHWAY

Relentless technology change can feel like, being high on amphetamines — simultaneously exhilarating and exhausting. Just as we reorient from one bend, we find ourselves speeding on to the next one.

Just, when we thought we were getting the hang of @Facebook, @Twitter and @Instagram, new platform features and emerging networks are changing the social media landscape. Here’s a look at some of the popular digital engagements, and their potential impact on trade show marketing:

THE ART OF CONSEQUENTIAL SWAGS FOR YOUR TRADE SHOW PROMOTIONS AND OTHER COMPANY EVENTS

Everyone knows that corporate swag is a staggering way to spread the word about your brand to engage new clients and excite your existing partners. But did you know that it’s also a perfect opportunity to boost many of your other marketing objectives? With cool promotional items, you can re-energize your existing customer base, attract new talent and even gain followers from a whole new demographic.

INSTAGRAM MARKETING FOR YOUR TRADE SHOWS NEED NOT BE ALL ABOUT SPLENDOR AND CHARM.

BECAUSE, THE STEPS LEADING TO YOUR EVENTS ARE DEFINITELY NOT SO.

ENGAGE IN 'INCLUSE MARKETING'. HIGHLIGHT YOUR PERFECT IMPERFECTIONS.

On August 2, 2016, Instagram (the very popular micro-video communications distributor) launched 'Instagram Stories' that disappear after 24 hours. ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT FEATURE — YOU CAN SEARCH STORIES BY LOCATION AND HASHTAG.

YOUR PRODUCT NEED NOT BE WORLD's BEST, BIGGEST OR THE BRIGHTEST.

Yet, if you are exhibiting at trade shows, do yourself a favor and do justice to your product demonstration capabilities.

Design an experience and an trade show booth that is not defined by the limited capabilities of your products, but, by the imaginative approach of your product. Because, 90% of the products are a sorry imitation of their  competing bretheren only... maybe, some feature works better. Well, if only...

YET, Product demos are the most important element you can ARRANGE in your exhibit to PERPETUATE memorable BRAND DIALOGUE

Trade show visitors will tell 6+ people about their experience

IT IS A NO-BRAINER THAT DOING THE RIGHT KIND OF PROMOTION WILL DRIVE MORE TRAFFIC TO YOUR BOOTH

However, most brands don’t understand how to make the most of their participation in trade shows and miss first-rate opportunities for business  growth.

Updated JAnUARY 16, 2018

5,000,000,000 IS A BIG NUMBER.

Now, think about this.

The +1 button of Google+ is hit MORE THAN 5 billion (with 9 zeroes) times per day, ON THE LAST COUNT

Quite MIND Boggling, given the FACT THAT THE POPULATION OF THE ENTIRE PLANET IS 7.5 BILLION, ON THE LAST COUNT

The Making and the Re-making of Social Media

You might think that you have seen it and heard it all. You sure, have seen those acrobatic images with happy smiles and happier settings that trigger the envy switch inside of you, thus, driving you towards a vacuum of complete and utter sadness...

In our increasingly global and tech-connected world it is not too far-fetched to state — as we become digitally elegant, we also start lacking skills that makes us prone to being socially maladroit.

We often hear at events and trade shows speakers, speaking about passion, commitment, integrity, leadership, but the truth behind the matter is, we all struggle meeting with strangers and conducting a meaningful conversation.

We would rather put our head down and keep our eyes glued to the our smart phones and do everything that we can possibly do to avoid eye-contact.

Updated June 2017

ATTENTION, INTEREST AND CURIOSITY — THE NEEDED INGREDIENTS TO PRE-PROMOTE YOUR EVENTS WITH YOUR VERY MOBILE AND IMPULSIVE AUDIENCE!

With so many platforms and companies fighting for attendees’ attention, it’s not enough just to show up, you should be promoting your trade show presence early and often to get the right people in yoour booth.

Some of you may be old enough to remember “The Amazing Kreskin”, a frequent guest with Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show”. I met Kreskin at a trade show, where he attracted a huge, standing room only crowd to his incredible demonstration of ESP (Extra Sensory Perception). I recall the scene vividly, and even got his autograph. Do I remember the booth? No. Do I recall what they were selling? No. How many real potential customers did not have an opportunity to learn more about this company’s products because the crowd kept them away?