Throughout our country’s history, we’ve heard the death knell for various types of interactive media.
For example:
- When “Radio” first appeared, industry experts predicted the demise of books and magazines.
- When “Magic Lantern” films entered the scene, commentators signaled the demise of live theater and vaudeville.
- When “Television” appeared, the masses predicted the death of movies.
- When web streaming became practical, many feared (and continue to fear) that film and TV would become extinct.
Of course, there were many steps in between, all accompanied by appropriate hand-wringing and the gnashing of teeth that the previous medium would surely be eradicated.
But as we all know, this isn’t what happened.
What ACTUALLY happened is that when a new medium appeared, the old didn’t vanish … it CHANGED. Sometimes causing a dramatic rebirth. And this is as it should be. You can raw similar parallels when discussing energy, communication, architecture, etc. (Even horse & buggies are still around, albeit as an outlet for entertainment. But hey, they’re still here!)
Which brings us to the topic of this blog.
Many are saying that with the rise of interactive media at tradeshows, and the “new Millennial consumer,” classic “tradeshow presentations” are dead. However, upon further examination, they are NOT dead at all … but they have CHANGED.
Gone are the days when Cirque du Soleil appearing in your booth had an impact. Exhibitors are now delivering relative content to their target audience—and immersing them in their brand—by using speed briefings, interactive touchscreen games, social media sharing walls, audience response systems, virtual & augmented reality, and much more.
The injection of these new interactive technologies has NOT killed tradeshow presentations … they have in fact ENERGIZED them made them stronger than ever. It’s the never-ending cycle of rebirth.
So if your current tradeshow & events strategies aren’t filling your sales pipelines, consider using some of these CURRENT approaches, and you’ll see how they can supercharge your demand generation.
You’ll be a hero, and your exhibit will be a must-see on the show floor.