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Face-to-Face Interactions Make the AETA Trade Show More Important Than Ever!

What if I told you that Exhibit Surveys reports, “more than 77% of trade show attendees are qualified buyers” and that “three quarters of the attendees at any show could be a lead for a company?” You would probably say you know that, and that is the reason you attend.

The question is why exhibitors cannot capture this percentage and turn it in to orders. Many orders are not placed at the shows. Research says that exhibitors, who do not follow up on all of their leads after the show is over, contribute to this problem. Attendees truly value the relationship built during the trade show. If an exhibitor is given a lead at a trade show, the numbers prove that more than three quarters of those leads would spend money even if the order is not placed during the show itself. 

According to the most recently released Center for Exhibition Industry Research report: 

When attendees were asked to describe the most valuable aspects of face-to-face interactions they anticipate will continue to hold value into the future, the top ranked aspects mentioned are:
• A deeper level of understanding of different companies’ products and services (23 percent)
• The opportunity for relationship building and personal engagement (22 percent)

So, exhibitors… After the show is over, be sure to call or email each and every lead you collected to capitalize on the face-to-face relationship you cultivated at the AETA International Trade Show. There’s a higher than 75% chance you will get an order!