The Power of the Conference

Story posted on 20 05, 2007

Well we have made it through another intense tradeshow season. And now it is time to take stock of some of the lessons learned. Going to 4 tradeshows in 4 weeks, with completely different PR roles at each show, has been an intense PR 101 refresher. A couple of things that I couldn't have done without:

The media list - and not just the list of names. I needed their contact information, pictures, and mobile numbers if they were willing to supply them.

The metrics - its the one thing that is hard to get clients to give up - but the journalists need numbers! Something quanitfiable that helps their readers measure the impact or value.

The exclusive - there are times when its smart to give an exclusive to one publication. And then there are times to give the exclusive to two pubs. I learned to be honest with each of them and as long as there was a level playing field, it was all good.

Someone back in the office - I couldn't have gotten 1/2 of this done without someone back at the office to send out screenshots, analyst quotes, videos, or frankly just tell me where I was supposed to be. Oh and the thank you letters.

Silence - not just in the air! This month reminded me of the counsel of keeping silent and that sometimes (very rarely) the best PR move is to be silent and let the monkeys make monkeys out of themselves.

Airborne - these shows are like a petry dish. Between the buckets of coffee, cocktail parties and air conditioning, while you are schmoozing it up, you body is waging all out war. Give it a hand and you will make it to the next show.