Our Favorite Week of the year: Expo Week!
By Chris Austin, President of Ardiah Managed Services
Greetings everyone,
It’s that time of the year again – Expo Week! This week marks our 4th year participating in the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Business & Community Expo and Job Fair, and we couldn’t be more excited. The event is set to take place this Wednesday from 2 pm to 7 pm at the stunning Samoset Resort. As we gear up for another fantastic expo, I wanted to take a moment to share some of my top tips for both showcasing at and attending expos like these.
Tip #1: Be Creative and Have Fun!
With nearly 100 booths expected at the Penobscot Bay Expo, standing out from the crowd is essential. But standing out doesn’t necessarily mean giving away everything you have. Instead, focus on creating memorable experiences for your expo guests. Get creative with your booth setup, engage with attendees in unique ways, and above all, have fun with it!
Tip #2: Don’t Silo Yourself
If possible, don’t confine yourself to your booth for the entirety of the event. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore what other businesses and organizations have to offer. Networking and building relationships with like-minded individuals can lead to future collaborations and partnerships. Step out of your comfort zone, attend some pitches, and learn from the best in the industry.
Tip #3: Follow-Up is Key
If you’re collecting names or business cards at your booth for prizes or information, make sure to follow up with each and every one of them. A simple thank-you email can go a long way in solidifying connections made during the expo. Share more about your business, express gratitude for their visit, and extend an invitation to reconnect at a later time.
Tip #4: Leverage Social Media
During the event, utilize social media to share your experience with others. Promote your presence at the expo, share updates about what you’re offering, and invite others to come and visit your booth. A successful expo can amplify your brand’s reach and ensure that your investment pays off, so don’t hesitate to promote!
Tip #5: Build Relationships with Organizers
Take the time to meet and build relationships with the event organizers. Establishing rapport with them can open doors to future opportunities and similar successful events. You never know what other fantastic events lie on the horizon, so maintaining a positive relationship with the organizers is invaluable.
In closing, if you haven’t signed up for this year’s expo, make sure to attend as a guest to experience firsthand why it’s an event you won’t want to miss out on in 2025. And don’t forget to stop by the Ardiah Managed Services booth, located in room #1, booth 114. We’ll be live streaming our website and showcasing videos of our services. Plus, we’ll be offering live quotes for payroll, answering questions about accounting and technology, and providing demos of the SkyTab Restaurant and Bar POS. Be sure to take advantage of our expo specials and giveaways!
We can’t wait to see you all this Wednesday!
Warm regards,
Chris Austin
President, Ardiah Managed Services