Emilie Barta – Professional Trade Show Presenter, Product Demonstrator – Virtual & Hybrid Event Host, Emcee – Corporate Meeting Host, Emcee, Moderator

It was such an amazing experience to be able to share my passion for hybrid events at TS² Show.  14 years of broadcast/video experience and 12 years of trade show/event experience have led me to the conclusion that a truly interactive and engaging experiential event consists of a combination of the two. (more…)

I recently participated in a tweetchat sponsored by TS2 Show and hosted by Danalynne Wheeler of Sybase.  The purpose was to chat about virtual events, but started off by speculating if face-to-face events will be replaced by virtual events.  My answer is NO…but we live in an instant access and constantly connected society that allows them to exist together.

In reviewing my tweets after the tweetchat, I realized that they composed a short guidebook to virtual events. (more…)

I recently received an email from a trade show exhibitor who stumbled across my article entitled A Smiling Staff Equals a Successful Trade Show. She agreed with the article, but unfortunately has to work with a booth staffer who is the exact opposite of the Safelite Auto Glass company employees I highlighted.  So she ended her email by asking ”How do I rein him in without being like a mother hen and nag.  We have no reporting structure between us.  And other than ‘telling on him’ to our ‘boss’, do you have any suggestions?” (more…)

There are many methods exhibitors use to get attendees to stop by their booth.  No matter what method you use, you should always start by thinking of how you can stimulate the 5 senses of the attendees.  According to the Free Dictionary by Farlex, the definition of sense is a “faculty by which external or internal stimuli are conveyed to the brain centers, where they are registered as sensations.”  Since the 5 senses are conveyed to the brain, it only makes sense for an exhibitor to utilize these senses to gain the attention of the attendees who are walking down the aisles of the trade show floor. (more…)

I just returned from NAFA Institute & Expo in Detroit, and was once again pleased to see a trade show with increased attendance numbers from 2009.  While walking along the show floor, I noticed three different types of exhibitors: those that “got it” and made their presence known to the attendees; those that did not seem to care at all, did nothing to attract attendees, and consequently complained about the show; and those that knew the value of exhibiting, did a good job, and received enough leads to satisfy the checkbook, but did not do anything to stand out from the crowd.  This last group was by far the largest type of exhibitor at the show, and although I felt they made a good effort, they could really learn a thing or two. (more…)

I am very happy to see the perception of hybrid events shifting from “what are they” to “why do I need them?”  I feel like we are getting the word out on what they are, but we still need to work on why they are valuable.  Let’s face it, hybrid events are a new concept, most associations and conference organizers find them intimidating, and some technology glitches need to be worked out.  But I believe that attendees will forgive the hiccups in the learning process AS LONG AS their needs are met and their concerns are addressed.  (more…)

The place that birthed my trade show career has taken a lot of abuse lately due to political, union, and cost concerns.  I have a “glass half full” personality, so I believe that everyone can work together to get everything worked out to benefit all parties involved.  (more…)

I have been in the event industry for 12 years, yet never realized that having to plan a funeral would be the most important event in which I have participated.  My grandpa passed away unexpectedly last week, and my grandma, parents, and I were blessed to work with a funeral director who really cared about ensuring that Papa (as I nicknamed him as a child) had a ceremony that reflected him and his life.  I am usually in the planner role as opposed to the planee role, and I have to say it was a very interesting experience to be on the other side of the table.  While there, several traits of Scott Humes at Bopp Chapel became the reason why I trusted him so much and put confidence in his ability.  (more…)

I recently participated in the PCMA sponsored webinar entitled “Engaging Attendees Today: How to Combine Virtual with Face-to-Face.”  Moderator Michael McCurry and speakers Jeff Hurt and Christina Costner profiled EventCamp NYC 2010, which was a BarCamp-style gathering for event professionals to share best practices and learn new strategies to create a successful event held on February 6 at the Roger Smith Hotel.  (more…)

Now that you have decided that a Professional Trade Show Presenter will do a better job of drawing positive attention and potential customers to your booth than Mark from Marketing and Sally from Sales, how do you go about finding one?  After all, many people call themselves Trade Show Presenters, but how do you know if they are reputable and good at what they do?  It is not as hard as you think, as long as you are willing to take some time to research.  After all, this individual is the first impression of your company, so you want to ensure that you make a perfect match! (more…)