Latest News from TSNN.com
We all remember the scene in the 1967 classic The Graduate: "one word, PLASTICS." Well if a career expert or executive recruiter today asked you to step outside, she would say: "one word: NETWORKING."
Just how do you mean that, sir? "Attending face-to-face networking opportunities such as trade shows is one of the most effective ways a professional can be visible for the next career step " says RD Whitney, CEO of Caroo Media, the online division of the Tarsus Group and parent company to TSNN.
RD's comments were reinforced when we put the question to recruiting industry experts and career professionals in the field. "Successful careers always come down to successful networking," says global executive search expert and Business Week Columnist, Joseph Daniel McCool. "Executive search consultants go where the talent is. Industry trade shows and conferences bring out the talent. Attending, speaking and networking at events is one of the obvious ways to show up on a recruiter's radar."
Wendy Enelow, renowned executive career coach and author of more than 20 books on career management, reminds us all of the importance of personal branding and face-to-face networking. "Perhaps the single most-valuable component of networking, particularly at industry events and tradeshows, is being visible through personal branding. Distinguish yourself by clearly communicating your brand - your unique qualifications and performance - and people WILL remember the connection with you as they look to lure talent to their organization."
Trade association executives also support the concept that involvement in trade shows and industry events is critical to personal career development. See testimonials below:
"The Institute of Packaging Professionals participates in relevant trade shows and conferences not only to promote our brand, but to also support our members, whose participation in these events furthers their career objectives. IoPP is the only packaging association dedicated exclusively to education, so being an exhibitor, sponsor or producer of industry events is critical to our mission."
Patrick Farrey
General Manager
Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP)
“Because they are often where news and new, often important announcements are made, new products; processes or ideas arise and you will be surrounded by the key decision makers of an industry gather. They are powerhouses of important activity.”
Steven Hacker, CAE
President
IAEE (International Association of Exhibitions and Events)
"While to be sure the purpose of all B to B exhibitions is ultimately commerce, there are a host of other reasons for participating in these events. We all know about things like networking and gathering intelligence and life-long learning but there are other social and professional development reasons as well.”
Doug Ducate
President & CEO
CEIR (Center for Exhibition Research)
TSNN received several responses from readers regarding the top story in the last newsletter on Apple’s decision not to participate in trade shows in 2008. This one from a New York consultant best summarizes the sentiments of many industry professionals on this matter:
“Your article on Apple Computer is nothing new for Apple. Apple has a history of pulling out of major tradeshows. Apple pulled out of COMDEX for several years in the late 90's, as the microcomputer industry was surging, because they felt they could do it better themselves. They came back to COMDEX. They will be back to the shows they have just pulled out of.
“New customer opportunities and the professional audience they are now leaving will demonstrate the need to return to these events. A public tradeshow has a broader reach of the ‘not known’ brand-influencer than private events or self-produced events.”
Francis J. Friedman
President
Time & Place Strategies, Inc.
The May 7th issue of Packaging Automation, an enewsletter from the publishers of Packaging World magazine, featured video reports of Interpack 2008 (Messe Dusseldorf, April 24 – 30) sponsored by automation systems supplier Elau. Each video link went to Packaging World’s main site, www.packworld.com for viewing, driving “significant” traffic from industry professionals receiving the newsletter. The newsletter template also featured a “View Online” button so that readers have the option of viewing on the main website.
Several of the video reports were exclusives on Elau’s exhibiting customers giving each of them excellent exposure. Furthermore, the articles supporting each video report – supplied by Elau’s marketing department – were of a highly editorial quality (as opposed to advertorial), giving the sponsor and its customers great credibility and post-show coverage.
Event Organizers seeking more ideas on best practices for their events can access tsnn's enewsletter archive at http://www.tsnn.com/newsletter_archive.asp.
Do you have a story on a new and/or best practice that garnered successful results for your event? Whether it's sales and marketing, operations, customer service or any new idea that can benefit your peers in the industry, WE WANT TO KNOW! Send your ideas, stories or press releases to Don Browne, tsnn.com online editor, at dbrowne@tarsus-inc.com.
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Featured Events
- National Association for Home Care & Hospice Financial Management Conference & Exposition
- Show Type: Tradeshow with Conf.
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas
July 16, 2008 - July 18, 2008 - Visions: The Women's Expo
- Show Type: Public Show
Dallas Market Hall, Dallas
August 23, 2008 - August 24, 2008 - NAHC 27th Annual Mtg. & Home Care & Hospice Expo
- Show Type: Trade Show with Conference
Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale
October 11, 2008 – October 15, 2008
