Oracle OpenWorld – You know trade show season has started

It’s a race to Oracle OpenWorld.  It’s only a few short weeks away, but it seems like we only have a few hours to go.  The frantic rush for last minute details and confirmations.  You know trade show season has started when it’s only the end of October and you’ve already prepared for and been to half a dozen shows.  On top of that, companies are frantically rushing to create 2008 budgets.  I can only thank my lucky stars that Skyline NJ has been easy to work with in terms of new creative for 2008 show booths.

Trade shows are an extremely large cost center for companies, but it doesn’t have to be.  You don’t have to rush to do every trade show in your industry.  The larger companies with deeper pockets may do that, but even today, you’ll see the Fortune 100 companies carefully selecting which shows to exhibit at and concentrate marketing dollars on.  It’s about pooling the financial resources at select shows in order to maximize impact. 

Trade shows can be a wonderful sales and marketing tool if utilized correctly.  It’s not just about exhibition and sponsorship.  The best opportunity at these events are for free….the speaking panels. 

Over the next two months, we will open up some wonderful speaking opportunities for my clients.  A speaker’s bureau is neither easy or fruitful at the onset.  In fact, many organizations give up on the effort quickly due to the amount of time needed to care for this program.  However, I must that the speaker’s bureau bears the most fruit in terms of recognition of the company and the executive as well as prospecting.  By sticking with a speaker’s bureau (even if it take 2 years!), you’ll be surprised and, eventually, you’ll get the calls to be at every one of the key shows.  All of a sudden, you’re a speaker. You’re THE expert and peopel are seeking you out. 

One of my clients – Vibe Solutions Group – will be speaking at the upcoming iTVcon.com (Internet Video Conference & Expo).  That was in the works since early July and was confirmed only in early September.  That only goes to show you how long these things take.  Building leadership never happens overnight.  Though, many companies wish that it does. 

The ideal situation is for the company to look like it OWNS a show without spending a million.